ధర్మం దరబేసిని అడిగితే ఇచ్చునా తన్నుక చచ్చుగాని
dharmam darabesini adigite ichchuna tannuka chachchugani
If you ask a beggar for charity, will he give it? He would rather die struggling.
This proverb is used to describe the futility of seeking help, money, or favors from those who have nothing themselves or from those who are extremely miserly. It emphasizes that a person without resources or a generous heart cannot provide what they don't possess, regardless of how much they are pressured.
Related Phrases
కాలితో నడిస్తే కాశీకి పోవచ్చునుగాని, తలతో నడిస్తే తనవాకిలి దాటవచ్చునా?
kalito nadiste kashiki povachchunugani, talato nadiste tanavakili datavachchuna?
If you walk with your feet, you can reach Kashi; but if you walk with your head, can you even cross your own doorstep?
This proverb emphasizes that success is achieved by following the natural, right, and established methods rather than trying to do things in an unnatural or egoistic way. 'Walking with the head' symbolizes arrogance or trying to act contrary to common sense, which leads to failure even in small tasks, whereas humble and proper efforts can take one great distances.
ధర్మానికి పోతే కర్మం చుట్టుకున్నట్టు
dharmaniki pote karmam chuttukunnattu
When one went to do a righteous deed, a misfortune wrapped around them.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to do a good deed or help others, but instead of receiving gratitude or success, they end up getting into trouble or facing negative consequences themselves.
తన్ను తాను పొగుడుకుంటే, తన్నుకొని చచ్చినట్లుంటది
tannu tanu pogudukunte, tannukoni chachchinatluntadi
If you praise yourself, it is like kicking yourself to death.
This proverb warns against excessive self-praise or narcissism. It suggests that boasting about one's own achievements or qualities is socially destructive and diminishes one's own reputation, effectively 'killing' one's dignity and respect in the eyes of others.
పరచుగుట్టపు తోకబట్టి యీడ్వగ వచ్చుగాని తప్పించుకోరాదుదాని తన్ను
parachuguttapu tokabatti yidvaga vachchugani tappinchukoradudani tannu
One can pull a lizard by its tail, but one cannot escape its kick.
This proverb highlights that while it might be easy to initiate a conflict or provoke someone who seems insignificant, dealing with the unexpected consequences or their retaliation can be much more difficult and painful than anticipated. It is a warning against underestimating others or engaging in risky behaviors without considering the fallout.
ఎవరు ఇచ్చింది ఈ మాన్యం అంటే, నేనే ఇచ్చుకున్నాను అన్నాడట
evaru ichchindi i manyam ante, nene ichchukunnanu annadata
When asked who granted this tax-free land, he said, "I gave it to myself."
This proverb is used to describe a self-proclaimed status or honor that lacks external validation. It refers to situations where someone boasts about an achievement or a position they gave themselves without any official recognition or authority. It is often used to mock someone who is being self-important or self-congratulatory.
త్యాగి గాని వాని ధర్మ మడుగవచ్చు.
tyagi gani vani dharma madugavachchu.
One can ask for charity from a person who is a giver (sacrificer).
This proverb implies that there is no point in seeking help or charity from a miserly person. One should approach a person with a generous heart (Tyagi) if they expect to receive help or perform a righteous deed. It emphasizes seeking out the right person for the right cause.
ధర్మానికి పోతే కర్మం చుట్టుకున్నదట
dharmaniki pote karmam chuttukunnadata
When one went to do a good deed, bad fate/karma coiled around them.
This expression is used when someone tries to help others or do something virtuous, but ends up facing unexpected trouble or negative consequences as a result of their kindness. It is similar to the English saying, 'No good deed goes unpunished.'
దారినపోయే దానయ్యను పిలిచి దెబ్బలు తిన్నట్లు
darinapoye danayyanu pilichi debbalu tinnatlu
Like calling a passerby named Danayya and getting beaten up.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily involves themselves in someone else's business or a random situation, only to end up facing negative consequences or trouble that they could have easily avoided.
ధర్మము తల కాచును
dharmamu tala kachunu
Virtue protects the head. The reward of virtue in this life is protection from evil.
This proverb means that one's righteous deeds and moral conduct will act as a shield and save them from danger or misfortune in critical times. It is used to encourage ethical behavior, suggesting that being good eventually leads to being protected by one's own karma.
వీపున తన్నుతుంటే, యింటి వెనుక చప్పడన్నట్లు.
vipuna tannutunte, yinti venuka chappadannatlu.
When someone is being kicked on the back, they say there is a noise behind the house.
This proverb is used to describe a person who tries to hide an obvious humiliation or an insult by pretending it is something else or by attributing it to an external, unrelated cause. It highlights a face-saving act where one attempts to ignore a direct attack or failure by acting oblivious to the reality of the situation.