చెప్పేది చెవి దగ్గర, వినేది రోటి దగ్గర
cheppedi chevi daggara, vinedi roti daggara
The advice is given at the ear, but it is heard at the mortar.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is told something important or confidential, but they are distracted or completely ignoring the advice. It signifies that the listener is not paying attention, similar to someone leaning towards a grinding stone (mortar) while someone else is trying to whisper in their ear.
Related Phrases
చెవి దగ్గర కందురీగలాగా
chevi daggara kandurigalaga
Like a wasp near the ear
Used to describe a person who is constantly annoying, nagging, or buzzing around someone with persistent talk, causing irritation similar to the buzzing of a wasp near one's ear.
కొనేది కొయ్యగూర, తినేది చెంచలకూర
konedi koyyagura, tinedi chenchalakura
Buying amaranth, but eating water spinach.
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a mismatch between what is expected or planned and what actually happens. It highlights inconsistency, deception, or the irony of someone claiming to do one thing while actually doing something of lesser value or something entirely different.
కల్లందగ్గరి కరణీకం, కంచందగ్గరి రెడ్డిరికం.
kallandaggari karanikam, kanchandaggari reddirikam.
Clerkship at the threshing floor, lordship at the dining plate.
This proverb describes people who show off their authority or position only where there is a personal benefit or profit. A 'Karanam' (clerk) shows his power at the threshing floor to take his share of grain, and a 'Reddy' (village head) asserts his status at the dining table to get the best food. It is used to mock those who are only 'bossy' when there is something to gain.
కొన్న దగ్గర కొసరు గానీ, కోరిన దగ్గర కొసరా?
konna daggara kosaru gani, korina daggara kosara?
Bargaining for an extra is fine where you purchase, but can you bargain where you begged?
This proverb highlights that one has the right to demand more (kosaru) only when they are paying for a service or product. It is used to point out the lack of modesty or manners in someone who is receiving a favor or gift for free yet continues to demand more or specific preferences.
ఏ రోటి దగ్గర ఆ పాట పాడాలి
e roti daggara a pata padali
One should sing the song that belongs to the mortar they are at.
This expression means that one should adapt their speech or behavior according to the situation or the audience they are currently with. It is similar to the English proverb 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' or the idea of being opportunistic and adjusting one's stance based on the immediate context.
కాటి దగ్గరి మాటలు కూటి దగ్గర ఉండవు
kati daggari matalu kuti daggara undavu
The words spoken at the graveyard do not remain at the dinner table.
This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of philosophical realizations or remorse. People often express deep wisdom or regret during somber moments (like a funeral), but quickly return to their usual habits and desires once they are back in the comfort of their daily lives.
దగ్గేవాని దగ్గర డొక్కలు ఎగురవేసినట్లు
daggevani daggara dokkalu eguravesinatlu
Like puffing one's chest or heaving ribs in front of a person who is coughing.
This proverb is used to describe someone who tries to show off or act superior in front of a person who is already an expert or much more experienced in that particular field. It highlights the foolishness of trying to impress someone with a small act when they are dealing with or performing a much larger version of the same thing.
తాళం నీ దగ్గర, చెవి నా దగ్గర
talam ni daggara, chevi na daggara
The lock is with you, the key is with me.
In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.
ఊరి దగ్గరి చేనుకు అందరూ దొంగలే.
uri daggari chenuku andaru dongale.
For a field near the village, everyone is a thief.
This proverb refers to a situation where a resource or property is easily accessible to everyone, leading to its exploitation or misuse. When something is conveniently located for the public, people tend to take small liberties or steal from it, thinking their minor action won't be noticed, but collectively it leads to significant loss for the owner.
పచ్చగా ఉన్న దగ్గర మేసి, వెచ్చగా ఉన్న దగ్గర పడుకో
pachchaga unna daggara mesi, vechchaga unna daggara paduko
Graze where it is green, sleep where it is warm
This proverb describes a person who is opportunistic or seeking extreme comfort and convenience. It is used to refer to someone who enjoys resources where they are plentiful and seeks shelter where it is most comfortable, often without contributing or showing loyalty. It can also imply living a life of ease and smart survival.