అంటనప్పుడు ఆముదం రాసుకున్నా అంటదు
antanappudu amudam rasukunna antadu
If it is not meant to stick, it won't stick even if you apply castor oil.
This proverb is used to describe a state of detachment or bad luck where things simply don't fall into place despite effort. It implies that when circumstances are not favorable or when one's destiny is not aligned, no amount of 'lubrication' or extra effort can force a result. It is often used to describe someone who remains unaffected by situations or someone whose efforts are yielding no results due to bad timing.
Related Phrases
అత్తా అత్తా కొడుకును కంటానంటే, వద్దంటానా అందట
atta atta kodukunu kantanante, vaddantana andata
When a daughter-in-law asked her mother-in-law if she should give birth to a son, the mother-in-law replied, 'Would I ever say no?'
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone asks for permission or proposes something that is obviously beneficial or desirable to the listener. It highlights a rhetorical question where the answer is an emphatic 'yes' because the outcome favors everyone involved.
పుట్టెడాముదము పట్టించుకొని పొర్లాడినా అంటేదే అంటును గాని అంటనిది అంటదు
puttedamudamu pattinchukoni porladina antede antunu gani antanidi antadu
Although a man besmear himself with a Puṭṭi of castor oil and roll [ among the grain ] only what sticks, will stick to him, what does not, won't.
This proverb emphasizes fatalism or destiny. It suggests that despite extreme efforts or preparations (represented by rubbing oil and rolling), a person can only gain what is fated for them. It is used to describe situations where results are dictated by luck or destiny rather than just hard work.
A Puṭṭi is 500 lbs. A man can only obtain that which his destiny has prepared for him. Every man hath his lot. No butter will stick to his bread.
పుట్టినప్పుడు పురుడు.
puttinappudu purudu.
Impurity (Purudu) at birth.
This phrase refers to the traditional period of ritual impurity observed by a family after a child is born. In a broader philosophical context, it is often paired with 'Chachinappudu sutakam' (ritual impurity at death) to signify that life is bookended by ceremonies and certain constraints, or to imply that every beginning has its own set of initial challenges or obligations.
తలుపు తెంచుకున్న బర్రె, తాడు తెంచుకున్న గుర్రం
talupu tenchukunna barre, tadu tenchukunna gurram
A buffalo that broke the door, a horse that snapped its rope.
This expression is used to describe someone who has become completely uncontrollable, unruly, or has broken free from all restraints and discipline. It refers to a state of absolute chaos or a person acting without any inhibition or regard for rules, similar to the English phrase 'running wild' or 'loose cannon'.
చచ్చేటప్పుడు నారాయణా అనమంటే సీసా అన్నట్టు
chachchetappudu narayana anamante sisa annattu
When told to say 'Narayana' (God's name) on the deathbed, one said 'Sisa' (Bottle)
This proverb describes a situation where someone is given good or spiritual advice at a critical moment, but they respond with something trivial, irrelevant, or related to their bad habits. It highlights how difficult it is to change one's nature or focus on what is important, even in the final moments of life.
పుచ్చుకున్నప్పుడు పుత్రుడు పుట్టినంత సంతోషం, ఇచ్చేటప్పుడు ఇంటాయన పోయినంత దుఃఖం
puchchukunnappudu putrudu puttinanta santosham, ichchetappudu intayana poyinanta duhkham
Happiness like that of a son's birth when receiving, and sorrow like that of a husband's death when giving back.
This proverb is used to describe a person's hypocrisy or double standards regarding money or favors. It highlights how some people are extremely joyful when taking a loan or receiving help, but feel immense pain and bitterness when the time comes to repay it or return the favor.
కలిగిన నాటి చుట్టాలు, కావాలన్నప్పుడు కనపడరు
kaligina nati chuttalu, kavalannappudu kanapadaru
Relatives from the days of prosperity are not to be found when needed.
This proverb describes 'fair-weather friends' or relatives who stay close only when you are wealthy or successful, but disappear or become unavailable when you fall on hard times or actually need their help.
పనాపాటా పెళ్లామా అంటే పండుకుందాం రమ్మన్నదట
panapata pellama ante pandukundam rammannadata
When asked 'Wife, do you have any work or chores?', she replied 'Let's go to sleep'.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is extremely lazy or avoids responsibilities. It highlights a situation where, when prompted to be productive or do some work, a person suggests resting or sleeping instead of contributing.
తోక ముడుచుట (తోక ముడుచుకున్నట్లు)
toka muduchuta (toka muduchukunnatlu)
Tucking the tail between the legs.
This expression is used to describe someone who retreats in fear, loses courage, or admits defeat after initially acting bold or aggressive. It is similar to the English idiom 'to turn tail' or 'to run away with one's tail between one's legs.'
ఉంచుకున్నవాడు మొగుడూ కాదు, పెంచుకున్నవాడు కొడుకూ కాదు
unchukunnavadu mogudu kadu, penchukunnavadu koduku kadu
A kept man is not a husband, an adopted one is not a son.
This traditional proverb suggests that certain relationships formed through convenience or external arrangements may lack the genuine legal, social, or biological permanence of original roles. It is often used to imply that something acquired or temporary cannot fully replace the original or legitimate version.