దాయాది ఉంటే నిప్పెందుకు
dayadi unte nippenduku
Why do you need fire when you have a relative?
This proverb is used to describe intense rivalry or enmity between paternal cousins or relatives (dayadi). It suggests that the jealousy or malice of a relative is as destructive and burning as a fire, capable of destroying one's house or life without needing an actual spark.
Related Phrases
దుక్కి ఉంటే దిక్కు ఉంది
dukki unte dikku undi
If there is plowing, there is a way.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of agriculture and hard work. It suggests that if one prepares the land well (plowing), they will always have a means of survival and a secure future. It is used to highlight that labor is the foundation of sustenance.
అది లేనిదే గడి ఎందుకు?
adi lenide gadi enduku?
Why do we need a latch without it?
This expression is often used to emphasize the importance of a core element or a central person. Just as a door latch is useless without the door or the frame it secures, a project, home, or situation is seen as pointless or non-functional without its most essential component or the person who makes it work.
చూస్తే నీది, చూడకుంటే నాది
chuste nidi, chudakunte nadi
If seen it's yours, if not seen it's mine. The trick of a thief or a shoplifter who, if noticed, pretends that his intentions were not dishonest.
This expression is used to describe the mindset of a thief or someone dishonest. It implies that a person will claim ownership of something only as long as they aren't caught stealing it. It highlights a lack of integrity where honesty depends entirely on being observed by others.
కూడు ఉంటే కులగోత్రాలెందుకు
kudu unte kulagotralenduku
If there is food, why do lineage and caste matter?
This proverb highlights that basic survival and hunger take precedence over social status, caste, or background. When a person is starving, their primary concern is obtaining food (sustenance) rather than worrying about pride, pedigree, or social divisions. It is used to emphasize that necessity and practical needs are more important than superficial social identities.
పగలు పప్పేసినవందుకు నిన్నెందుకు కొడుదు పెండ్లామా? నిత్యం బూరెలు వండితే నిన్నెందుకు తిడుదు పెండ్లామా?
pagalu pappesinavanduku ninnenduku kodudu pendlama? nityam burelu vandite ninnenduku tidudu pendlama?
Why would I beat you for serving dal during the day, wife? Why would I scold you if you make sweet boorelu every day, wife?
This expression is used to describe someone who makes obvious or redundant statements about being kind only when their own needs are met with luxury. It mocks a person who pretends to be reasonable while actually demanding high standards or special treatment constantly. It reflects a situation where 'good behavior' is conditional upon receiving the best possible service or food.
నీరు ఉంటే పల్లె, నారి ఉంటే ఇల్లు
niru unte palle, nari unte illu
If there is water, it's a village; if there is a woman, it's a home.
This proverb highlights the essential elements required for sustenance and prosperity. Just as water is the lifeblood of a village for survival and agriculture, a woman's presence and care are considered the vital foundation that turns a mere house into a nurturing home.
నేను పుట్టకపోతే నీకు పెండ్లామే లేకపోవునే అంటే, నీవు పుట్టకపోతే నీ తల్లినే పెళ్ళాడి ఉందునన్నాడట.
nenu puttakapote niku pendlame lekapovune ante, nivu puttakapote ni talline pelladi undunannadata.
When she said 'If I hadn't been born, you wouldn't have had a wife at all', he replied 'If you hadn't been born, I would have married your mother'.
This is a humorous and sarcastic Telugu proverb used to describe a witty or sharp-tongued retort to an arrogant or self-important claim. It highlights how someone's attempt to show their indispensability can be met with a crushing and absurd counter-argument, often used to silence someone who is bragging about their role in a situation.
కొండంత దూదికి కొండంత నిప్పెందుకు
kondanta dudiki kondanta nippenduku
Why do you need a mountain-sized fire for a mountain-sized pile of cotton?
This expression suggests that a massive problem or a large quantity of something fragile can be destroyed by a very small spark or effort. It is used to imply that even a small amount of truth, a single mistake, or a tiny solution is sufficient to handle a seemingly overwhelming situation.
కొంప అంటుకుపోతుంటే, నీళ్ళబాన కోసం నిప్పు దగ్గరికి వెళ్ళాడట
kompa antukupotunte, nillabana kosam nippu daggariki velladata
When the house was on fire, he went to the fire to fetch a pot of water.
This proverb describes a person who lacks common sense or presence of mind during a crisis. It is used to mock someone who employs a counter-productive or foolish method to solve an urgent problem, essentially making the situation worse.
రాయి రాయి రాసుకుంటే నిప్పురవ్వలు, కొమ్మ కొమ్మ రాసుకుంటే నిప్పు మంటలు.
rayi rayi rasukunte nippuravvalu, komma komma rasukunte nippu mantalu.
If a stone rubs against a stone, sparks appear; if a branch rubs against a branch, fire breaks out.
This proverb is used to describe how small disagreements or interactions between people can escalate into significant conflicts or major transformations. It highlights the principle of friction leading to energy, often applied in the context of human relationships or collective action.