దాయాది ఉంటే నిప్పెందుకు

dayadi unte nippenduku

Translation

Why do you need fire when you have a relative?

Meaning

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.