ధనియాల జాతి
dhaniyala jati
The coriander-seed caste. Said of Kômaṭi ( No. 712 ) because treating a Kômaṭi roughly is the only way of dealing with him, as rubbing the coriander-seed before it is sown is the only way of making it sprout.
This is a sarcastic expression used to describe people who are timid, cowardly, or lack any real substance. Just as a coriander seed is easily crushed or lacks strength, this phrase refers to someone who retreats easily or has no 'spine' or courage.
Related Phrases
వండు సూడనీయదు, మండి మాననీయదు.
vandu sudaniyadu, mandi mananiyadu.
It doesn't let you cook and see, and it doesn't stop burning.
This expression is used to describe a problematic, irritable, or difficult person or situation that is constantly bothersome. It refers to a fire that is too smokey to allow cooking but too stubborn to go out, representing a state of constant annoyance that neither resolves nor allows progress.
కాపుల జాతకాలు కరణాల కెరుక.
kapula jatakalu karanala keruka.
The horoscopes of the farmers are known to the village accountants.
In traditional Telugu village administration, the 'Karanam' (village accountant) maintained all records, debts, and land details of the 'Kapu' (farmers). This proverb implies that an authority or someone close to the situation knows all the secrets and the complete history of a person, even if they try to hide it. It is used when someone's true status or secrets are already well-known to a specific observer.
సవతి సాగనీయదు, ఏరా లెచ్చనీయదు.
savati saganiyadu, era lechchaniyadu.
The co-wife doesn't let one thrive, and the fishhook doesn't let the bait rise.
This proverb describes a situation where a person is trapped between two obstructive or competing forces that prevent any progress. It is used to express how internal friction or constant interference from others can make it impossible for someone to succeed or move forward in their life or work.
చెప్పుతో రాస్తే గాని ధనియాలు జాతి మొలవదు
chepputo raste gani dhaniyalu jati molavadu
Coriander seeds won't sprout unless rubbed with a slipper.
This proverb is used to describe people who only respond or comply when treated harshly or strictly. Just as coriander seeds need to be rubbed vigorously (traditionally with footwear or a rough surface) to break their hard shell and sprout, some individuals only perform their duties or behave correctly when subjected to stern discipline or force.
తనతో వచ్చింది తనియాలు, రానన్నది వెలయాలు
tanato vachchindi taniyalu, ranannadi velayalu
What came with him are coriander seeds; she who refused to come is a courtesan.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone experiences a loss or a failed expectation but tries to hide their disappointment or pride by making excuses or belittling the value of what they lost. It highlights the tendency to rationalize a failure by claiming that what was obtained is sufficient or that what was lost wasn't worth having anyway.
పీనుగకు చేసిన జాతర
pinugaku chesina jatara
A festival celebrated for a corpse
This expression refers to a situation where a lot of effort, money, or energy is spent on something that is already useless or dead. It describes a futile act or an event where there is no appreciation or benefit, as the recipient is unable to enjoy or respond to the efforts made.
జంగమైన వెనుక జాతినెంచగరాదు.
jangamaina venuka jatinenchagaradu.
Once someone becomes a Jangama (monk/renunciant), their past caste should not be considered.
This proverb emphasizes that once a person chooses a spiritual path or a higher calling, their previous social background, origin, or lineage becomes irrelevant. It is used to suggest that one should be judged by their current state and virtues rather than their past status or identity.
హస్తిజాతి పెళ్ళాం మూషిక జాతి మొగుడు
hastijati pellam mushika jati mogudu
An elephant-class wife and a mouse-class husband.
This proverb is used to describe a mismatch in a couple, particularly regarding physical stature, personality, or status. It depicts a situation where the wife is significantly larger, stronger, or more dominant than the husband, highlighting an comical or awkward imbalance between partners.
వీనుగకు చేసిన జాతర
vinugaku chesina jatara
Carrying a corpse in procession.
This expression refers to a wasted effort or a pointless celebration. Just as organizing a grand festival or carnival for a dead person is useless and provides no benefit to the subject, it describes actions taken or resources spent where they are completely unappreciated or ineffective.
A vain ceremony.
లొల్లి
lolli
Ruckus / Commotion
This is a common colloquial term used primarily in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh/Telangana. It refers to a noisy disturbance, a fight, or a nuisance. It is used in contexts like 'Don't make a scene' (Lolli cheyyaku) or 'What is this trouble?' (Emi lolli idi?).