అదైవస్తే అడ్డగ, వాడైపోతే రూక
adaivaste addaga, vadaipote ruka
If it comes, it's an 'Addaga' (a small measure); if it goes, it's a 'Rooka' (a small coin).
This proverb describes a win-win situation or a scenario with very low risk. It refers to a circumstance where the gain is tangible if successful, but the loss is negligible if it fails. It is used when someone takes a chance where they have almost nothing to lose but something to gain.
Related Phrases
దానరి పొట్టు దైవాని కెరుక.
danari pottu daivani keruka.
God knows the husk of the grain.
This proverb is used to signify that only the Creator or a higher power truly knows the inner secrets, hidden flaws, or the complete truth behind someone's actions or the essence of a situation that appears different on the outside.
పట్టేట ఓడ ఉండగా, వద రూదినట్లు.
patteta oda undaga, vada rudinatlu.
Like blowing into a hole when the boat is already docked.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is performing a redundant or useless task. Just as it is futile to blow air to steer or move a boat that has already reached the shore and is secured, it refers to efforts made after a task is already completed or when the effort is no longer necessary.
గోరు వాస్తే వేలంత, వేలు వాస్తే కాలంత, కాలు వాస్తే రోలంత, రోలు వాస్తే ఎంత?
goru vaste velanta, velu vaste kalanta, kalu vaste rolanta, rolu vaste enta?
If the nail swell, [it will be ] as big as the finger; if the finger swell, [it will be ] as big as the leg; if the leg swell, [it will be ] as big as a mortar; if the mortar swell, how big [ will it be ? ] Said in ridicule of a logician.
This is a humorous and logical Telugu proverb or riddle used to describe exaggeration or the concept of exponential growth/inflation. It highlights how a small issue, if left unchecked or exaggerated, can become absurdly large. It is often used to mock someone who is blowing things out of proportion or to point out the logical fallacy in a sequence of exaggerations.
ముగ్గురిని కూల్చెరా ముండదైవం
muggurini kulchera mundadaivam
The heartless fate has destroyed three people.
This expression is used to lament a tragic situation where multiple lives or livelihoods are ruined simultaneously by an act of fate or bad luck. The term 'Munda Daivam' refers to a cruel or widow-like deity/fate that lacks mercy.
వాంతి వస్తే పెదవి అడ్డమా?
vanti vaste pedavi addama?
If one has to vomit, can the lips stop it?
This expression is used to describe a situation where something inevitable or overwhelming cannot be suppressed by minor or superficial restraints. It implies that when a strong natural force, a deep-seated truth, or a major consequence is about to break out, small attempts to hide or stop it are futile.
చూడగా చూడగా చుట్టం గాడిద అయిందట, మ్రొక్కని దైవము లేదు
chudaga chudaga chuttam gadida ayindata, mrokkani daivamu ledu
Upon constant observation, the relative turned into a donkey; there is no deity left un-worshipped.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has exhausted all possible options or prayers to solve a problem, yet the situation has deteriorated or revealed its true, unpleasant nature. It highlights the irony of putting in immense effort or faith only to be met with a disappointing or absurd outcome.
గుంతకు వస్తే మరదలు మిట్టకు వస్తే వదిన
guntaku vaste maradalu mittaku vaste vadina
If in a ditch she is a sister-in-law (younger); if on a mound she is a sister-in-law (elder).
This expression is used to describe opportunistic behavior. It refers to a person who changes their relationship or attitude towards someone based on the situation or their own convenience. In this context, calling someone 'maradalu' implies a more casual or lower-status relationship when things are difficult (ditch), while calling them 'vadina' implies a more respectful or distant relationship when things are better (mound). It characterizes a fair-weather friend or someone who is inconsistently respectful.
పానము పాడైపోయినా, ప్రాణము కుదుట పడదు.
panamu padaipoyina, pranamu kuduta padadu.
Even if the drink/vessel is ruined, the life (breath) does not settle down.
This expression is used to describe a state of extreme anxiety, restlessness, or deep distress where no amount of material loss or external change can calm a person's inner turmoil. It highlights a situation where one's peace of mind is so severely disturbed that they cannot find comfort even after a crisis has passed or a sacrifice has been made.
దాసరి పాట్లు దైవానికెరుక.
dasari patlu daivanikeruka.
The struggles of a devotee are known only to God.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is undergoing immense hardship or performing hidden labor that isn't visible to others. It implies that only the Almighty (or a higher authority) truly understands the depth of one's suffering or the extent of the effort they are putting in.
విధి వస్తే పొదలడ్డమా?
vidhi vaste podaladdama?
When fate meets you can bushes stop it?
This expression suggests that when fate or destiny is at work, no amount of hiding or simple obstacles can prevent what is meant to happen. It is used to express the inevitability of certain events, especially when one tries to avoid an unavoidable situation.
Nothing can interfere with one's destiny. That which must be, will be. ( Danish. )*