అలలు నిలిచేదెప్పుడు, స్నానం చేసేదెప్పుడు?
alalu nilichedeppudu, snanam chesedeppudu?
When will the waves stop, and when will one take a bath?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone keeps making excuses or waiting for 'perfect' conditions that will never occur. Just as the waves in the ocean never stop, certain life challenges or obstacles are constant; if you wait for them to disappear completely before acting, you will never get anything done.
Related Phrases
సముద్రపు అల నిలిచేదెప్పుడు, స్నానము చేసేదెప్పుడు?
samudrapu ala nilichedeppudu, snanamu chesedeppudu?
When will the waves of the sea cease [ to roll ] ? When will you bathe ? i. e. Will you wait to bathe until the sea is motionless ?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone waits for all problems or obstacles to disappear before starting a task. It highlights the futility of waiting for a 'perfect' or 'trouble-free' time, as life—like the ocean waves—is continuous. Usage: To advise someone to stop procrastinating or waiting for ideal conditions.
మనిషి కోతి అయ్యేది ఎప్పుడంటే, తాను అద్దం చూసుకునేటప్పుడు.
manishi koti ayyedi eppudante, tanu addam chusukunetappudu.
When does a person become a monkey? When they look at themselves in the mirror.
This is a humorous or sarcastic expression used to humble someone or point out vanity. It suggests that even the most serious or dignified person can look foolish, grimace, or act weirdly when observing their own reflection. It is often used to tease someone who is spending too much time admiring themselves or making faces in a mirror.
విన్న మాటకంటే చెప్పే మాటలు చెడ్డవి
vinna matakante cheppe matalu cheddavi
Spoken words are worse than heard words
This expression highlights the power and potential danger of speech. While listening to something bad is passive, speaking ill of someone or spreading rumors is an active, more harmful deed. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of what one says, as spoken words can cause more damage than what one simply hears.
నొప్పులెత్తుకున్నప్పుడే మంత్రసాని దెబ్బ సందు
noppulettukunnappude mantrasani debba sandu
Looking for the midwife only after the labor pains have started.
This proverb describes a situation where someone waits until the very last moment or a crisis to start looking for a solution or assistance. It is used to criticize poor planning or lack of foresight, emphasizing that one should be prepared before an emergency arises.
చెప్పే మాటలకన్నా, తప్పని మాటలు నయం
cheppe matalakanna, tappani matalu nayam
Actions that don't fail are better than words that are merely spoken.
This expression emphasizes that keeping one's word or performing a duty reliably is far superior to making grand promises or giving empty advice. It highlights the importance of integrity and action over mere eloquence.
భోజనానికి ముందు, స్నానానికి వెనక.
bhojananiki mundu, snananiki venaka.
First to dinner, last to bathe. The first at dinner gets the best of the fare, the last to bathe gets the best supply of warm water.
This expression is used to describe a person who is very eager and first to arrive when it is time to eat, but very lazy or hesitant when it comes to hygiene, work, or taking a bath. It highlights a character that prioritizes pleasure over duty or cleanliness.
మబ్బులు చెదిరిపోయినా వాననీరు నిలిచే ఉంటుంది.
mabbulu chediripoyina vananiru niliche untundi.
Even if the clouds scatter, the rainwater remains.
This expression is used to describe situations where the consequences, effects, or influence of an event persist long after the event itself has concluded. It is often used in the context of someone's legacy, the lasting impact of a major crisis, or how the reputation of a person stays in the minds of people even after they are gone.
భోజనానికి ముందు, స్నానానికి వెనుక
bhojananiki mundu, snananiki venuka
Before the meal, after the bath
This expression refers to the sequence of daily routines or the priority of tasks. It is often used to describe someone who is very punctual or eager for food (being first at the table) but perhaps less enthusiastic about chores or preparation (being last to bathe). In a broader sense, it highlights a tendency to prioritize personal comfort or enjoyment over effort.
చెప్పుడు మాటలు చేటు.
cheppudu matalu chetu.
Listening to gossip leads to ruin.
This proverb warns that paying attention to hearsay, rumors, or others' manipulative talk without verifying the facts will eventually lead to harm or disaster. It is used to advise someone to be wary of people who try to influence them with gossip.
చీరపేల బొంత ఎప్పుడైనా కాలవలసిందే
chirapela bonta eppudaina kalavalasinde
A quilt made of old saree scraps is destined to be burnt eventually.
This proverb suggests that things made of low-quality materials or temporary fixes have a limited lifespan and will inevitably wear out or be discarded. It is used to describe situations where someone relies on weak or outdated resources, implying that the outcome is predictable and unavoidable.