బుధవారం నాడు పులి కూడా బయలుదేరదు

budhavaram nadu puli kuda bayaluderadu

Translation

Even a tiger doesn't start its journey on a Wednesday.

Meaning

This is a popular Telugu saying rooted in traditional beliefs and astrology. It suggests that Wednesday is considered an extremely auspicious or 'fixed' day, implying that if even a powerful animal like a tiger hesitates to begin a journey or task on this day, humans should be equally cautious or follow specific travel rules. It is often used to emphasize the cultural significance of timing and omens before starting something new.

Related Phrases

Like setting out on a journey with an owl tucked under one's arm.

In Telugu culture, owls are often associated with bad luck or ill omens. This expression is used to describe someone who knowingly or unknowingly carries something that brings bad luck, or starts a task with a negative element that ensures failure or trouble.

One should save their own money on Friday and others' money on Tuesday.

This proverb is used to criticize hypocritical or selfish behavior. It describes a person who is very careful with their own wealth but is quick to hide or appropriate wealth belonging to others. It mocks the tendency of people to be stingy with their own assets while being greedy or dishonest regarding common or someone else's resources.

When it was said that the brothel street was being looted, the monks started running while untying their loincloths.

This proverb is used to mock hypocritical people who claim to be pious or detached from worldly desires, but are actually the first to rush toward temptation or greed when an opportunity arises. It highlights the gap between one's outward appearance of holiness and their internal desires.

Even a tiger will not start its journey on a Wednesday

This is a popular Telugu proverb used to highlight a specific cultural superstition. It suggests that Wednesday is such an auspicious or significant day for staying put or finishing tasks that even a powerful creature like a tiger wouldn't begin a new journey or venture out on this day. It is often used humorously or to justify avoiding travel on Wednesdays.

On the day of Kanuma, even a crow does not venture out.

This expression refers to the Kanuma festival (the third day of Sankranti), which is traditionally a day for rest, family gatherings, and staying indoors after the main festivities. It signifies that the day is so quiet or culturally significant for staying home that even birds are imagined to be resting.

The house is narrow, and the stove is long.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the available resources or space are insufficient for the task at hand, or when one's expenses and requirements far exceed their limited means and capacity.

Like someone setting out to commit a theft during the day just because the days are good.

This proverb is used to mock someone who misinterprets a favorable situation or a 'good time' as an excuse to perform foolish, risky, or illegal acts without caution. It highlights the irony of using a positive circumstance to justify an inherently wrong or illogical action.

A son-in-law does not know the poverty of his mother-in-law's house.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a guest or a person in a privileged position is unaware of the hardships or financial struggles faced by their hosts. Historically, in Indian culture, a son-in-law is treated with the utmost respect and served the best food, often even if the family is struggling. It highlights the facade people maintain to uphold dignity or hospitality.

The house on Monday, the stove on Wednesday.

This proverb describes extreme laziness or procrastination. It refers to a person who starts cleaning the house on Monday but doesn't get around to lighting the stove to cook until Wednesday. It is used to mock someone who takes an unnecessarily long time to complete simple, daily tasks.

We fear the tiger, and the tiger fears us.

This expression describes a state of mutual fear or a standoff between two parties. It is used in situations where both sides are equally intimidated by each other, preventing either from taking action. It highlights that the perceived threat is often reciprocal.