అడ్డదిడ్డము తిరిగెడి తెడ్డెరుగునే పాలతీపి
addadiddamu tirigedi tedderugune palatipi
Does the ladle that moves haphazardly know the sweetness of the milk?
This proverb describes a situation where someone is deeply involved in a process or environment but lacks the sensitivity, intelligence, or capacity to appreciate its value or essence. Just as a wooden spoon stirs milk all day but cannot taste its sweetness, an insensitive person cannot understand the depth or beauty of an experience despite being part of it.
Related Phrases
నీరు పల్లమెరుగును, నిజము దేవుడెరుగును.
niru pallamerugunu, nijamu devuderugunu.
Water finds the low ground, God knows the truth.
This expression means that just as water naturally flows towards lower ground, the ultimate truth is always known to the Divine. It is used to suggest that while humans may be deceived or facts may be hidden, the absolute truth cannot be concealed from God or will eventually be revealed by fate.
పుట్టడము చావడము కొరకే
puttadamu chavadamu korake
To be born is but for death.
This expression reflects a philosophical view on the cycle of life and death. It is used to remind others that death is an inevitable outcome of birth and that one should not be overly attached to worldly life or fear the end, as it is a natural law of existence.
అద్దము మీద పెసరగింజ పడ్డట్టు
addamu mida pesaraginja paddattu
Like a Pesara seed on a looking glass. Used with reference to a remark aimed at a particular person, but con- veyed in such general terms that he is unable to take notice of it. He said devil, but meant you. (Dutch.)
This expression describes something that is extremely unstable or short-lived. Just as a small, round green gram seed cannot stay still on a smooth, slippery surface like a mirror and slides off immediately, this phrase is used to refer to people who don't stick to their word, or situations that are highly precarious and transient.
ఎడాపెడా
edapeda
This way and that way
This expression is used to describe doing something randomly, recklessly, or excessively in all directions. It often describes a flurry of actions like scolding someone continuously, hitting someone repeatedly, or spending money lavishly without a plan.
వేలు చూపితే మురిగేది గుమ్మడి కాయ, తంతే పెరిగేది పుచ్చకాయ
velu chupite murigedi gummadi kaya, tante perigedi puchchakaya
The pumpkin decays when a finger is pointed at it, and the watermelon grows when kicked.
This expression refers to 'Dohada Cheshtalu' (botanical beliefs/folklore), where different plants respond to different human stimuli. Metaphorically, it describes how individuals react differently to treatment: some are so sensitive that even a slight gesture (criticism) harms them, while others require harsh treatment or pressure to thrive and progress.
ఎవరి ప్రాణము వారికి తీపి
evari pranamu variki tipi
One's own life is sweet to them
This expression signifies that every living being values their own life above all else. It is used to explain self-preservation instincts or to highlight that no matter how difficult someone's life is, they still cherish their existence and fear death.
రవిక, పగలు బిడ్డకు అడ్డము, రాత్రి మగనికి అడ్డము.
ravika, pagalu biddaku addamu, ratri maganiki addamu.
A blouse is an obstacle for the child during the day and an obstacle for the husband at night.
This is a traditional Telugu riddle (podupu katha) where the answer is a 'blouse' (ravika). It describes the function of the garment: during the day, it acts as a barrier for a breastfeeding child, and at night, it is an garment that needs to be removed for intimacy with the husband.
పులగము మీదికి తెడ్డెడు పప్పు
pulagamu midiki teddedu pappu
A ladleful of Dâl on Pulagam. )—To add more dâl is considered barbarous.
This expression is used to describe an extra benefit or a bonus added to something that is already good or sufficient. It is similar to the English idiom 'icing on the cake' or 'a cherry on top,' signifying an additional advantage that makes a situation even better.
ప్రాణం తీపా, బెల్లం తీపా?
pranam tipa, bellam tipa?
Is life sweeter than molasses ? Said of a peculiarly timid nervous man.
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that nothing is more precious than one's own life. It is often said when someone takes extreme measures or compromises to save themselves in a life-threatening situation, highlighting that self-preservation is the ultimate human instinct.
ఇచ్చి తిరిగేది కోమటి, తీసుకొని తిప్పేది కంసాలి.
ichchi tirigedi komati, tisukoni tippedi kamsali.
The merchant gives and follows up (for payment), while the goldsmith takes and makes (the customer) follow up.
This traditional proverb highlights the contrasting nature of two professions: a merchant (Komati) who gives goods on credit and must constantly chase customers for payment, versus a goldsmith (Kamsali) who takes the material or advance and makes the customer return multiple times before the work is finished. It is used to describe situations involving debt recovery or delays in service.