చెట్టుకు పుట్టకు వరుసగాని, మనిషికేమి వరుసరా మాల నాయాల
chettuku puttaku varusagani, manishikemi varusara mala nayala
Relationships apply to trees and anthills, but why do humans need relationships, you scoundrel?
This is a sarcastic or derogatory expression used to mock someone who disregards social norms, family ethics, or moral boundaries in relationships. It suggests that if a person ignores human kinship and decency, they are behaving like inanimate objects or lower life forms that lack a social structure. Note: The term 'Mala' used at the end is historically a caste name and is used here in a derogatory colloquial sense to mean a 'scoundrel' or 'uncivilized person'.
Related Phrases
మనిషి కాటుకు మందు లేదు.
manishi katuku mandu ledu.
There is no medicine for the bite of a man. The bite of an enraged man is said to be fatally poisonous.
This proverb refers to the malicious nature of human behavior, specifically betrayal, gossip, or cruelty. While there are remedies for snake bites or animal wounds, the damage caused by a person's words or actions can be irreparable and impossible to heal with physical medicine.
డబ్బులేనివాడికి బోగముది తల్లి వరుస
dabbulenivadiki bogamudi talli varusa
To a man with no money, a courtesan is like a mother.
This proverb is used to highlight how poverty changes one's perspective or how people treat those who cannot afford their services. In a literal sense, it implies that a person without wealth cannot pursue luxury or indulgence, as they are treated with the same distance or respect as a maternal figure by those who sell such services, simply because there is no transaction possible.
వావి వరుసలు తప్పి వర్తిస్తే చెడిపోతారు.
vavi varusalu tappi vartiste chedipotaru.
If one behaves ignoring kinship and relationship rules, they will be ruined.
This expression is used to emphasize the importance of maintaining social and familial boundaries. It warns that violating the sanctity of relationships (especially incestuous or socially unacceptable behavior regarding elders and relatives) leads to moral degradation and social downfall.
చెల్లెలి వరుస విడిచి చేసుకోవాలి, తల్లి వరుస తప్పి చేసుకోవాలి
chelleli varusa vidichi chesukovali, talli varusa tappi chesukovali
One should marry leaving the relation of a sister and avoiding the relation of a mother.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to explain marriage alliances and exogamy. It signifies that one can marry a girl who doesn't fall into the category of a 'sister' (like a paternal uncle's daughter or maternal aunt's daughter) or 'mother' (certain maternal clan relations) according to cultural lineage rules. It emphasizes following social and biological protocols in matrimonial matches.
నామాలవారేగాని నియమాలవారు కారు
namalavaregani niyamalavaru karu
They wear the religious marks, but they do not follow the religious rules.
This proverb describes people who are hypocritical or superficial. It refers to individuals who put on an outward display of piety or discipline (like wearing religious marks on the forehead) but fail to adhere to the actual principles, virtues, or rules they claim to represent. It is used to criticize someone whose actions do not match their appearance.
సత్యహరిశ్చంద్రుడు పుట్టిన మరుసటినాడు పుట్టినాడన్నట్లు.
satyaharishchandrudu puttina marusatinadu puttinadannatlu.
As if he was born the very next day after Satya Harishchandra was born.
This expression is used sarcastically to describe someone who pretends to be exceptionally honest or truthful, implying that they are just as righteous as the legendary King Harishchandra. It is typically aimed at people who are actually being dishonest or hypocritical.
పావలా సంపాదనగాడికి వరహా లంజవరుస గాదు
pavala sampadanagadiki varaha lanjavarusa gadu
A man who earns a quarter cannot afford a mistress who costs a gold coin.
This proverb highlights the importance of living within one's means. It is used to criticize people who have expensive tastes or bad habits that far exceed their financial capacity. It suggests that one's lifestyle and expenses should be proportionate to their actual income.
చెట్టుకు చావ నలుపు, మనిషికి చావ తెలుపు
chettuku chava nalupu, manishiki chava telupu
Black is the death for a tree, white is the death for a human.
This proverb highlights indicators of decay or failure. In plants, turning black usually signifies rot or death. In humans, turning white (pale) often indicates illness, fear, or the loss of vitality. It is used to describe how different entities show signs of their decline in distinct ways.
వావివరుస దప్పి వర్తించి చెడుదురు.
vavivarusa dappi vartinchi cheduduru.
They will perish by behaving without regard for kinship and social relations.
This expression emphasizes the importance of maintaining social and familial boundaries. It is used to warn that those who ignore moral standards or act inappropriately within family and social hierarchies will eventually face downfall or ruin.
మనిషికి రాక మానుకు వస్తుందా?
manishiki raka manuku vastunda?
Will [calamity] come to a tree and not to a man? Human beings are more liable to injury than inanimate objects.
This proverb is used to offer comfort or perspective when someone is facing difficulties. It implies that challenges, illnesses, or problems are an inherent part of the human experience. Since a tree cannot experience or handle human struggles, it is natural and expected for humans to face them.