అంబరంలో కుంభం, ఆదివారంలో సోమవారం
ambaramlo kumbham, adivaramlo somavaram
A pot in the sky, and Monday within a Sunday.
This expression is used to describe something that is impossible, nonsensical, or a complete fabrication. It refers to situations where someone tells a lie or presents a scenario that defies logic, much like finding a physical pot in the vacuum of space or a Monday occurring inside a Sunday.
Related Phrases
స్తంభం చాటున ఏంది? అంటే, కుంభమన్నారట. అయితే, నాకేనా మూడు మెతుకులు?
stambham chatuna endi? ante, kumbhamannarata. ayite, nakena mudu metukulu?
When asked what is behind the pillar, they said it is a pot of food. Then, are there three grains for me?
This proverb describes a person who displays extreme greed or immediate self-interest. It is used to mock someone who, upon hearing about a large abundance of resources or food, instantly asks for their share without any shame or context.
క్షీరసాగరంలో శేషావతారం, లవణసాగరంలో మత్స్యావతారం
kshirasagaramlo sheshavataram, lavanasagaramlo matsyavataram
An incarnation of Shesha in the ocean of milk, and an incarnation of a fish in the salt ocean.
This expression is used to describe a person who behaves with great dignity and sophistication in elite circles but resorts to crude or low-level behavior when in common or less refined environments. It highlights how an individual's conduct changes drastically based on the status of their surroundings.
తనుసొమ్ము సోమవారం, మందిసొమ్ము మంగళవారం
tanusommu somavaram, mandisommu mangalavaram
One's own money on Monday, others' money on Tuesday
This proverb describes a hypocritical or selfish attitude towards money and resources. It refers to a person who is very stingy and careful when spending their own money (Monday), but becomes incredibly reckless and extravagant when spending money belonging to others or the public (Tuesday). It is used to criticize those who do not value others' wealth as much as their own.
స్వర్గంలో శనికి భయపడి అరణ్యంలో దాక్కున్నట్టు
svargamlo shaniki bhayapadi aranyamlo dakkunnattu
Like hiding in a forest out of fear of Saturn in heaven.
This proverb describes a situation where a person tries to escape a problem or bad luck, only to find themselves in an even more difficult or harsh environment. It is used when someone's attempts to avoid misfortune lead them to a worse predicament, highlighting that one cannot outrun destiny or that the remedy chosen is worse than the original situation.
అయితే ఆదివారం, కాకుంటే సోమవారం
ayite adivaram, kakunte somavaram
If it's not Sunday it's Monday. If to-day will not, to-morrow may.
This expression is used to describe someone who is indecisive or a situation that lacks a firm commitment. It implies that a task will be done eventually, but without a specific or reliable timeline, often suggesting procrastination or a casual attitude toward deadlines.
తన సొమ్ము సోమవారం, మంది సొమ్ము మంగళవారం.
tana sommu somavaram, mandi sommu mangalavaram.
One's own money is Monday, others' money is Tuesday.
This proverb describes a hypocritical or selfish attitude towards money and resources. It refers to a person who is very stingy and careful when spending their own money (saving it for later), but very reckless or eager when spending money belonging to others. It is used to criticize someone who takes advantage of others' generosity while being miserly themselves.
పూర్ణకుంభం
purnakumbham
Full pot
A 'Purnakumbham' is a traditional Indian vessel (usually copper or brass) filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut. It symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and spiritual perfection. In Telugu culture, it is used to formally welcome honored guests, deities, or during auspicious ceremonies like housewarmings and weddings as a sign of respect and good fortune.
కుంభకోణం
kumbhakonam
Scam or Fraud
While literally referring to a famous temple town in Tamil Nadu, in common Telugu parlance, this term is used to describe a large-scale financial scandal, conspiracy, or fraudulent scheme involving high-stakes deception.
ఆదివారం అందలమెక్కనూ లేదు, సోమవారం జోలె ఎత్తనూ లేదు
adivaram andalamekkanu ledu, somavaram jole ettanu ledu
Neither ascended the palanquin on Sunday, nor lifted the begging bowl on Monday.
This proverb is used to describe a person who maintains a steady, moderate, and stable lifestyle without extreme highs or lows. It refers to someone who didn't experience great luxury (symbolized by the palanquin) one day and didn't fall into extreme poverty (symbolized by the begging bowl) the next. It emphasizes consistency and avoiding the volatility of fortune.
సొగసు సోమవారం పోతే, మొగుడు ఆదివారం పోయాడట
sogasu somavaram pote, mogudu adivaram poyadata
While she spent Monday on her beauty, her husband passed away on Sunday.
This proverb describes someone who is completely disconnected from reality or lacks a sense of priority. It is used to mock people who focus on trivial matters (like grooming) while ignoring a major crisis or significant event that has already occurred.