చేతికి అందనిది నోటికి అందదు
chetiki andanidi notiki andadu
That which does not reach the hand will not reach the mouth.
This proverb highlights the uncertainty of life and the gap between effort and actual result. It is used to describe situations where something that seems very close to being achieved is lost at the last moment, or when one cannot rely on something until it is fully secured.
Related Phrases
ఎదుట అన్నది మాట, ఎదాన పెట్టినది వాత.
eduta annadi mata, edana pettinadi vata.
A word spoken in front is just a word, but a brand (mark) placed on the heart is permanent.
This proverb highlights the difference between constructive criticism and backstabbing or deep emotional hurt. It suggests that while direct confrontation can be addressed, words or actions that strike deep at one's emotions or are done behind someone's back leave a lasting, painful scar that is difficult to forget.
కోతి చేతి పూల దండ
koti cheti pula danda
A garland of flowers in a monkey's paw.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a valuable object or a position of responsibility is given to someone who is incapable of understanding its value or doesn't know how to handle it properly, eventually leading to its destruction.
A good thing thrown away on a stupid person.
ఏడ్చేదాని ఎడమచేతికిందా, కుట్టేవాని కుడిచేతికిందా కూర్చోరాదు
edchedani edamachetikinda, kuttevani kudichetikinda kurchoradu
One should not sit under the left hand of a crying person or the right hand of a tailor.
This proverb highlights practical caution and situational awareness. A crying person often wipes their nose or eyes with their left hand, potentially splashing tears or mucus on those nearby. Similarly, a tailor's right hand moves vigorously while sewing (traditionally with a needle or pulling thread), risking an accidental poke or hit to someone sitting too close. It is used to advise people to stay away from positions where they might inadvertently get hurt or soiled by someone else's actions.
వేరుకు అందాలి నీరు, కంకికి అందాలి పైరగాలి
veruku andali niru, kankiki andali pairagali
The root must receive water, and the ear of the grain must receive the cool breeze.
This is an agricultural proverb highlighting the specific needs of a crop at different stages or parts. It means that while the foundation (roots) requires nourishment and stability (water), the result or output (the grain ear) requires the right environmental conditions and aeration (breeze) to flourish. It is often used to describe how different aspects of a project or a person's life need different types of support to achieve overall success.
ఆకును అందదు, పోకను పొందదు
akunu andadu, pokanu pondadu
It reaches not the leaf, it suits not the nut. Quite inadequate.
This expression is used to describe someone or something that is caught in the middle and is useless for either of two intended purposes. It refers to the preparation of a betel leaf (pan), where one fails to get both the leaf and the areca nut, rendering the effort futile. It is often applied to people who are indecisive or situations that lack clear direction and utility.
చచ్చినోడి అందం బతికినోడి బంధం
chachchinodi andam batikinodi bandham
The beauty of the dead and the relationship of the living.
This expression suggests that we often praise people's qualities only after they pass away (idealizing the dead), whereas we focus on the obligations, conflicts, and burdens of relationships while people are still alive. It is used to point out how humans tend to value people more when they are gone than when they are present.
కాని కాలానికి కంది అయినా కాయదు
kani kalaniki kandi ayina kayadu
In bad times, even a pigeon pea plant will not bear fruit
This proverb describes a period of misfortune where even the simplest or most reliable tasks fail to yield results. It is used to express that when luck is against someone, even their best efforts and usually dependable resources will let them down.
రాత్రికి వెన్నెల అందం, చేనుకు కంకులు అందం
ratriki vennela andam, chenuku kankulu andam
Moonlight is the beauty of the night, while ears of grain are the beauty of the field
This expression highlights that everything has a specific element that gives it completeness and beauty. Just as the night is incomplete without the moon, a crop field is only truly beautiful and purposeful when it bears grain. It is often used to describe how certain attributes or outcomes define the true value of an entity.
నోటికి చేతికి చీకటి లేదు
notiki chetiki chikati ledu
There is no darkness between the mouth and the hand.
This expression is used to describe someone who eats excessively or constantly, often without any sense of timing or restraint. It implies that the person is always moving their hand to their mouth to eat, regardless of whether it is day or night.
నోటికీ చేతికీ అడ్డులేదు
notiki chetiki adduledu
There is no barrier between the mouth and the hand.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks self-control or discipline. It usually refers to someone who eats excessively without restraint or someone who speaks impulsively and acts recklessly without thinking of the consequences.