ఆకలికి గుక్కిళ్ళే ఆశ

akaliki gukkille asha

Translation

For hunger, even swallowing saliva is a hope.

Meaning

This proverb describes a state of extreme poverty or desperation where a person has nothing to satisfy their needs and must rely on meager, insufficient substitutes. It highlights a situation where one is so deprived that they try to find solace in things that offer no real relief.

Related Phrases

An order for mangoes, but is there an order for swallowing?

This proverb is used to point out the absurdity of trying to control or restrict something that is natural, involuntary, or beyond one's authority. While one might have control over the distribution of fruits (mangoes), they cannot control the basic bodily function or the urge of the person eating (swallowing). It highlights that certain things happen naturally and cannot be governed by rules or commands.

Wishing for porridge and also for mustaches.

This proverb describes a person who wants two things that are mutually exclusive or incompatible. In the context, one cannot drink porridge (ambali) from a bowl without getting it on their mustache. It is used to critique someone who is being greedy or unrealistic by trying to enjoy a benefit without accepting the associated consequences or trade-offs.

The two don't go well together.

Desire for the porridge, desire for the mustache.

This proverb describes a person who wants two things that are mutually exclusive or incompatible. In the context of the saying, drinking porridge (ambali) would inevitably soil one's mustache; therefore, one cannot keep the mustache clean while enjoying the drink. It is used to mock someone who is indecisive or greedy, wanting to enjoy a benefit without accepting the necessary sacrifice or consequence.

Lust for the food, and lust for the mustache.

This proverb refers to a person who wants two contradictory things at the same time. In ancient culture, eating a full meal (especially liquid-based traditional food) might soil a well-groomed mustache. It is used to describe a situation where someone wants to enjoy a benefit but is unwilling to compromise on their pride or vanity, or simply wants 'the best of both worlds' when they are mutually exclusive.

Like craving for the food that has been vomited

This proverb is used to describe a person who shamelessly goes back to something they previously rejected, insulted, or abandoned. It highlights a lack of self-respect or dignity in seeking out discarded things or toxic situations for personal gain.

Will a debt be repaid when you are hungry ? Can you ever get a debt repaid when you are in want ?

This proverb is used to emphasize that borrowed money or resources are not a permanent or reliable solution for immediate, basic needs. Just as one cannot rely on the uncertainty of getting a loan when they are starving, one should focus on self-reliance and earning their own living rather than depending on others for essential survival.

If he laps, it wont answer. If a person goes to get a wife for another, and eats in the house before the matter is arranged, it is sure to fall through.

This proverb is used to advise against greed and impatience. Just as glue or paste won't bond properly if you try to lick it or consume it before it sets, tasks or relationships fail if one tries to exploit them prematurely for selfish gain. It means that if you are overly greedy, you will end up losing the very thing you are trying to achieve.

Every house has its secrets, every field has its bunds.

This proverb emphasizes that every family or household has private matters or internal problems that should remain confidential. Just as a 'gattu' (bund/embankment) defines and protects the boundaries of a field, 'guttu' (secrecy/privacy) protects the dignity and reputation of a family.

The glutton has no sense, and the pregnant woman has no shame.

This proverb is used to describe situations where basic physical needs or instincts override social decorum or logic. 'Bukati' refers to someone obsessed with eating (gluttony), who loses their sense of reasoning for food, while 'Vekati' refers to a pregnant woman whose physical condition and cravings make her disregard social inhibitions or shyness. It is used to highlight that extreme necessity or biological drives often disregard rules of conduct.

When told 'May you live for a hundred years', she replied 'One is enough'.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely cynical, pessimistic, or lacks the will to live/enjoy life. It highlights a situation where someone rejects a great blessing or a positive wish with a sarcastic or hopeless remark, essentially 'killing the vibe' or showing extreme dissatisfaction.