ఆకులున్న చెట్టుకి నీడ ఉంటుంది, పిల్ల తల్లికి పాలుంటాయి.
akulunna chettuki nida untundi, pilla talliki paluntayi.
A tree with leaves provides shade; a mother with a child has milk.
This proverb highlights natural law and the concept of preparedness or provision. Just as it is the inherent nature of a leafy tree to offer shade, a mother is naturally equipped to provide for her child's needs. It is used to describe situations where someone or something is naturally endowed with the resources required to fulfill their purpose or role.
Related Phrases
జలుబు మందు తింటే వారం రోజులు ఉంటుంది, తినకపోతే ఏడు రోజులు ఉంటుంది.
jalubu mandu tinte varam rojulu untundi, tinakapote edu rojulu untundi.
If you take medicine for a cold, it lasts for a week; if you don't take it, it lasts for seven days.
This is a humorous observation or a 'sameta' used to point out that certain things, like a common cold, follow their natural course and cannot be rushed. Since a week and seven days are exactly the same, it implies that the medicine doesn't actually shorten the duration of the illness. It is used to describe situations where intervention doesn't yield a faster result than doing nothing.
తన నీడ తనతోనే ఉంటుంది
tana nida tanatone untundi
A man's shadow remains with himself.
This expression signifies that an individual's character, past actions, or inherent nature will always accompany them, regardless of where they go or how they try to hide. It is often used to describe consequences or traits that are inseparable from a person.
The fruits of a man's actions go with him whether good or evil.
గోడలకు చెవులుంటాయి, నీడలకు నోళ్లుంటాయి.
godalaku chevuluntayi, nidalaku nolluntayi.
Walls have ears and shadows have mouths.
This expression is used to advise caution when discussing secrets or sensitive information. It warns that someone might be eavesdropping or that news can spread through unexpected ways, even in seemingly private settings.
అధికారికి చెవులుంటాయిగాని, కళ్ళుండవు.
adhikariki chevuluntayigani, kallundavu.
An officer has ears, but no eyes.
This expression means that people in power or authority often act based on what they hear (rumors, complaints, or reports from subordinates) rather than observing the truth with their own eyes. It is used to caution that leaders can be easily misled by biased information because they do not verify the facts personally.
చేతలను బట్టే రాతలుంటాయి.
chetalanu batte rataluntayi.
Destiny is written based on actions.
This expression means that one's future or fate is determined by their own deeds and conduct. It is used to emphasize personal responsibility and the law of karma, suggesting that if you do good, good things will happen to you in the future.
తల గొట్టేవానికైనా మూడు మనవులుంటాయి.
tala gottevanikaina mudu manavuluntayi.
Even a person who is about to behead someone is allowed three requests.
This proverb highlights that even in the most dire or final situations, a person should be given a fair chance to speak or be heard. It is used to suggest that everyone deserves basic respect, due process, or a final opportunity to explain themselves before a decision is finalized.
కన్న తల్లికి కంటతడి, చవతితల్లికి కన్నుకుట్టు
kanna talliki kantatadi, chavatitalliki kannukuttu
Tears for the birth mother, envy for the stepmother.
This proverb contrasts true empathy with jealousy. It implies that while a birth mother (or a true well-wisher) feels genuine sorrow for one's struggles, a stepmother (or a rival) feels envious of one's success or status. It is used to describe situations where some people are saddened by your pain while others are spiteful of your happiness.
తల్లికి బొల్లి ఉంటే, పిల్లకు చుక్కయినా ఉండదా?
talliki bolli unte, pillaku chukkayina undada?
If the mother has leukoderma, won't the child have at least a spot?
This proverb is used to describe how children often inherit the traits, habits, or characteristics of their parents (similar to 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree'). It suggests that a person's behavior or nature is naturally influenced by their lineage or upbringing.
జెముడుకు కాయలు ఉన్నవా నీడ ఉన్నదా?
jemuduku kayalu unnava nida unnada?
Has the Jemuḍu fruit or shade?
This proverb is used to describe a person who is completely useless or miserly. Just as a cactus neither provides edible fruit nor sufficient shade for a traveler, some individuals possess neither a helpful nature nor resources that benefit others. It is typically applied to people from whom no help or kindness can be expected.
Jemuḍu is the Euphorbia Tirucalli.
పిల్లలున్నవారికీ, పన్నులున్న వాడికీ సిగ్గుండరాదు
pillalunnavariki, pannulunna vadiki siggundaradu
Those with children and those with debts should not have shame.
This proverb suggests that people in certain responsibilities must set aside their pride or hesitation to get things done. Parents often have to ask for help or behave in ways they normally wouldn't for the sake of their children, and debtors must be humble and persistent while working to clear their obligations.