చచ్చేవానికి సముద్రము మోకాలి బంటి.
chachchevaniki samudramu mokali banti.
The sea to a desperate man is as [ shallow water only up to ] his knees. Men in despair fear nothing. Despair gives courage to a coward.
This proverb describes a state of desperation or extreme courage born out of having nothing left to lose. When someone is facing certain death or a total downfall, even the most daunting obstacles (like a vast ocean) seem trivial or manageable to them because they no longer fear the consequences.
Related Phrases
తెగించినదానికి సగుడు మోకాలిబంటి.
teginchinadaniki sagudu mokalibanti.
For a woman who has lost all shame, the water in the stream is only knee-deep.
This proverb is used to describe a person who has become desperate, reckless, or shameless. Just as someone who is determined to cross a river doesn't care how deep it is, a person who has cast aside their dignity or fear will not be deterred by obstacles or social consequences. It highlights a state of bold defiance where the person no longer cares about what others think or the risks involved.
ఇచ్చేవాణ్ని చూస్తే, చచ్చేవాడైనా లేచును
ichchevanni chuste, chachchevadaina lechunu
Even a dying man will rise up when he sees a liberal person. With the hope of receiving something from him.
This proverb highlights the power of generosity or the allure of receiving something for free. It implies that the prospect of receiving a gift or charity is so motivating that it can revitalize someone even in their weakest state. It is often used to describe situations where people suddenly become active or interested when there is a profit or benefit to be gained.
చచ్చే కాలానికి సమర్త కట్నాలు.
chachche kalaniki samarta katnalu.
Puberty gifts at the time of death.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone receives or attempts something useless or inappropriate for their current stage or condition. It refers to gifts given during a girl's puberty ceremony (samarta), which are completely meaningless or ill-timed when one is facing death or an end of an era.
తవుడు తిని చచ్చేవానికి విషం పెట్టేవాడు వెట్టి.
tavudu tini chachchevaniki visham pettevadu vetti.
He who gives poison to a person who is already dying by eating bran is a fool.
This expression is used to describe a redundant or unnecessary action. If someone is already facing ruin due to their own poor choices or circumstances, there is no need to actively work against them or waste resources to cause their downfall. It highlights the foolishness of over-exerting oneself to harm someone who is already self-destructing.
సముద్రము ఈదవచ్చునుగాని, సంసారము ఈదరాదు.
samudramu idavachchunugani, samsaramu idaradu.
You may swim over the sea, but not over family [ annoy- ances ].
This proverb highlights the immense difficulties and endless responsibilities of worldly life (Samsara). It suggests that while physical feats like crossing a vast sea might be possible with effort, managing the complexities, emotions, and burdens of domestic life is an unending and often overwhelming challenge.
బోడి తలకు మొకాలికి ముడి
bodi talaku mokaliki mudi
Making a knot between the shaven head and the knee.
This refers to the way of trying to bring together two disparate things for a harmonious blend. When such an attempt is made, the listener understands the absurdity.
ఇచ్చేవానికి పత్రమూ వద్దు, చచ్చేవానికి మందూ వద్దు.
ichchevaniki patramu vaddu, chachchevaniki mandu vaddu.
You need not take a bond from a man who is willing to pay, nor administer medicine to one who has made up his mind to die.
This proverb highlights the futility of certain actions in specific circumstances. It suggests that a truly generous person will give without requiring formal documentation or legal proof, and similarly, no amount of medicine can save someone whose death is certain. It is used to describe situations where rules or remedies become irrelevant due to the inherent nature of the person or the inevitability of the outcome.
నూతి కప్పకు సముద్రము తెలుసా?
nuti kappaku samudramu telusa?
Is the sea near to a frog in a well ? Applied to a clumsy fellow.
This proverb is used to describe a person with a narrow perspective or limited knowledge who thinks their small world is everything. It highlights how someone with restricted experience cannot comprehend the vastness or complexity of the real world, much like a frog that believes its well is the entire universe.
సముద్రం చంకలో పెట్టుకుని, చెలమకు చేయి చాచినట్లు.
samudram chankalo pettukuni, chelamaku cheyi chachinatlu.
Like having the ocean under one's arm, yet stretching out a hand for a small puddle.
This proverb is used to describe a person who possesses vast resources or great wealth but still begs or seeks help for something insignificant. It highlights the irony of not realizing or utilizing one's own immense potential and instead looking for petty external assistance.
సముద్రంలో వాన పడినట్లు
samudramlo vana padinatlu
Like rain falling into the ocean
This expression is used to describe an action that is redundant, useless, or has no significant impact because it is being added to something that is already vast or abundant. Just as rain does not change the level of the sea, a small contribution or help given to someone who already has everything is considered pointless.