అలుసైనవాని ఇల్లాలు నాక్రమింపజూచు, తనకు ఈడైన పాదములబట్టు.
alusainavani illalu nakramimpajuchu, tanaku idaina padamulabattu.
A person will try to dominate the wife of a weak man, but will fall at the feet of someone who is their equal.
This proverb describes the behavior of bullies or opportunistic people. It highlights how some individuals exploit or disrespect those they perceive as weak or vulnerable (symbolized by the 'wife of a weak man'), yet behave submissively or with excessive respect when faced with someone who can challenge them or holds equal power.
Related Phrases
కలగక ఆడు మాట లయకాలునినైన శమింపజేయు.
kalagaka adu mata layakaluninaina shamimpajeyu.
A word spoken calmly can appease even the Lord of Destruction.
This expression emphasizes the power of gentle and composed speech. It suggests that when a person speaks without agitation or anger, they have the ability to pacify even the most furious or powerful individuals, figuratively represented here by 'Layakaala' (Lord Shiva/Yama). It is used to advise someone to maintain their cool during conflicts to achieve a peaceful resolution.
రంభయైన తన కుచకుంభముల్ తనచేత తాబట్టుకొనిన సుఖములేదు.
rambhayaina tana kuchakumbhamul tanacheta tabattukonina sukhamuledu.
Even if she is Rambha, there is no pleasure in holding her own breasts with her own hands.
This expression signifies that self-indulgence or self-praise lacks the fulfillment or validation that comes from others. It is used to convey that certain experiences or appreciations require a second party to be meaningful, emphasizing that one cannot derive true satisfaction solely from oneself in certain contexts.
వక్రమా వక్రమా ఎందుకు పుట్టినావంటే, సక్రమమైన వాళ్ళను వెక్కిరించను అన్నదట.
vakrama vakrama enduku puttinavante, sakramamaina vallanu vekkirinchanu annadata.
When asked, 'Oh crookedness, why were you born?', it replied, 'To mock those who are straightforward.'
This proverb describes the nature of cynical or wicked people who cannot appreciate goodness or honesty. Instead of improving themselves, such individuals find pleasure in mocking, criticizing, or finding faults in those who follow a righteous and straightforward path. It is used to highlight that some people's sole purpose or habit is to undermine the integrity of others.
రాజుగారి బావమరిదైన, బోగందాని తమ్ముడైన అన్నీ లాభాలే!
rajugari bavamaridaina, bogandani tammudaina anni labhale!
Whether one is the brother-in-law of a King or the brother of a courtesan, it is all profit.
This proverb is used to describe a person who occupies a position where they enjoy benefits and influence without having any actual responsibilities or accountability. It highlights how being closely associated with people in power or those in lucrative, albeit unconventional, professions can lead to an easy life of perks and protection.
పగడములేని ఇల్లు, జగడము లేని ఇల్లు ఉండవు
pagadamuleni illu, jagadamu leni illu undavu
There is no house without a pillar, and no house without a quarrel.
This proverb is used to convey that disagreements and minor arguments are a natural, inevitable part of family life. Just as a physical structure needs pillars (pagadamu) for support, human relationships naturally involve friction (jagadamu). It suggests that one should not be overly distressed by small domestic disputes as they are universal.
అడిగినవాని ఇల్లాలు గట్టిగా చూచు, తానియ్యవలసినది అడ్డము చూపు.
adiginavani illalu gattiga chuchu, taniyyavalasinadi addamu chupu.
The wife of the one who was asked looks sternly, and shows resistance to what must be given.
This proverb describes a situation where someone is asked for a favor or a loan. While the person asked might be willing, their spouse or family member might show disapproval or create obstacles to prevent the resource from leaving the house. It is used to describe household stinginess or the social friction caused when one family member wants to be generous while another is miserly.
వినకు, అనకు, కనకు
vinaku, anaku, kanaku
Do not hear, do not say, do not see.
This is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle. It serves as a moral guideline to avoid evil: do not listen to evil, do not speak evil, and do not see evil. It is used to encourage people to maintain purity of mind and avoid participating in gossip or negativity.
ఎందుకు పుట్టినావు వక్రమా అంటే సక్రమమైన వాళ్ళను వెక్కిరించను అన్నదట.
enduku puttinavu vakrama ante sakramamaina vallanu vekkirinchanu annadata.
When asked 'Why were you born, O Crooked One?', it replied 'To mock those who are straight/upright'.
This proverb is used to describe people who possess no virtues of their own but spend their time ridiculing and finding faults in honest or capable people. It highlights how some people's sole purpose or habit is to disparage others' integrity.
విందైనా మందైనా మూన్నాళ్ళు.
vindaina mandaina munnallu.
Whether it is a feast or a medicine, it is for three days only.
This proverb is used to convey that both happiness (represented by a feast) and hardship (represented by taking medicine) are temporary. It suggests that any situation, good or bad, will typically lose its intensity or reach its conclusion in a short period. It is often used to advise someone not to overstay their welcome as a guest or to encourage someone enduring a difficult phase that it will soon pass.
పగడం లేని ఇల్లు జగడం లేని ఇల్లు ఉండవు.
pagadam leni illu jagadam leni illu undavu.
A house without coral and a house without a quarrel do not exist.
This proverb highlights that conflict is an inevitable and natural part of family life. Just as it is impossible to find a household without any jewelry or valuables (symbolized by coral), it is equally impossible to find a home where there are no arguments or disagreements among family members. It is used to comfort people facing domestic disputes by reminding them that it is a universal experience.