అక్కకుంటే అరితికిలేదు, చెల్లెలికుంటే చేతికిలేదు
akkakunte aritikiledu, chellelikunte chetikiledu
If the elder sister has it, it's not on the leaf; if the younger sister has it, it's not in the hand.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite having many relatives or resources, none are actually available to help when needed. It signifies being in a state of helplessness or lack of support even when one is surrounded by family or potential means.
Related Phrases
అత్తకు మంచీలేదు, చింతకు పచ్చీలేదు.
attaku manchiledu, chintaku pachchiledu.
There is no good for a mother-in-law, and there is no raw state for a tamarind.
This proverb highlights two perceived universal truths: that a mother-in-law is rarely seen as 'good' or appreciated by a daughter-in-law, just as a tamarind fruit is almost never considered truly 'raw' because of its inherent sourness and immediate utility. It is used to describe situations where a person's nature is fixed or where a certain relationship is traditionally difficult and unlikely to change.
అయితే ఆరుగ, కాకుంటే కంది.
ayite aruga, kakunte kandi.
If the Âruga fails, we shall have Kandi. These are both sown together. The Âruga crop sometimes perishes. To have two strings to one's bow. Good riding at two anchors men have told ; For if one break, the other may hold.
This proverb is used to describe a 'hit or miss' situation or a risky venture where there are only two extreme possibilities. It signifies a state of uncertainty where one will either get a quick, small result or a delayed, substantial one, often used when someone takes a gamble without being sure of the specific outcome.
* Aut Cæsar aut nullus.
సముద్రానికి చెల్లెలికట్టే హద్దు
samudraniki chellelikatte haddu
The shore is the limit of the sea. The word Chellelikattā signifies 'sister bank.' The idea is that the shore is as inviolate as a sister. Used in cautioning others not to transgress due bounds.
This expression is used to describe an individual's integrity, self-restraint, or discipline. Just as the vast ocean stays within its shores and does not overflow despite its power, a person of character stays within their moral boundaries and principles regardless of circumstances.
నోటికీ చేతికీ ఎంగిలి లేదు
notiki chetiki engili ledu
No pollution is caused by the hand being put in the mouth. Engili literally means saliva. Said by a careless Brahman.
This expression refers to someone who is extremely stingy or miserly. It describes a person who does not even eat properly (to avoid spending) nor do they ever offer a single morsel of food to others. It is used to criticize someone's lack of charity and their extreme parsimony.
నోటికీ చేతికీ ఎంగిలిలేదు
notiki chetiki engililedu
There is no saliva/leftover between the mouth and the hand.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely generous or charitable. It implies that as soon as they have something, they give it away to others without hesitation, leaving nothing 'soiled' or 'lingering' for themselves.
అయితే ఆరిక, కాకుంటే కంది
ayite arika, kakunte kandi
If it works out, it's Kodo millet; if not, it's Pigeon pea.
This proverb is used to describe a 'win-win' situation or a situation where there are only two possible outcomes, both of which are acceptable or manageable. It highlights a state of being prepared for either of two specific results, often implying that even if the primary goal isn't met, the alternative is still useful.
నోటికి చేతికి చీకటి లేదు
notiki chetiki chikati ledu
There is no darkness between the mouth and the hand.
This expression is used to describe someone who eats excessively or constantly, often without any sense of timing or restraint. It implies that the person is always moving their hand to their mouth to eat, regardless of whether it is day or night.
అలిగి అత్తవారింటికి, చెడి చెల్లెలింటికి పోరాదు.
aligi attavarintiki, chedi chellelintiki poradu.
Do not go to your in-laws' house out of anger, and do not go to your sister's house when you are ruined.
This proverb advises maintaining self-respect and social dignity. Going to an in-law's house while angry (after a fight at home) diminishes one's respect there, and going to a sister's house after losing one's wealth or status can become a burden and strain relationships. It emphasizes that one should avoid seeking refuge in places where their presence might lead to humiliation or awkwardness during times of vulnerability.
ఆ ఇంటికి దడిలేదు, ఈ ఇంటికి గడి లేదు
a intiki dadiledu, i intiki gadi ledu
That house has no fence, and this house has no latch.
This proverb describes a situation of complete lack of security or discipline. It is used to refer to households or organizations where there is no control, no boundaries, and no protection, often implying a state of mismanagement or vulnerability where anyone can come and go as they please.
నోటికీ చేతికీ అడ్డులేదు
notiki chetiki adduledu
There is no barrier between the mouth and the hand.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks self-control or discipline. It usually refers to someone who eats excessively without restraint or someone who speaks impulsively and acts recklessly without thinking of the consequences.