ద్విపదకావ్యంబు ముదిలంజె దిడ్డికంత
dvipadakavyambu mudilanje diddikanta
The couplet poem (dvipada) has grown old for the side-door.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a simple or mediocre thing is elevated to an undeserving status, or when something long and tedious is wasted on an insignificant audience or purpose. In a historical context, it refers to the decline in quality of literary works or providing an elaborate explanation for something trivial.
Related Phrases
ఇల్లు పీచుకంత, పిచ్చి మద్దెలంత
illu pichukanta, pichchi maddelanta
The house is as small as a sparrow, but the madness is as big as a drum.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone with very limited resources or a small status makes a huge, unnecessary commotion or puts on grand airs. It highlights the irony of having a 'tiny house' (low capacity) but 'loud drums' (excessive noise or ego).
రాముడిలాంటి రాజుంటే, హనుమంతుడిలాంటి బంటు అప్పుడే పుడతాడు.
ramudilanti rajunte, hanumantudilanti bantu appude pudatadu.
If there is a king like Rama, a servant like Hanuman will be born then and there.
This proverb emphasizes that leadership defines the quality of the followers. When a leader is righteous, noble, and capable (like Lord Rama), they will naturally attract or inspire followers who are exceptionally loyal, strong, and dedicated (like Hanuman). It is used to suggest that a great leader brings out the best in their subordinates.
అంతా కంత
anta kanta
All of it is just a hole/gap
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a total loss, or when something is completely hollow, empty, or useless despite appearances. It implies that everything has gone down the drain or that the entirety of a matter results in nothingness.
ఏనుగునెక్కినవాడు దిడ్డికంత దూరగలడా?
enugunekkinavadu diddikanta duragalada?
Can a person riding an elephant pass through a small wicket-gate?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who has attained a high status or is involved in a massive undertaking cannot fit into or resort to small, narrow, or petty ways. It emphasizes that great positions come with certain limitations and one cannot expect the same flexibility as someone in a minor position.
దీపావళి వర్షాలు ద్వీపాంతరం దాటుతాయి.
dipavali varshalu dvipantaram datutayi.
Deepavali rains cross to the other side of the island.
This is a traditional agricultural and weather-related proverb. It means that if it rains during the Deepavali festival season, the rains will be so widespread and heavy that they reach far-off lands or 'cross the oceans'. It is often used to signify the intensity and far-reaching nature of the Northeast monsoon in the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh.
ఎద్దులా కష్టపడినా ఎంగిలి గంజే గతి.
eddula kashtapadina engili ganje gati.
Even after working hard like an ox, the fate is only leftover gruel.
This expression describes a situation where despite immense hard work and physical labor, one's rewards or results remain meager and insufficient for a decent living. It is used to highlight poverty, lack of growth, or exploitation in a workplace.
గతిలేనమ్మకు గంజే పానకము.
gatilenammaku ganje panakamu.
Rice water is a rich drink to a poor lady. Pânakam is a rich beverage made of expensive materials.
This proverb describes a situation where someone in extreme poverty or with no alternatives considers even the most basic or low-quality thing as a great luxury. It is used to highlight how necessity and lack of choice change one's perspective on value.
విత్తనంబు మొదటి వృక్షంబునకు నెంత
vittanambu modati vrikshambunaku nenta
How small is the seed compared to the first tree?
This expression refers to the humble beginnings of something that eventually becomes grand or vast. It is used to signify that great results often arise from very small origins, emphasizing that size at the start does not determine final potential.
దర్శనంబు లారు దైవంబు ఒకటి.
darshanambu laru daivambu okati.
Philosophies are six, but God is one.
This expression highlights the concept of 'unity in diversity' within spiritual paths. It refers to the Shat-Darshanas (six schools of Indian philosophy) and explains that while there may be various methods, perspectives, or intellectual paths to reach the divine, the ultimate truth or God remains a single entity. It is used to promote religious tolerance and philosophical harmony.
అప్పు లేకపోతే ఉప్పుగంజే మేలు
appu lekapote uppuganje melu
Rice water and salt without debt are good.
This proverb emphasizes the peace of mind that comes with being debt-free. It suggests that living a humble life with minimal resources is far superior to living in luxury or comfort if it means being burdened by financial debt.
Without debt, without care. (Italian.) * He is rich enough who owes nothing. (French.)†