అయ్య వాతబెట్టనూ బర్రె బ్రతకనా.
ayya vatabettanu barre bratakana.
When his lordship brands the buffalo, will she get over it? Said of a clumsiness fellow, who makes a mess of every thing. I meant to cross myself and put out one of my eyes. (Portuguese.)
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the remedy is worse than the disease, or when the cost/process of solving a problem is so harsh that the subject might not survive it. It highlights a dilemma where the 'cure' might lead to destruction.
Related Phrases
పగ గలిగి బ్రతకడం, పామున్న ఇంట్లో బ్రతకడం ఒకటే
paga galigi bratakadam, pamunna intlo bratakadam okate
Living with a grudge is the same as living in a house with a snake.
This proverb warns that harboring enmity or living with an active grudge is inherently dangerous and stressful. Just as one can never be at peace or safe in a house where a venomous snake resides, a person living with a rivalry or hatred is always under the threat of harm and lacks mental peace.
బాతాకానీ వానికి బారానా, నాకూ బారానానేనా?
batakani vaniki barana, naku barananena?
A 'barana' for the talkative one, and is it a 'barana' for me too?
This expression is used when someone who has worked hard feels insulted or undervalued when they receive the same reward or treatment as someone who did nothing but talk. It highlights the injustice of equal pay or credit for unequal effort.
దూడ బర్రే ఉండగా గుంజ అరిచినదన్నట్టు.
duda barre undaga gunja arichinadannattu.
While the calf and the buffalo were present, the peg (to which they are tied) shouted.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a third party, who has no stake or authority in a matter, speaks up or makes a fuss while the primary people involved remain silent. It highlights the absurdity of an irrelevant person taking center stage or complaining when the actual parties concerned are quiet.
చావనివ్వడు, బ్రతకనివ్వడు
chavanivvadu, bratakanivvadu
He will neither allow me to die nor to live. Perpetual worrying.
This expression is used to describe a person or a situation that is extremely suffocating or troublesome. It refers to someone who keeps others in a state of perpetual misery or limbo, where they are neither allowed to move on nor allowed to live in peace.
దయ్యం కొట్టనూ బిడ్డ బ్రతకనూ
dayyam kottanu bidda bratakanu
When the devil attacks will the child live ? Said of a meddling fool.
This proverb is used to describe an impossible situation where two contradictory things cannot happen at the same time. It implies that certain actions have inevitable, often negative, consequences; you cannot expect a positive outcome when a destructive force is involved. It is similar to saying 'You can't have your cake and eat it too' or used when someone wants to do something harmful but expects no damage.
దయ్యం కొట్టనూ, బిడ్డ బ్రతకనూ?
dayyam kottanu, bidda bratakanu?
Will the ghost strike and the child survive?
This expression is used to describe a situation where two contradictory things cannot happen simultaneously. It refers to an impossible outcome where someone causes severe harm (like a ghost attacking) but expects the victim to remain unharmed. It is often used when a person acts maliciously but pretends to care about the welfare of the victim.
కర్ర ఎవడిదో బర్రె వాడిది
karra evadido barre vadidi
The buffalo belongs to the one who holds the stick
This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Might is Right.' It implies that the person who possesses power, authority, or the means of enforcement (the stick) ultimately controls the resources (the buffalo). It is used to describe situations where strength or influence dictates ownership and outcomes, often regardless of fairness or legality.
అయ్యవారిని చంపనూలేను, పట్టి బ్రతకనూలేను
ayyavarini champanulenu, patti bratakanulenu
Neither can I kill the teacher, nor can I live by following him.
This expression is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where a person is stuck with someone or something they cannot get rid of, yet find it equally impossible or unbearable to continue living with or supporting them. It reflects a state of being trapped between two difficult choices.
అదే పథకమైతే మనము బ్రతకమా?
ade pathakamaite manamu bratakama?
If this were a brooch, might we not be made rich ? Patakam ( Sans. Padaka ) is a valuable ornament attached to the Kanthasara ( necklace ). The allusion is to one made of false gold, and set with false gems. Disappointment. The treasure turned out charcoal. (Latin.)?
This expression is used sarcastically or philosophically to point out that if things actually went according to a specific (often flawed or overly simple) plan, life would be much easier or different. It is often used to highlight the gap between ideal planning and reality, or to dismiss a suggestion that sounds good in theory but is impractical.
తినబెట్టమంటే వినబెట్టమన్నట్లు
tinabettamante vinabettamannatlu
When asked to feed, they asked to listen.
This proverb is used to describe a person who avoids doing a specific requested task by offering an irrelevant or useless alternative. It highlights an uncooperative attitude where one pretends to help but avoids the actual effort or responsibility required, similar to someone offering words instead of food to a hungry person.