అమ్మబోతే అడివి, కొనబోతే కొరివి
ammabote adivi, konabote korivi
When he went to sell, his bargains were [as ruinous as] a jungle; when he went to buy [his purchases were as bad as] firebrands. Losing on both sides. Buy and sell and live by the loss.
This proverb describes a situation of extreme market volatility or an unfair economic predicament. It is used when a person finds that their goods have no value when they try to sell them (silent like a forest), but the same goods are exorbitantly expensive when they need to buy them (burns like a firebrand).
Related Phrases
తిట్టబోతే అక్కబిడ్డ, కొట్టబోతే వేకటి మనిషి
tittabote akkabidda, kottabote vekati manishi
If you want to scold, it's your sister's child; if you want to hit, she is a pregnant woman.
This expression describes a dilemma where one is stuck in a 'Catch-22' situation. It refers to a state of indecision or helplessness where you cannot take action against someone because of a sentimental bond or a vulnerable condition, even if their behavior is provoking or wrong.
చూడబోతే వెండిగిన్నె తాగబోతే వెలితిగిన్నె
chudabote vendiginne tagabote velitiginne
If you look at it, it's a silver bowl; if you try to drink from it, it's an empty bowl.
This expression describes something that looks grand, expensive, or promising on the outside but is actually empty, useless, or disappointing upon closer inspection or when put to use. It is used to mock pretentiousness or things that lack substance despite their attractive appearance.
కొంటె కొరివి అమ్మితె అడివి
konte korivi ammite adivi
To buy is like a torch: to sell a wilderness.
This has reference to the price one gets and one has to pay while buying and selling. Neither buying nor selling is profitable to the needy.
దున్నబోతే దూడలలోను, మేయబోతే పోతులలోను.
dunnabote dudalalonu, meyabote potulalonu.
Among calves when it's time to plow, among bulls when it's time to graze.
This proverb describes a lazy person who makes excuses to avoid work. When asked to do hard labor (plowing), they claim to be as weak or immature as a young calf. However, when it is time to eat or enjoy benefits, they claim to be as strong and deserving as a full-grown bull. It is used to mock someone who shirk responsibilities but is always first in line for rewards.
ఆడబోతే చూడబుద్ది, చూడబోతే ఆడబుద్ది
adabote chudabuddi, chudabote adabuddi
When going to play, one feels like watching; when going to watch, one feels like playing.
This expression describes a state of indecision or fickle-mindedness. It refers to a person who is never satisfied with their current choice and constantly wishes they were doing the opposite of what they are presently engaged in.
మేయబోతే ఎద్దులలోకి, దున్నబోతే దూడలలోకి.
meyabote eddulaloki, dunnabote dudalaloki.
Among bulls when it is time to graze, among calves when it is time to plow.
This proverb describes an escapist or lazy person who avoids responsibility by making convenient excuses. When there is work to be done (plowing), they claim to be as inexperienced or weak as a calf. When it is time to enjoy benefits (grazing), they claim to be as mature and deserving as a bull.
తలక్రింది కొరివి
talakrindi korivi
A firebrand under the head
This expression refers to a constant, self-inflicted danger or a situation where one harbors something extremely risky or harmful. It is often used to describe keeping an untrustworthy person close or maintaining a habit that will eventually lead to one's own destruction.
దున్నబోతే దూడలలోనూ, మేయబోతే ఆవులలోనూ
dunnabote dudalalonu, meyabote avulalonu
When [wanted for] ploughing it goes among the calves; when grazing it goes with the cows.
This proverb describes a lazy or opportunistic person who makes excuses to avoid work. When hard labor is required (plowing), they claim to be as young and weak as a calf; but when it is time to enjoy benefits (grazing), they join the adults. It is used to mock someone who shirk responsibilities but is always present for the rewards.
The best at eating, the worst at working.
తలకింది కొరివి
talakindi korivi
A brand under one's head.
This expression refers to a constant, self-inflicted danger or a source of perpetual anxiety that one keeps close by. It is used to describe a situation where a person maintains a relationship or makes a choice that poses a continuous threat to their own peace or safety, much like sleeping with a burning torch beneath one's head.
A dangerous companion.
చూడబోతే చుట్టాలు, రమ్మంటే కోపాలు
chudabote chuttalu, rammante kopalu
If you visit them they are relatives, if you invite them to visit you they are angry.
This proverb describes people who claim to be close relatives or friends but avoid any real interaction, responsibility, or visit. It is used to mock hypocritical relationships where people maintain a facade of closeness but become annoyed when actually asked to participate or visit.
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