చెవి దగ్గర జోరీగలాగా
chevi daggara jorigalaga
Like a gadfly near the ear
Used to describe someone who is constantly nagging, complaining, or talking in an annoying manner. It refers to a persistent disturbance that is hard to ignore, much like the irritating buzz of a fly close to one's ear.
Related Phrases
పేదవాని వెంట పడెనమ్మా జోరీగ
pedavani venta padenamma joriga
O mother, the gadfly is chasing the poor man.
This expression is used to describe a situation where troubles or misfortunes seem to disproportionately follow those who are already struggling. It highlights the irony and cruelty of fate where a person who has nothing is further harassed by even the smallest of nuisances or problems.
కాలిలో ముల్లు, చెవిలో జోరీగ
kalilo mullu, chevilo joriga
A thorn in the foot and a gadfly in the ear
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is suffering from multiple, persistent irritations or problems simultaneously. Just as a thorn makes walking painful and a gadfly's buzzing is incessantly annoying, it refers to being pestered by small but significant troubles that give a person no peace.
గొడ్డలి దెబ్బకు అన్నాడట
goddali debbaku annadata
He said 'brother' to the axe blow
This expression describes a situation where someone suddenly becomes humble, respectful, or starts calling an enemy 'brother' only when faced with an immediate, life-threatening danger or severe punishment. It is used to mock people who only show manners or submission when they are under duress.
మృతి దగ్గరకు వచ్చినా, సతి దగ్గరకు వచ్చినా మతి ఉండదు.
mriti daggaraku vachchina, sati daggaraku vachchina mati undadu.
Whether death approaches or a wife approaches, one loses their mind.
This proverb highlights two extremes where a person loses their rational thinking or common sense: when facing imminent death (due to fear and panic) and when overwhelmed by lust or infatuation. It is used to describe situations where a person acts irrationally under the influence of extreme fear or intense desire.
చెవి కోసిన మేక లాగా
chevi kosina meka laga
Like a goat with its ear cut off
Used to describe someone who is screaming or crying uncontrollably and incessantly. It refers to the loud, agonizing bleating a goat makes when its ear is notched or cut, typically for identification purposes.
మకరందపానంబు మధుకరాళికిగాక జోరీగలు జుజ్జిగలవా?
makarandapanambu madhukaralikigaka jorigalu jujjigalava?
Is the drinking of nectar for the honeybees, or can the gadflies taste it?
This expression is used to convey that only those with true refinement, taste, or merit can appreciate and enjoy higher qualities or sophisticated things. Just as a honeybee seeks nectar while a gadfly (horsefly) is attracted to filth, a person of low character or lack of intelligence cannot appreciate the depth of poetry, art, or wisdom. It highlights the inherent difference in nature and capability between individuals.
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.
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.
చెవిలో జోరీగ, కాలిలో ముల్లు
chevilo joriga, kalilo mullu
A beetle in the ear, a thorn in the foot
This expression is used to describe a situation or a person that is persistently annoying, irritating, or causing constant discomfort. Just as a buzzing beetle in the ear is distracting and a thorn in the foot makes every step painful, this phrase characterizes something that prevents peace of mind and requires immediate attention.
పులి పక్కన జోరీగ ఉన్నట్టు
puli pakkana joriga unnattu
Like a horsefly being beside a tiger
This expression is used to describe a situation where a weak or insignificant person stays close to a powerful person to feel important, or to describe a constant, annoying presence that bothers someone much more powerful than themselves.