బ్రహ్మ తలిస్తే ఆయుస్సుకు తక్కువా, మొగుడు తలిస్తే దెబ్బలకు తక్కువా?
brahma taliste ayussuku takkuva, mogudu taliste debbalaku takkuva?
If Brahmâ wishes, will there be any lack in the length of your days? If the husband wishes, will there be any lack of blows?
This is a sarcastic or cynical proverb used to describe a situation where someone has absolute power or authority to inflict something—either positive or negative. Just as Lord Brahma (the creator) can grant infinite life, a dominant or abusive person can provide an endless supply of trouble or punishment if they set their mind to it. It highlights the inevitability of consequences when someone in power is determined to act.
Related Phrases
తెలివి తక్కువ, ఆకలి ఎక్కువ
telivi takkuva, akali ekkuva
Little sense, great appetite. Eating one's senses away.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks the common sense or skill to earn a living or work efficiently, yet has high demands or appetites. It highlights the irony of someone who cannot contribute much but expects a lot in return.
తలగుడ్డకు తక్కువ గోచిపాతకు ఎక్కువ
talaguddaku takkuva gochipataku ekkuva
Too small for a head-cloth and too large for a loincloth.
This expression is used to describe something that is of an awkward size or quality—too little for a significant purpose but too much for a trivial one. It refers to a person or thing that is caught in the middle, being neither here nor there, and therefore practically useless or difficult to categorize.
రాజు తలచుకుంటే దెబ్బలకు కొదువా? బ్రహ్మ తలిస్తే ఆయుష్షుకు కొరవా?
raju talachukunte debbalaku koduva? brahma taliste ayushshuku korava?
If the king decides, is there any shortage of beatings? If Brahma decides, is there any shortage of lifespan?
This proverb is used to describe the absolute power of authorities or fate. It implies that if a person in power (like a king) intends to punish, they can find endless ways to do so; conversely, if the creator (Brahma) intends to bless, resources like longevity are limitless. It is often used to highlight that everything depends on the will of those in control or divine destiny.
బ్రహ్మ తలిస్తే ఆయుస్సుకు కొదువా, మొగుడు తలిస్తే దెబ్బలకు కొదువా?
brahma taliste ayussuku koduva, mogudu taliste debbalaku koduva?
If Brahma decides, is there a shortage of lifespan? If a husband decides, is there a shortage of beatings?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has absolute power or control over an outcome. Just as the Creator (Brahma) can grant a long life at will, someone in a position of authority or dominance can cause trouble or inflict hardship whenever they choose. It often highlights the helplessness of one party against the whims of a more powerful one.
తెలివి తక్కువ, ఆకలెక్కువ.
telivi takkuva, akalekkuva.
Low intelligence, high hunger.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks common sense or productivity but has excessive demands or needs. It highlights a mismatch between one's capabilities and their consumption or expectations, often used sarcastically to mock laziness or incompetence combined with greed.
కాదు అంటే కళ తక్కువ, అవును అంటే ఆయువు ఎక్కువ
kadu ante kala takkuva, avunu ante ayuvu ekkuva
Saying 'no' reduces grace, saying 'yes' increases life span.
This expression highlights the social and personal value of being agreeable and positive. It suggests that a negative or confrontational attitude (saying 'no') makes one appear dull or ungraceful, whereas a positive, cooperative, or 'yes' attitude leads to a stress-free, longer, and more harmonious life.
రాజు తలిస్తే దెబ్బలకు కొదవా?
raju taliste debbalaku kodava?
If the king decides, will there be a shortage of beatings?
This proverb implies that when a person in a position of high authority or power decides to cause harm or create trouble, they have endless means to do so. It is used to describe situations where someone powerful can easily punish or harass others at their whim.
దేవుడు తలిస్తే దెబ్బలకు కొదువా?
devudu taliste debbalaku koduva?
If God decides, will there be a shortage of blows?
This proverb is used to express that when one's luck is bad or when divine fate is against them, troubles and misfortunes come in quick succession from all directions. It is often used to lament a series of unexpected hardships or to suggest that one cannot escape destiny when it turns unfavorable.
మెతుకులు చల్లితే కాకులకు తక్కువా?
metukulu challite kakulaku takkuva?
If you scatter grains [ of boiled rice ] will there be any lack of crows ?
This expression is used to signify that when there are resources, opportunities, or money available, there will never be a shortage of people (often sycophants or opportunists) flocking to take advantage of them. It suggests that followers or takers are easily attracted by incentives.
కూటికి తక్కువైనా కులానికి తక్కువా?
kutiki takkuvaina kulaniki takkuva?
Even if poor in food, is one poor in caste/status?
This proverb is used to express that even if someone lacks financial resources or basic necessities like food, they still maintain their self-respect, dignity, or social standing. It highlights the idea that poverty does not equate to a loss of character or heritage.