దొంగిలించేటంత దొరతనము ఉండగా, అడిగేటంత అన్యాయముకు లోబడుతానా?
dongilinchetanta doratanamu undaga, adigetanta anyayamuku lobadutana?
When I have such power of stealing shall I submit to the injustice of asking ? Said by a thief.
This is a sarcastic or cynical proverb used to describe a person with a twisted sense of pride or a 'criminal' ego. It suggests that the person considers begging or asking for help to be more humiliating or 'unjust' than the act of stealing. It is used to mock someone who prefers dishonest means over humble requests.
Related Phrases
మాల కూటికి లోబడ్డా, పప్పు బద్ద దొరకదు.
mala kutiki lobadda, pappu badda dorakadu.
Although you may be driven to eat in a Pariah's house, you won't get any Dâl there. Undergoing much and yet suffering disappointment.
This proverb highlights a situation where someone compromises their principles, dignity, or social standing for a material gain, yet fails to achieve even that small benefit. It is used to describe a double failure: losing one's integrity and still ending up empty-handed.
అత్తతనంలో మంచితనం, ఆడంగిలో మగతనం ఉంటాయా?
attatanamlo manchitanam, adangilo magatanam untaya?
Is there goodness in mother-in-law-ship or masculinity in an effeminate person?
A cynical proverb suggesting that certain inherent natures or roles are unlikely to change. It implies that just as an effeminate man lacks true masculinity, a mother-in-law (in the traditional stereotypical sense) is unlikely to show genuine kindness toward her daughter-in-law. It is used to express skepticism about someone acting against their established character or role.
హస్త ఆదివారం వస్తే, చచ్చేటంత వాన.
hasta adivaram vaste, chachchetanta vana.
If the Hasta nakshatra falls on a Sunday, it rains to death.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to rainfall patterns. It suggests that if the moon enters the 'Hasta' constellation (nakshatra) on a Sunday during the monsoon season, it will result in extremely heavy, torrential rainfall.
ఆడపెత్తనము, తంబళి దొరతనము
adapettanamu, tambali doratanamu
Woman's rule, a Tambaḷi's government. A Tambaḷi is a Śaiva priest of low origin, who wears the sacred thread, and endeavours to observe Brahminical customs.
This proverb is used to criticize or mock ineffective or disorganized leadership. It suggests that just as a temple priest (Tambali) is not traditionally seen as a ruling authority, certain types of management might be weak, fussy, or lack real power, leading to chaos or poor results.
ప్రాణం ఉన్నంత వరకు భయం లేదు
pranam unnanta varaku bhayam ledu
As long as life remains, there is no fear. Until the destined period of life has come to a close death need not be feared. While there is life there is hope.
This expression is used to convey resilience and courage. It suggests that as long as a person is alive, they have the strength to face any challenge or overcome any adversity. It is often used to motivate someone to stay brave during difficult times.
దొంగిలించేటంత దొరతనముండగా, అడుక్కుతినేటంత అదమతనమేల?
dongilinchetanta doratanamundaga, adukkutinetanta adamatanamela?
While there is the royalty (status) of stealing, why have the lowliness of begging?
This is a satirical or ironic proverb used to describe a person's skewed sense of pride. It refers to someone who considers stealing to be a more dignified or 'brave' act than the perceived humiliation of begging for help or working humble jobs. It is often used to criticize those who choose dishonest paths over honest, albeit modest, living.
ఆడ పెత్తనం తంబళ్ళ దొరతనం
ada pettanam tamballa doratanam
The authority of a woman is like the lordship of a Tamballa man.
This proverb is used to criticize situations where people who are perceived as weak or unsuitable for leadership are given authority, suggesting that such leadership will be ineffective or lack real power. Historically, 'Tamballa' referred to a specific community of temple priests who were often seen as non-assertive, and this expression draws a parallel between their perceived nature and the leadership of women (reflecting traditional patriarchal views). It is used to mock a household or organization where the leadership is seen as weak or disorderly.
పుండంత మానింది చేటంత ఉంది
pundanta manindi chetanta undi
The wound has healed to the extent of an atom, but remains as large as a winnowing basket.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a problem or an ailment has ostensibly 'healed' or been resolved, yet the remaining mark, consequence, or side-effect is still massive and problematic. It highlights cases where the solution hasn't truly diminished the overall burden or visibility of the issue.
చిక్కి శిక్షించేటంతకన్నా, వెళ్లి వెక్కిరించేది మేలు
chikki shikshinchetantakanna, velli vekkirinchedi melu
It is better to go and mock another, than to whine when you are caught.
This proverb suggests that it is wiser to avoid a dangerous or compromising situation and be ridiculed for it, rather than getting caught and suffering severe consequences. It emphasizes self-preservation over pride.
వంకాయ దొంగిలించినవాడు టెంకాయ దొంగిలించడా?
vankaya dongilinchinavadu tenkaya dongilinchada?
Will a man who steals a brinjal not steal a coconut?
This proverb suggests that a person who commits a small crime or dishonesty is likely to commit a larger one given the opportunity. It emphasizes that a lack of integrity starts small but can escalate, and one's character is judged by even minor actions. It is used to warn people not to trust someone who has a history of even trivial dishonesty.