ఆరిపోయే దీపానికి వెలుగు ఎక్కువ
aripoye dipaniki velugu ekkuva
A lamp that is about to go out shines the brightest.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone or something shows a sudden, intense burst of activity, energy, or arrogance just before their downfall, failure, or end. It is a warning that a final flare-up of power often precedes total extinction.
Related Phrases
ముందు పోయేది ముండ్లకంప, వెనుకపోయేది వెన్నముక్క
mundu poyedi mundlakampa, venukapoyedi vennamukka
That which goes ahead is a thorny bush, that which follows is a piece of butter.
This expression is used to describe a situation where initial efforts or pioneers face hardships and obstacles (thorns), while those who follow later enjoy the smooth benefits or easy results (butter). It highlights the disparity between the struggle of the leader and the ease of the successor.
దివిటీ కింద దీపం
diviti kinda dipam
A lamp under a torch. One insignificant before the other.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a smaller or less significant thing is overshadowed or ignored in the presence of something much larger or brighter. It can also refer to someone who provides light or guidance to others but remains in darkness or unrecognized themselves, similar to the English idiom 'The cobbler's children go barefoot.'
అధిక ఆషాఢం
adhika ashadham
An intercalary Âshâḍha. The month Âshâḍha corresponds with June—July. Said by a man when excusing himself for not observing the rules of the house in which he was staying.
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is an unnecessary or redundant addition to an already problematic or complicated situation. In the Hindu lunar calendar, an 'Adhika Masam' (extra month) can sometimes be Ashadha; figuratively, it refers to something surplus, unwanted, or a delay that complicates matters.
చుట్టూ అయినా సుఖంగా పోయేది మేలు
chuttu ayina sukhanga poyedi melu
Even if it is a roundabout way, going comfortably is better.
This expression is used to advise that taking a longer, safer, or more reliable path is better than taking a shortcut that is fraught with danger or difficulties. It emphasizes prioritizing peace and safety over speed.
దివ్వె తీసిన గూడు వలె ఉన్నది
divve tisina gudu vale unnadi
Like a niche with the lamp taken out of it. The reality wanting.
This expression is used to describe a place or a person that looks dull, empty, or devoid of life and charm. Just as a wall niche looks dark and hollow once the lamp is taken away, it characterizes a state of desolation or the loss of a person who was the 'light' of a home or group.
భిక్షాధికారికి లక్షాధికారికి ఎందుకు పోలిక?
bhikshadhikariki lakshadhikariki enduku polika?
Why compare a beggar with a millionaire?
This expression is used to highlight a vast disparity or mismatch between two people, situations, or objects. It suggests that it is illogical or unfair to compare things that are fundamentally different in status, quality, or scale.
పిన్న చేతి దివ్వె పెద్దగా వెలగదా?
pinna cheti divve peddaga velagada?
Does a lamp in a child's hand not shine brightly?
This expression emphasizes that wisdom or talent is not restricted by age or stature. Just as a small lamp provides the same light regardless of who holds it, a great idea or truth is valuable even if it comes from a young or inexperienced person. It is used to suggest that one should value the quality of the work or thought rather than the seniority of the person behind it.
కరువులో అధిక మాసం, లేమిలో అధిక సంతానం
karuvulo adhika masam, lemilo adhika santanam
An extra month during a famine, and many children during poverty.
This expression is used to describe a situation where troubles or burdens pile up one after another when someone is already in a difficult state. Just as an intercalary month (Adhika Masam) extends the duration of a year during a drought, or having many children adds to the financial burden of a poor person, it signifies that misfortunes rarely come alone and often worsen an existing crisis.
భానునరయ దివ్వెపట్టి వెదకురీతి
bhanunaraya divvepatti vedakuriti
Like searching for the sun while holding a lamp
This expression is used to describe a redundant or foolish act where someone tries to show or find something that is already incredibly obvious, self-evident, or vastly superior to the tools being used to find it. It highlights that a small light (a lamp) is unnecessary and insignificant in the presence of a great light (the sun).
అదృష్టం ఉంటే చేయి జారిపోయేది కూడా చేతికి వస్తుంది.
adrishtam unte cheyi jaripoyedi kuda chetiki vastundi.
If there is luck, even what slips from the hand will return to the hand.
This expression emphasizes the power of fortune or destiny. It implies that if one is destined to have something, it will find its way back even after it seems lost or out of reach. It is used to console someone who has experienced a near-miss or to describe an unexpected positive outcome.