అడుక్కుతిన్నా బొలె ఆసాగా ఉండాలి
adukkutinna bole asaga undali
Even if one lives by begging, the bowl should be held with dignity.
This proverb emphasizes that no matter how low one's financial or social status is, one should maintain their self-respect and dignity. It is used to suggest that even in poverty, one must carry themselves with a certain level of pride and orderliness.
Related Phrases
కాలికి రాని చెప్పు కడగా ఉంచు
kaliki rani cheppu kadaga unchu
Keep the footwear that doesn't fit your foot aside.
This proverb suggests that things or relationships that are not suitable for you or cause discomfort should be discarded or kept at a distance. It is used to advise someone to let go of unnecessary burdens, incompatible people, or situations that do not serve their well-being.
కుండలో కూడు కదలకుండా ఉండాలి, బిడ్డలు మాత్రం పెరగాలి.
kundalo kudu kadalakunda undali, biddalu matram peragali.
The food in the pot should remain untouched, but the children must grow.
This proverb describes a situation where someone wants to achieve a result without any expenditure or effort. It is used to criticize unrealistic expectations or stinginess, highlighting that you cannot expect growth or progress if you are unwilling to use the necessary resources.
కాయ తిన్నా కంపే, గడ్డి తిన్నా కంపే
kaya tinna kampe, gaddi tinna kampe
Whether you eat a fruit or eat grass, the smell is the same.
This proverb is used to describe situations where the negative consequences or the bad reputation remain the same regardless of the magnitude or nature of the act. It implies that once a person is associated with a bad habit or a wrongdoing, people will judge them equally whether they did something small or something large.
ఎత్తుకొని తిన్న బోలె ఎదురుగా వస్తే, చంకనున్న బోలె సలాం చేసిందట.
ettukoni tinna bole eduruga vaste, chankanunna bole salam chesindata.
When the pot that was stolen and eaten from came face to face, the pot under the armpit saluted it.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who has committed a large-scale or blatant theft or mistake meets someone who has done a smaller, hidden one. It implies that when a big thief encounters a bigger one, the smaller thief pays respect out of fear or recognition of shared guilt. It satirizes the hierarchy and mutual recognition among dishonest people.
అడక్కుంటే జోలె అడుక్కుపోతుంది.
adakkunte jole adukkupotundi.
If you don't ask, even the begging bag will sink to the bottom.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of asking for what one needs or deserves. It suggests that if you are too shy or hesitant to speak up or make a request, you will miss out on opportunities or lose what you already have. It is used to encourage people to be proactive and vocal rather than passive.
సర్కారుకు చాటుగా ఉండాలి, సావుకారికి ఎదురుగా ఉండాలి
sarkaruku chatuga undali, savukariki eduruga undali
One should stay out of the government's sight and stay right in front of the moneylender's sight.
This traditional proverb advises on social and financial conduct: avoid the attention of authorities or the state to prevent taxes and legal troubles, but always remain visible and available to your creditors (moneylenders) to maintain trust and prove your integrity in repaying debts.
ఎత్తుకొని తిన్నబోలె ఎదురుగా వస్తే, చంకన ఉన్నబోలె సలాం చేసినదట.
ettukoni tinnabole eduruga vaste, chankana unnabole salam chesinadata.
When he was met by the bowl that he used to collect alms in and eat out of, the bowl under his arm made salâm to it. A begging impostor paying a visit on one occasion to a village where he thought he was not known, kept his alms-bowl under his arm, but when he met a man carrying an old bowl that had once belonged to him, the one under his arm is said to have betrayed its owner by claiming acquaintance with its predecessor.
This proverb describes a situation where someone who has committed a mistake or a crime meets their peer or accomplice. It is used to mock people who pretend to be respectful or formal to hide their shared guilt or to highlight the irony of one thief showing respect to another thief who was more successful in their deed.
కడగా ఉన్న గొడ్డలిని కాలిమీద వేసుకున్నట్లు.
kadaga unna goddalini kalimida vesukunnatlu.
Like dropping an axe that was lying aside onto one's own foot.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily invites trouble or creates a problem for themselves when things were perfectly fine. It refers to self-inflicted harm caused by meddling in matters that do not concern them or by making a foolish decision.
భయమైనా ఉండాలి, భక్తి అయినా ఉండాలి
bhayamaina undali, bhakti ayina undali
There should be either fear or devotion
This expression is used to emphasize that a person should be governed by some form of discipline. It implies that if one does not have genuine respect (devotion) for authority or rules, they should at least have a fear of the consequences of breaking them. It is often used in contexts of parenting, workplace management, or social conduct to suggest that a complete lack of both leads to chaos or irresponsible behavior.
పచ్చగా ఉన్న దగ్గర మేసి, వెచ్చగా ఉన్న దగ్గర పడుకో
pachchaga unna daggara mesi, vechchaga unna daggara paduko
Graze where it is green, sleep where it is warm
This proverb describes a person who is opportunistic or seeking extreme comfort and convenience. It is used to refer to someone who enjoys resources where they are plentiful and seeks shelter where it is most comfortable, often without contributing or showing loyalty. It can also imply living a life of ease and smart survival.