అంతా అయిన వాళ్ళే కానీ మంచినీళ్ళు పుట్టవు.
anta ayina valle kani manchinillu puttavu.
Everyone is a relative, but one cannot even get a glass of drinking water.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is surrounded by many friends or relatives who claim to be close, yet none of them step forward to help when there is a genuine need. It highlights the irony of having a large social circle that offers no practical support.
Related Phrases
వండవే పేరక్కా అంటే, మందిని చూస్తూ మంచినీళ్ళు తెస్తానన్నదట
vandave perakka ante, mandini chustu manchinillu testanannadata
When asked to cook, Perakka said she would fetch water while looking at the crowd.
This proverb describes a lazy person who uses any excuse or distraction to avoid their main responsibility. It refers to someone who procrastinates on a difficult task by offering to do a minor, easier task or by simply wandering off under the guise of helping.
మసిగుడ్డతో మంచినీళ్ళు ఇచ్చాడట
masiguddato manchinillu ichchadata
He reportedly gave drinking water using a soot-stained cloth.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a good deed or offers something pure in a very clumsy, dirty, or inappropriate manner. It highlights how the lack of proper presentation or a flawed method can ruin a virtuous act.
మన్ను తిని మంచినీళ్లు తాగినట్లు
mannu tini manchinillu taginatlu
Like drinking water after eating mud.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a completely useless or harmful action and then tries to follow it up with something normal or helpful to cover it up. It signifies a futile attempt to rectify a foolish mistake or refers to an action that yields no benefit despite the effort.
అంతా అయినవాళ్ళే, మంచినీళ్ళు పుట్టవు.
anta ayinavalle, manchinillu puttavu.
Everyone is a relative, but one doesn't even get drinking water.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where despite being surrounded by family, relatives, or many known people, no one actually steps up to help in a time of need. It highlights the irony of having a large social circle or family that offers no practical support.
మంచికి పోతే మంచినీళ్లు కూడా పుట్టవు
manchiki pote manchinillu kuda puttavu
If you go to do good, you won't even get drinking water.
This proverb is used to express frustration when a person's good intentions or helpfulness result in bad outcomes, lack of appreciation, or even trouble for themselves. It suggests that in some cynical situations, being virtuous doesn't even yield the most basic reward or gratitude.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమంతా కంతలు చేసినాడు.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamanta kantalu chesinadu.
When called a good man, he made holes all over the cot.
This proverb describes a situation where someone takes undue advantage of the praise or kindness shown to them. It refers to people who, when trusted or given freedom due to their 'good' reputation, end up causing damage or acting irresponsibly. It is used to caution against blind trust or to describe someone who lacks common sense despite being called 'good'.
అబద్ధం చెప్పితే అన్నం పుట్టదు, నిజం చెప్పితే నీళ్ళు పుట్టవు.
abaddham cheppite annam puttadu, nijam cheppite nillu puttavu.
If you tell a lie, food won't be born; if you tell the truth, water won't be born.
This proverb describes a moral dilemma or a 'no-win' situation. It suggests that lying leads to a lack of sustenance or prosperity (guilt/consequences), while telling the harsh truth might lead to social isolation or lack of even basic support. It is used to describe situations where both honesty and dishonesty carry difficult consequences.
బిడ్డయినా పడ్డ అయినా పుట్టాక విడిచి పెడతామా?
biddayina padda ayina puttaka vidichi pedatama?
Whether it is a child or a calf, do we abandon them once they are born?
This expression is used to emphasize that once a project is started, a responsibility is taken, or a commitment is made, one must see it through regardless of the quality or the difficulties involved. It suggests that once something belongs to you or is your creation, you cannot simply discard it.
కొండల్లే వచ్చిన ఆపద కూడా మంచువలే కరిగినట్లు.
kondalle vachchina apada kuda manchuvale kariginatlu.
Like danger approaching like a mountain, melting away like ice.
Even a formidable danger would be finally staved off, either through the good fortune of an individual or owing to the confidence and competence of the individual in facing the situation.
మంచి మాటకు మంది అంతా మనవాళ్లే.
manchi mataku mandi anta manavalle.
For a good word, everyone is ours.
This proverb emphasizes that kind speech and pleasant behavior can win over anyone. If you speak politely and kindly, the whole world becomes your kin, whereas harsh words alienate even close friends.