దండుకు మంచాలు వేయగలమా?
danduku manchalu veyagalama?
Can we provide cots for an entire army?
This proverb is used to describe an impossible task or an impractical demand. It suggests that while you can cater to a few individuals, it is impossible to provide luxury or special treatment to a massive crowd. It is often used when someone expects resources that exceed the available capacity.
Related Phrases
ముందు వచ్చినందుకు మూడు వరహాలు దండుగ, మళ్ళీ ఏలవస్తివే మాయదారి తొత్తా
mundu vachchinanduku mudu varahalu danduga, malli elavastive mayadari totta
Three gold coins were wasted for your first visit; why have you come again, you wretched woman?
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has already caused a significant loss or nuisance in the past, yet they return to cause even more trouble. It highlights the frustration of dealing with a recurring problem or a person who does not learn from their previous mistakes and continues to be a burden.
వెనుక తుమ్ము ముందుకు మంచిది
venuka tummu munduku manchidi
A sneeze from behind is good for what lies ahead.
In Telugu culture, sneezing is often considered an ill omen when starting a task. However, this specific proverb suggests that if someone sneezes from behind you as you are about to leave or start something, it is actually a positive sign or a good omen for the future success of that endeavor.
మన గుమ్మడికాయలు మంచివైతే, బజార్లో ఎందుకు దొర్లుతాయి?
mana gummadikayalu manchivaite, bajarlo enduku dorlutayi?
If our pumpkins are good, why would they be rolling in the market?
This proverb suggests that if our own belongings or family members were truly good or well-behaved, they wouldn't be found in undesirable situations or being criticized by the public. It is often used to point out that when someone close to us is involved in a scandal or trouble, the fault might lie within our own upbringing or oversight rather than external factors.
మాలలకు మంచాలు, బ్రాహ్మణులకు పీటలు
malalaku manchalu, brahmanulaku pitalu
Cots for Pariahs, stools for Brahmans. Caste customs.
This proverb highlights the irony of social status versus necessity, or situations where resources are allocated based on tradition rather than practical need. It refers to a scenario where those who work hard and need rest (like laborers) are given comfort, while those of high spiritual status are given simple traditional seating, often used to describe misplaced priorities or unexpected role reversals.
పాలు పిండగలముగాని, తిరిగి చంటిలోకి ఎక్కించగలమా?
palu pindagalamugani, tirigi chantiloki ekkinchagalama?
We can milk the udder, but can we put it back in?
This expression is used to signify that certain actions are irreversible. Once something is said or done, it cannot be undone or taken back, emphasizing the importance of thinking before acting or speaking.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమంతా కంతలు చేసినాడు.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamanta kantalu chesinadu.
When called a good man, he made holes all over the cot.
This proverb describes a situation where someone takes undue advantage of the praise or kindness shown to them. It refers to people who, when trusted or given freedom due to their 'good' reputation, end up causing damage or acting irresponsibly. It is used to caution against blind trust or to describe someone who lacks common sense despite being called 'good'.
మావాళ్ళు వద్దన్నందుకు, మంగళగిరి తిరునాళ్ళకు వెళ్ళినందుకు నాపని ఇలాగే కావాలి అన్నదట.
mavallu vaddannanduku, mangalagiri tirunallaku vellinanduku napani ilage kavali annadata.
Since my people said no and I still went to the Mangalagiri festival, I deserve exactly this.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone experiences a predictable misfortune or failure after deliberately ignoring the sound advice of well-wishers. It emphasizes self-inflicted consequences and the irony of regret after being warned. It is often used to express self-reproach or to point out someone's stubbornness.
ఇల్లలకగానే పండుగ కాదు
illalakagane panduga kadu
Cleaning or mopping the house does not mean the festival has arrived.
This proverb is used to warn against premature celebration or assuming a task is complete based on superficial initial actions. Just as mopping a floor is only a preliminary step for a festival, one must complete the actual hard work or wait for the true results before claiming success.
గోవును గోలెం దగ్గరకు తీసుకువెళ్లగలం కానీ, కుడితి తాగించగలమా?
govunu golem daggaraku tisukuvellagalam kani, kuditi taginchagalama?
We can take the cow to the tub, but can we make it drink the feed?
This is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.' It signifies that you can provide someone with an opportunity or guidance, but you cannot force them to take action or benefit from it if they are unwilling.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమెక్కి గంతులు వేశాడటా.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamekki gantulu veshadata.
When he was called a good man, he jumped onto the cot and started leaping.
This expression is used to describe someone who takes undue advantage of others' kindness or praise. It refers to a person who, when treated with respect or leniency, behaves recklessly or exceeds their boundaries due to overconfidence or lack of discipline.