దగ్గకపోతే, దొబ్బలకూరకైనా కొరగాడు.

daggakapote, dobbalakurakaina koragadu.

Translation

If one does not cough, they are not even fit for a curry of weeds.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who is so weak, timid, or useless that they lack even the basic vitality or presence to be of any value. It suggests that if a person cannot even assert themselves or perform a simple action like coughing, they are considered completely ineffective in society.

Related Phrases

Malabar spinach for show, and Amaranth if one can't eat it.

This proverb describes a person who boasts or maintains high appearances (symbolized by the slightly more 'sophisticated' Malabar spinach) despite their actual circumstances being humble or common (represented by the everyday Amaranth). It is used to mock people who act superior but live ordinary lives, or those who pretend to be picky about things they cannot afford.

Both Haritaki and a Turk are purgatives; one must go inside, while for the other, just coming close is enough.

This is a historical proverb reflecting the fear and social impact during the era of invasions. While 'karakkaya' (myrobalan) acts as a laxative only when consumed, the mere presence of a 'turaka' (invader) was enough to cause people to lose control of their bowels out of fear. It is used to describe something or someone so terrifying that their mere approach causes panic.

An opportunity that comes to your feet will not be found even if you go to Kashi.

This expression means that when a good opportunity or a profitable deal comes to you effortlessly, you should grab it immediately. If you neglect or reject it, you might not find such a great opportunity again, even if you travel far and wide or put in immense effort (symbolized by going to the holy city of Kashi).

Age is crunchy, duck is crunchy.

This expression is used to describe the vigor and energy of youth. It implies that during one's prime age, even a tough or 'crunchy' meat like duck can be easily digested and enjoyed. It signifies that everything seems favorable and manageable when one is young and healthy.

A deal that comes to your feet cannot be found even if you go to Kashi.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of seizing an opportunity when it is right in front of you. If you neglect or reject a fortune or a good deal that comes to you easily, you may not find it again even if you travel long distances or make extreme efforts (symbolized by a pilgrimage to Kashi) to search for it.

The people with the cough suffer from the most coughing.

This is a sarcastic or witty wordplay usually directed at people with the surname 'Daggubati' or used generally to imply that those associated with a particular problem are the ones who exhibit its symptoms the most. It is often used in a lighthearted or teasing manner.

Turk, stain, turn them over and chop.

This is a rhythmic folk saying or a tongue twister emphasizing that certain things (originally referring to stains on clothes or tough situations) need to be handled thoroughly from both sides to be resolved. In a modern context, it is often used as a playful rhyming phrase or to suggest that one should be relentless in tackling a problem.

If one gives birth to three daughters, even an old man becomes useless.

This traditional Telugu proverb reflects the historical socioeconomic burden of marrying off three daughters. It suggests that the expenses and responsibilities associated with the weddings and dowries of three girls would drain a family's wealth so entirely that even a wealthy or stable man (metaphorically the 'old man') would be rendered penniless or ruined.

An old thief cannot avoid being caught forever.

This proverb suggests that no matter how experienced or clever a person is at committing wrongful acts, they will eventually be caught or their secrets will be exposed. It is used to imply that one's past misdeeds or habitual dishonesty will inevitably catch up with them.

When she went to the jasmine-seller because her husband beat her, the jasmine-seller beat her all night long.

This proverb describes a situation where someone tries to escape a small problem or a specific hardship by seeking help from another person, only to find themselves in a much worse or more continuous predicament. It is similar to the expression 'out of the frying pan and into the fire.'