చెట్టు మొండి అయితే, చేరికలో వాన.
chettu mondi ayite, cherikalo vana.
If the tree is stubborn, the rain is right at its base.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an obstacle or a stubborn person is met with an even more persistent or overwhelming force. It suggests that if someone refuses to be flexible or act accordingly, circumstances will eventually force a confrontation or a result right where they stand. It is often used to imply that one cannot escape the consequences of their nature or actions.
Related Phrases
అక్క మనది అయితే, బావ మనవాడా?
akka manadi ayite, bava manavada?
The sister is ours, but is the sisters's husband ours also ?
This proverb highlights that personal relationships do not automatically extend to third parties or transfer ownership/loyalty. It is used to caution against over-relying on someone just because they are related to a close person of yours, emphasizing that their interests or loyalties might still remain separate.
మొలిచే చెట్టు మొలకలోనే తెలుస్తుంది
moliche chettu molakalone telustundi
The tree that will grow is known even at the sprout stage.
This proverb suggests that a person's future potential or character can be identified during their childhood or at the very beginning of a project. It is similar to the English proverb 'The child is the father of the man' or 'Coming events cast their shadows before'.
చెట్టు ముందా, విత్తు ముందా అన్నట్టు
chettu munda, vittu munda annattu
Like asking whether the tree was first or the seed.
This expression is used to describe a classic 'chicken and egg' dilemma. It refers to a situation or debate where it is impossible to determine which of two related things happened first or is the primary cause of the other.
A problem that cannot be solved. Ask which was born first, the hen or the egg. (Italian.)*
హస్త ఆదివారం వస్తే, చచ్చేటంత వాన.
hasta adivaram vaste, chachchetanta vana.
If the Hasta nakshatra falls on a Sunday, it rains to death.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to rainfall patterns. It suggests that if the moon enters the 'Hasta' constellation (nakshatra) on a Sunday during the monsoon season, it will result in extremely heavy, torrential rainfall.
చెట్టు ముందా విత్తు ముందా అన్నట్లు
chettu munda vittu munda annatlu
Like asking whether the tree came first or the seed first.
This expression is used to describe a classic chicken-and-egg dilemma or a circular argument where it is impossible to determine which of two related things happened or existed first. It is often applied to situations involving infinite regress or complex causal loops.
కాలి కాలన మొండి కట్టె
kali kalana mondi katte
A half-burnt log. Said of a mean spirited creature who resents no affront.
This expression refers to a person who is extremely stubborn, obstinate, or unresponsive to advice and logic. Just as a partially burnt, thick log of wood is difficult to handle and neither fully burns away nor remains useful, this phrase describes a person whose behavior is difficult to change or manage.
ముషిణిచెట్టు అయినా పచ్చనిచెట్టు కొట్టరాదు.
mushinichettu ayina pachchanichettu kottaradu.
Even if it is a poisonous Musini tree, a green tree should not be cut down.
This proverb emphasizes the value of life and environmental preservation. It suggests that one should not destroy something that is thriving and green, even if it is seemingly useless or harmful like the Musini (Strychnine) tree, as every living thing has its place in nature.
చెట్టు అయి వంగనిది మాను అయి వంగునా?
chettu ayi vanganidi manu ayi vanguna?
If a tree won't bend when it is young, will it bend when it is full grown ? If a man is not humble in his youth, will he grow meek in his old age ? Bend the tree while it is young. (Italian.)* The old branch breaks if bent. (Danish.) "Bow down his neck while he is young." Ecclesiasticus xxx. 12.
This proverb emphasizes that habits, discipline, and character are best formed during childhood. If someone is not corrected or taught while they are young and flexible (like a sapling), they will become rigid and impossible to change once they grow older (like a sturdy tree). It is often used to stress the importance of early education and parenting.
లేని ఉదారి కంటే కలిగిన మొండి మేలు.
leni udari kante kaligina mondi melu.
A rich stingy man is better than a poor liberal man.
This proverb highlights that intentions alone are not enough. A generous person who lacks resources cannot help others despite their kindness, whereas a wealthy but difficult or stingy person might still be a source of resources or support in a practical sense. It is often used to emphasize the importance of capability over empty promises.
ఏ చెట్టూ లేనిచోట వెంపలి చెట్టు మహావృక్షము
e chettu lenichota vempali chettu mahavrikshamu
In a place where there are no trees, even a Wild Indigo bush is a great tree
This proverb describes a situation where an ordinary or mediocre person is considered great simply because there are no better alternatives available. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'