ఆస లావు పీక సన్నం
asa lavu pika sannam
Desire is great but the throat is thin (narrow).
Usually a greedy person wishes to acquire all, but has limited ability to absorb. One should realize what one deserves before desiring it. This proverb is akin to the English expression 'bite off more than you can chew'.
Related Phrases
నల్లావు పాలైనా తెల్లనే.
nallavu palaina tellane.
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.
సన్నసన్నంగా కాపుతనం వచ్చింది, సన్నబియ్యం వండవే అన్నాడట
sannasannanga kaputanam vachchindi, sannabiyyam vandave annadata
He said 'Domestic life has slowly settled in, now cook fine rice'.
This proverb is used to mock someone who expects luxury or high standards before they have truly established their foundations or stability. It describes a situation where someone demands rewards or comforts prematurely, often with very little effort or progress made.
వెంట్రుక కన్నా ఏడుపాళ్ళు సన్నం, రోకలి కన్నా ఏడుపాళ్ళు లావు
ventruka kanna edupallu sannam, rokali kanna edupallu lavu
Seven times thinner than a hair, seven times thicker than a pestle.
This expression is used to describe something that is highly unpredictable, inconsistent, or extremely versatile in nature. It refers to situations or entities that can fluctuate between extremes—being incredibly delicate or subtle at one moment and heavy or blunt the next. It is often used to describe the complexities of human nature or the unpredictable twists of fate.
చావు తప్పి కన్ను లొట్టబోయింది
chavu tappi kannu lottaboyindi
Death was avoided, but the eye was hollowed out.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one narrowly escapes a major disaster or death, but still suffers a significant, though non-fatal, loss or damage. It is similar to the English saying 'to have a close shave' or 'escaping by the skin of one's teeth' but with an emphasis on the minor damage incurred during the escape.
ఎంత లావు మొగవాడైనా ఆడదానికి లోకువే.
enta lavu mogavadaina adadaniki lokuve.
No matter how strong or great a man is, he is subordinate to a woman.
This expression suggests that regardless of a man's physical strength, social status, or outward power, he ultimately has a vulnerability or softness towards the women in his life (like a mother, wife, or daughter). It is often used to highlight the subtle influence and domestic power women hold over even the most formidable men.
చదువు సన్నమయ్యె అయ్య లావయ్యె
chaduvu sannamayye ayya lavayye
Education became thin, while the teacher became fat
This proverb describes a situation where an endeavor or institution fails to achieve its primary purpose while the person in charge prospers. It is commonly used to criticize scenarios where a student's knowledge diminishes despite the teacher's growth in wealth, or more broadly, when a project fails but the manager benefits personally.
కుక్క సంతకుపోయినట్లు
kukka santakupoyinatlu
Like a dog going to a village market
This expression is used to describe someone who goes to a place or joins an event where they have no purpose, relevance, or benefit. Just as a dog at a crowded market gets pushed around and gains nothing, it refers to aimless wandering or being out of place in a busy situation.
లయ తప్పడం
laya tappadam
Out of rhythm
This expression literally means to lose the beat or rhythm in music or dance. Idiomatically, it describes a situation where a process, life, or a system has lost its regular order, consistency, or harmony.
రాజీకా సౌదా
rajika sauda
A bargain with the consent [of both parties.] (Hind.) i. e. the purchaser and the seller. In the days of Muhammadan Government free trade was unknown and the poor were forced to sell at the prices fixed by their oppressive Rulers.
This expression refers to a bargain or a settlement reached through mutual agreement. It is used to describe a situation where parties decide to resolve a conflict or complete a transaction by meeting halfway or agreeing to specific terms that satisfy both sides, often implying a practical or 'give-and-take' arrangement.
ఏమీ లేనిమ్మకు పంతాలు లావు, ఉన్నమ్మకు ఆశలు లావు
emi lenimmaku pantalu lavu, unnammaku ashalu lavu
The woman who has nothing has great stubbornness, while the woman who has everything has great greed.
This proverb highlights a contrast in human behavior: those with no resources or status often resort to excessive pride or stubbornness to overcompensate, whereas those who are wealthy or successful are often driven by an insatiable desire for more. It is used to describe how ego and greed manifest differently based on one's circumstances.