చినపేరితాడు తెగితే, పెదపేరితాడు తెగుతుంది
chinaperitadu tegite, pedaperitadu tegutundi
If the small name-thread breaks, the big name-thread will also break.
This expression suggests that if a small problem or minor connection is severed, it can lead to the destruction of a larger, more significant relationship or structure. It is often used to warn that neglect of small things can lead to a domino effect, resulting in a major loss.
Related Phrases
రవ్వ రవ్వతో తెగుతుంది కాని, రాతితో తెగుతుందా
ravva ravvato tegutundi kani, ratito tegutunda
A diamond is cut by a diamond, but can it be cut by a stone?
This proverb suggests that certain tasks or people can only be handled or influenced by their equals or counterparts. Just as a hard diamond requires another diamond to be shaped, a strong-willed or highly skilled person can only be challenged or countered by someone of similar caliber, not by an ordinary or 'stone-like' force.
చిన పేరితాడు తెగితే, పెదపేరి తాడు అప్పుడే తెగుతుంది
china peritadu tegite, pedaperi tadu appude tegutundi
If the small name-string breaks, the big name-string breaks right then.
This expression is used to describe a chain reaction or a situation where the loss or failure of a minor component immediately triggers the collapse of a major one. It is often used in the context of family relationships or traditional social structures where one event inevitably leads to another related consequence.
వేలు తెగినా సున్నం పెట్టడు
velu tegina sunnam pettadu
He won't even give lime (chuna) if a finger is cut.
This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person who refuses to help others even in a dire emergency or for a very small cost. In olden days, lime paste was used as a quick first aid for small cuts; the phrase suggests the person is so greedy they wouldn't even spare a tiny bit of lime to stop someone's bleeding.
చినపేరితాడు తెగితే, పెదపేరితాడు అప్పుడే తెగుతుంది
chinaperitadu tegite, pedaperitadu appude tegutundi
If China Pêri's marriage-cord be broken, Peda Pêri's will be broken at the same time. The Tâdu is the cord tied round a bride's neck. To it is attached the gold Tâliboṭṭu, answering to the wedding ring. When a woman becomes a widow the cord is broken. Said by one fellow wife to the other. Both in the same boat.
This expression is used to describe a chain reaction of unfortunate events or how small failures can lead to larger, systemic collapses. In a traditional context, it refers to the sequence of life events or rituals where the disruption of one step inevitably affects the next.
వగచినట్టే ఉండాల, వాడి ఆలితాడు తెగినట్లే ఉండాల.
vagachinatte undala, vadi alitadu teginatle undala.
One must look like they are grieving, but his wife's wedding thread must also be broken.
This proverb describes extreme hypocrisy or malicious intent disguised as sympathy. It refers to a person who pretends to be sad about a tragedy while secretly wishing for, or even causing, the worst possible outcome for another. It is used to mock people who act like well-wishers but harbor deep-seated enmity.
తాడు తెగిన గాలిపటం
tadu tegina galipatam
A kite with a broken string
This expression is used to describe a person who is directionless, lacks control, or is wandering aimlessly without any support or guidance. It can also refer to someone who has suddenly become free from constraints but is now unstable or lost.
ఉపాయం చెప్పవయ్యా అంటే ఉరితాడు తెచ్చుకో అన్నాట్ట
upayam cheppavayya ante uritadu techchuko annatta
When asked for a solution, he suggested getting a noose.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone asks for helpful advice or a solution to a problem, but receives a suggestion that is destructive, harmful, or worsens the situation rather than solving it. It highlights the foolishness or malice of a bad advisor.
పెద్దక్క ఓలి తెగితే, చిన్నక్క ఓలి తెగుతుంది
peddakka oli tegite, chinnakka oli tegutundi
If the elder sister's marriage settlement fails, the younger sister's marriage settlement also fails.
This proverb describes a chain reaction or a precedent-setting event. It suggests that if a rule is broken or a standard is lowered for the first person in a sequence, it automatically applies to those following them. It is used to caution that one's failure or deviation can negatively impact others who are dependent on that same process or tradition.
నీటికి నాచు తెగులు, నాతికి రంగు తెగులు
nitiki nachu tegulu, natiki rangu tegulu
Moss is a disease for water; vanity is a disease for a woman.
This proverb suggests that just as moss spoils the purity and clarity of water, an obsession with makeup, vanity, or external appearance can ruin the character or integrity of a person. It is used to caution against excessive materialism or preoccupation with looks.
పేరితే పాలే పెరుగు
perite pale perugu
If they curdle, even milk becomes yogurt
This proverb implies that with patience, time, or the right conditions, a transformation occurs. It is often used to suggest that things will eventually take their proper shape or reach their potential if given the necessary time and environment.