ఆపదలైనా, సంపదలైనా ఒంటరిగా రావు.

apadalaina, sampadalaina ontariga ravu.

Translation

Be it calamities or wealth, they do not come alone.

Meaning

This expression suggests that both misfortunes and fortunes tend to arrive in series or clusters rather than as isolated incidents. It is used to describe situations where multiple problems occur at once (misfortunes never come singly) or when a stroke of luck leads to multiple benefits.

Related Phrases

Even a black cow's milk is white.

This proverb is used to emphasize that the internal quality or the essence of something is more important than its external appearance. Just as color of the cow does not affect the purity and color of its milk, a person's character or the value of a result should not be judged based on outward looks or origins.

A household as grand as Kanchi becoming like prickly shrubs.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a prosperous, large, or stable family/business falls into complete ruin or gets scattered due to internal conflicts or misfortune. It highlights the drastic downfall from extreme wealth to total destruction.

Vows during danger, forgetfulness during wealth.

This proverb describes human nature where people pray fervently and make many promises to God or others when they are in trouble, but completely forget those promises once they become wealthy or their problems are solved. It is used to criticize ungratefulness or fair-weather devotion.

Even a hundred whip lashes are not equal to one Bobbattu (sweet flatbread).

This expression is used to describe a situation where one is willing to endure significant physical hardship or punishment if the reward is a delicious meal or something very desirable. It highlights how the craving for good food can sometimes outweigh the fear of pain.

Forgetting in prosperity, shouting in adversity.

This expression describes human nature where people tend to forget those who helped them or ignore their responsibilities when they are wealthy and successful, but cry out for help and complain loudly when they face difficulties.

Prayers in times of danger, forgetting as soon as wealth arrives.

This proverb describes a fickle human tendency: people pray fervently and make many vows to God or seek help when they are in trouble, but as soon as they become prosperous or their problems are solved, they completely forget their promises and the help they received. It is used to critique ingratitude or situational devotion.

They say one should travel even ten amadas (distance) for a meal with dal.

This proverb highlights the high value placed on 'Pappu' (dal/lentils) in Telugu culture. It suggests that a simple, nutritious, and satisfying meal is worth any amount of effort or travel. It is used to describe something so desirable or beneficial that the distance or struggle to obtain it becomes irrelevant.

Like a discarded leaf plate becoming useful on a festival day.

This expression describes a situation where something or someone previously considered useless or neglected suddenly becomes valuable or essential due to specific circumstances. It is often used to highlight a stroke of luck or the unexpected utility of a discarded object/person.

Eat together, grow strong alone.

This expression emphasizes collective effort or sharing in resources while maintaining individual strength and resilience. It suggests that while one should participate in the community and share life's burdens/joys with others, the ultimate responsibility for one's own growth and success lies within themselves.

As much wealth, so much danger.

This proverb suggests that the more wealth or possessions one acquires, the greater the associated risks, worries, or dangers. It is used to caution that prosperity often brings its own set of problems and vulnerabilities.