దొర్లితే బండి, దొర్లకుంటే గుండు
dorlite bandi, dorlakunte gundu
If it rolls, it is a cart; if it doesn't, it is a boulder.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is indifferent or reckless about the outcome of an action. It implies a 'make it or break it' attitude, where one is willing to accept either complete success or total failure without much concern for the middle ground or the effort involved.
Related Phrases
బండ తీసి గుండు పెట్టినట్లు
banda tisi gundu pettinatlu
Like removing a boulder and placing a spherical stone (cannonball) instead.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one difficult problem or burden is replaced by another equally difficult, if not worse, problem. It signifies a futile attempt at a solution that results in no real improvement or relief.
కొండమీదినుంచి బండ దొర్లించినట్టు.
kondamidinunchi banda dorlinchinattu.
Like rolling a boulder down a hill. It is easy to bowl down hill.
This expression is used to describe a task that, once started, progresses rapidly and uncontrollably with great force, or to describe the immense relief one feels after being unburdened by a heavy responsibility or a long-standing problem.
మన గుమ్మడికాయలు మంచివైతే, బజార్లో ఎందుకు దొర్లుతాయి?
mana gummadikayalu manchivaite, bajarlo enduku dorlutayi?
If our pumpkins are good, why would they be rolling in the market?
This proverb suggests that if our own belongings or family members were truly good or well-behaved, they wouldn't be found in undesirable situations or being criticized by the public. It is often used to point out that when someone close to us is involved in a scandal or trouble, the fault might lie within our own upbringing or oversight rather than external factors.
ముట్టుకుంటే ముత్యం, పట్టుకుంటే బంగారం
muttukunte mutyam, pattukunte bangaram
A pearl if touched, gold if held.
This expression is used to describe someone or something of exceptional quality, value, or purity. It is often used as a compliment for a well-behaved child, a virtuous person, or a piece of work that is flawless and precious.
బండి దొంగరికము
bandi dongarikamu
Stealing a cart. Open robbery.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a mistake or commits a fault, but instead of admitting it, they try to shift the blame onto someone else or act as if they are the victim. It refers to someone being caught in a wrong act but behaving dishonestly to escape the consequences.
రాళ్లు గుండ్లు దొర్లించినట్టు మాట్లాడుతాడు
rallu gundlu dorlinchinattu matladutadu
He speaks like one rolling stones and boulders. Said of a man who speaks boldly whether right or wrong.
This expression is used to describe someone who speaks in a very loud, harsh, or thundering voice. It characterizes a person's speech as being blunt, noisy, and lacking in softness or politeness, much like the loud rumbling sound produced by rolling large stones.
మునిగితే గుండు, తేలితే బెండు
munigite gundu, telite bendu
If it sinks, it is a stone; if it floats, it is a cork.
This proverb refers to things that are very light or very heavy with no middle ground. It is used to describe an 'all or nothing' situation or to test the true nature of something by observing its final outcome. It implies that the result will eventually reveal the reality, just as water reveals whether an object is a heavy stone or a light piece of wood/cork.
కొండమీద నుంచి బండ దొర్లించినట్టు
kondamida nunchi banda dorlinchinattu
Like rolling a boulder down from a hill
This expression is used to describe a task that, once started or triggered, happens with great speed, force, and ease without needing further effort. It is often used to describe someone speaking fluently and uncontrollably without a pause, or an event gaining unstoppable momentum.
సాగితే బండి సాగకపోతే మొండి
sagite bandi sagakapote mondi
If it moves, it is a cart; if it doesn't, it is stubborn.
This proverb is used to describe a situation or a machine that is unreliable or inconsistent. It refers to something that works perfectly when it wants to but becomes completely uncooperative or stationary when it faces a hurdle. It is often applied to old vehicles, unpredictable people, or projects that lack a steady momentum.
దొంతిలో చేరినాయి దొర్లుతాయే కానీ కూర్చుంటాయా?
dontilo cherinayi dorlutaye kani kurchuntaya?
Will pots stacked in a pile sit still, or will they roll away?
This expression is used to describe a situation where things are unstable or temporary. Just as a large stack of round pots is prone to falling and rolling at the slightest disturbance, certain plans, relationships, or positions are inherently precarious and unlikely to remain steady for long.