అల్లుడు వస్తే వంకర తాడు కూడా లేచి నిలుచుంటుంది
alludu vaste vankara tadu kuda lechi niluchuntundi
When the son-in-law arrives, even a crooked rope stands up straight.
In traditional Telugu culture, the son-in-law (alludu) is treated with such extreme respect and hospitality that everyone in the household becomes hyper-vigilant and formal. This proverb uses hyperbole to describe how even inanimate objects would straighten up in his presence, signifying the pressure on the bride's family to ensure everything is perfect and orderly when he visits.
Related Phrases
చేసినవాడు చేసిపోగా, నిలుచున్నోడికి నీళ్ళు కారిపోయినట్లు
chesinavadu chesipoga, niluchunnodiki nillu karipoyinatlu
As the person who did the act left, the person standing there was left with water leaking away.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one person commits a mistake or creates a mess and leaves, while an innocent bystander or someone who just happened to be there ends up facing the consequences or blame. It highlights the unfairness of suffering for someone else's actions.
వానతోడ వచ్చు వడగండ్లు నిలుచునా?
vanatoda vachchu vadagandlu niluchuna?
Will the hailstones that come with the rain stay forever?
This proverb is used to describe things or people that arrive with a lot of noise or force but are short-lived. Just as hailstones melt quickly despite their sudden impact during a storm, certain problems, displays of anger, or boastful people do not last long.
కాలము పోవును, మాట నిలుచును.
kalamu povunu, mata niluchunu.
Time passes, but the word remains.
This expression emphasizes the lasting impact of one's words compared to the fleeting nature of time. It is used to remind someone to be careful with their speech or promises, as people will remember what was said long after the moment has passed.
గుండ్రాయి దాస్తే, కూతురి పెళ్ళి నిలుచునా?
gundrayi daste, kuturi pelli niluchuna?
If you hide the grinding stone will the daughter's marriage be stopped ? A round grinding stone or pestle is used in marriage ceremonies. A trifling hindrance put in a man's way will not divert him from his purpose.
This proverb is used to point out that minor obstacles or petty attempts to sabotage a major event cannot stop the inevitable or something of great significance. In traditional weddings, a grinding stone is used for certain rituals; hiding it might cause a small delay, but it won't cancel the marriage itself. It is a metaphor for how trivial interference cannot hinder progress.
పరుగెత్తుతూ పాలు తాగేకన్నా, నిలుచుండి నీళ్లు తాగడము మేలు.
parugettutu palu tagekanna, niluchundi nillu tagadamu melu.
It's better to stand and drink water, than to run and drink milk. A comfortable berth with a moderate salary, is better than a bad situation with a larger income.
This proverb emphasizes that it is better to do things slowly, safely, and correctly than to rush through something high-value or complex and risk failure. It highlights the importance of stability and patience over a hurried pursuit of success.
అతడు ఉంటే మంగళవాణ్ని అయినా పిలుచును.
atadu unte mangalavanni ayina piluchunu.
[ Like a widow saying ] " if he were alive, he would at least call the barber."
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely talkative or craves company to such an extent that they would strike up a conversation with anyone available, regardless of their status or the relevance of the topic, just to avoid being alone or silent.
This is a reproach to the husband as being a useless fellow only fit to be employed as a messenger, and is also a joke, as the widow only, and not the wife, requires the services of a barber, to shave her head.
నలుపు నాలుగు వంకరలు చూపుతుంది, ఎరుపు ఏడు వంకరలు దాస్తుంది
nalupu nalugu vankaralu chuputundi, erupu edu vankaralu dastundi
Black reveals four curves, while red hides seven curves.
This traditional Telugu proverb highlights the visual properties of colors in relation to physical appearance. It suggests that darker colors (black) tend to emphasize flaws, bends, or physical imperfections in an object or person, whereas brighter colors (specifically red) can mask or hide many more imperfections, making things look more attractive or seamless than they actually are.
శంకరా శంకరా అంటే మూతి వంకర పోతుందాన్నట్లు
shankara shankara ante muti vankara potundannatlu
Just because you say 'Shankara Shankara', will your mouth become crooked?
This proverb is used to mock someone's irrational fear or superstition that performing a simple, good, or harmless act will lead to a ridiculous physical deformity or negative consequence. It is often used to encourage someone to stop making excuses and just do what is necessary.
పారే బండ్లకు కాళ్ళు చాచిన నిలుచునా?
pare bandlaku kallu chachina niluchuna?
Will the running carts stop if you stretch out your legs?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to stop a powerful or inevitable force with a puny or insignificant effort. It highlights the futility of attempting to block a major event or a trend with inadequate means.
కాలము పోను, మాట నిలుచును.
kalamu ponu, mata niluchunu.
Time will go, an accusation will remain.
This expression emphasizes the permanence and importance of keeping one's promises. While time moves forward and situations change, the words you have spoken and the commitments you have made will be remembered and will define your character long after the moment has passed.