దానం చేయకున్నా దక్షిణ ఇమ్మన్నట్లు
danam cheyakunna dakshina immannatlu
Even if you don't give charity, at least pay the ritual fee.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is unable or unwilling to perform a large act of generosity is still expected to fulfill basic obligations or show minimal courtesy. It highlights that even if a significant favor isn't possible, one should not neglect the essential duties or formalities.
Related Phrases
అత్తసొమ్ము అల్లుడు దానం చేసినట్లు
attasommu alludu danam chesinatlu
Like a son-in-law donating his mother-in-law's property.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is being generous or charitable with someone else's resources or money rather than their own. It highlights the hypocrisy of taking credit for a sacrifice that doesn't actually cost the giver anything.
అప్పు చేసి పప్పు కూడు
appu chesi pappu kudu
Eating lentil rice by taking a loan.
This proverb describes a person who lives a lavish or comfortable lifestyle beyond their means by borrowing money. It refers to the habit of prioritizing immediate luxury or indulgence without worrying about future debt or financial consequences.
చేసినమ్మ చేప చేయనమ్మ చెదలు
chesinamma chepa cheyanamma chedalu
The woman who worked got fish, the woman who didn't got termites.
This proverb emphasizes that hard work leads to fruitful results, while laziness or procrastination leads to waste and decay. It is used to motivate someone to put in effort to reap rewards rather than letting opportunities rot away.
గోప్రదక్షిణము భూప్రదక్షిణ ఫల మిచ్చినట్లు.
gopradakshinamu bhupradakshina phala michchinatlu.
Like how circling a cow gives the same merit as circling the entire earth.
This proverb is used when a small, symbolic, or smart action yields the same significant results as a massive, laborious task. It highlights efficiency and the importance of intent over physical exertion.
దానం చేయని చేయి - కాయలు కాయని చెట్టు
danam cheyani cheyi - kayalu kayani chettu
A hand that does not give charity is like a tree that does not bear fruit.
This expression highlights the importance of generosity and social responsibility. It suggests that a person's life or wealth is useless if they do not help others, just as a fruit tree is considered pointless or unproductive if it fails to yield fruit. It is used to criticize stinginess and emphasize that true value lies in giving.
అత్తసొమ్ము అల్లుడు దానం చేసినట్టు.
attasommu alludu danam chesinattu.
Like a son-in-law donating the mother-in-law's property.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is overly generous with someone else's resources or money. It highlights the hypocrisy or ease of being charitable when the cost is not being borne by the giver themselves.
అశ్వత్థ ప్రదక్షిణం చేసి, కడుపు పట్టి చూసుకున్నట్లు
ashvattha pradakshinam chesi, kadupu patti chusukunnatlu
Like circumambulating the sacred fig tree and immediately checking the belly for pregnancy.
This expression is used to describe a person who expects immediate results for their actions, even when the process naturally takes time. Just as one cannot expect to become pregnant instantly after performing a religious ritual at a tree, one shouldn't be impatient for results that require time and patience.
లక్షణం చెడితే అవలక్షణం
lakshanam chedite avalakshanam
If Lakshanam is neglected it becomes Avalakshanam.
This expression means that a small flaw or a lapse in character can turn a virtue into a vice. It is used to caution people that maintaining one's good reputation or quality requires consistency, as even a minor deviation can lead to being perceived negatively.
There is a pun here on the word Lakshanam which as a noun signifies the ' rules of classic composition,' and as an adjective ' handsome.'—Ava- lakshanam means ' ugly,' ' deformed.'
తానొకటి తలిస్తే దైవమొకటి తలచినట్లు
tanokati taliste daivamokati talachinatlu
While one thinks of one thing, God thinks of another.
This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Man proposes, God disposes'. It is used when human plans or expectations fail due to unforeseen circumstances or fate, highlighting that humans do not have ultimate control over the outcomes of their actions.
ఊరంతా ఉత్తరం చూస్తే, దాసరి పుల్లయ్య దక్షిణం చూచెనట.
uranta uttaram chuste, dasari pullayya dakshinam chuchenata.
When the whole village looked North, Dasari Pullayya looked South.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is contrarian or eccentric, always acting or thinking in direct opposition to the consensus or common sense. It highlights stubbornness or a lack of conformity in a way that is often seen as illogical or unhelpful.