ఏ రోటి దగ్గర ఆ పాట పాడాలి
e roti daggara a pata padali
One should sing the song that belongs to the mortar they are at.
This expression means that one should adapt their speech or behavior according to the situation or the audience they are currently with. It is similar to the English proverb 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' or the idea of being opportunistic and adjusting one's stance based on the immediate context.
Related Phrases
ఆహారం దగ్గర, వ్యవహారం దగ్గర మొహమాటం పనికిరాదు
aharam daggara, vyavaharam daggara mohamatam panikiradu
One should not be shy or hesitant when it comes to food and business.
This proverb suggests that in certain situations, being overly modest or shy can lead to personal loss. Specifically, when eating (so you get enough to satisfy your hunger) and when conducting business or legal matters (so you ensure your interests are protected), you must be direct and outspoken.
చెవి దగ్గర జోరీగలాగా
chevi daggara jorigalaga
Like a gadfly near the ear
Used to describe someone who is constantly nagging, complaining, or talking in an annoying manner. It refers to a persistent disturbance that is hard to ignore, much like the irritating buzz of a fly close to one's ear.
రోటిని చూచి పాట పాడాలి.
rotini chuchi pata padali.
One should sing the song after seeing the mortar.
This proverb emphasizes situational awareness and appropriateness. It suggests that one's actions, words, or efforts should be tailored to the specific circumstances or the tools at hand, similar to the English expression 'To suit the action to the word.'
గొడ్డలి దెబ్బకు అన్నాడట
goddali debbaku annadata
He said 'brother' to the axe blow
This expression describes a situation where someone suddenly becomes humble, respectful, or starts calling an enemy 'brother' only when faced with an immediate, life-threatening danger or severe punishment. It is used to mock people who only show manners or submission when they are under duress.
మృతి దగ్గరకు వచ్చినా, సతి దగ్గరకు వచ్చినా మతి ఉండదు.
mriti daggaraku vachchina, sati daggaraku vachchina mati undadu.
Whether death approaches or a wife approaches, one loses their mind.
This proverb highlights two extremes where a person loses their rational thinking or common sense: when facing imminent death (due to fear and panic) and when overwhelmed by lust or infatuation. It is used to describe situations where a person acts irrationally under the influence of extreme fear or intense desire.
గోరీ దగ్గరకు వెళ్ళి గోడ పక్కన గర్భాదానం.
gori daggaraku velli goda pakkana garbhadanam.
Going to a tomb and attempting conception next to a wall.
This expression is used to describe someone who attempts to perform a task at an entirely inappropriate or ill-suited place. It highlights the irony of seeking to start a new life (conception) in a place associated with death (a tomb), signifying poor judgment or lack of common sense regarding timing and location.
కాటి దగ్గరి మాటలు కూటి దగ్గర ఉండవు
kati daggari matalu kuti daggara undavu
The words spoken at the graveyard do not remain at the dinner table.
This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of philosophical realizations or remorse. People often express deep wisdom or regret during somber moments (like a funeral), but quickly return to their usual habits and desires once they are back in the comfort of their daily lives.
పల్లెదాని దగ్గర పొలుసుకంపు అన్నట్లు
palledani daggara polusukampu annatlu
Like complaining about the smell of fish scales near a fisherwoman
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone complains about something that is an inherent and inevitable part of a person's profession, environment, or nature. It highlights the absurdity of expecting something to be different from its fundamental reality.
తాళం నీ దగ్గర, చెవి నా దగ్గర
talam ni daggara, chevi na daggara
The lock is with you, the key is with me.
In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.
రాజుల దగ్గర ఉంటే రత్నాలు, పేదల దగ్గర ఉంటే పలుకురాళ్ళు
rajula daggara unte ratnalu, pedala daggara unte palukurallu
If they are with kings they are gems, if they are with the poor they are just pebbles.
This proverb highlights how society perceives the same object or quality differently based on a person's status or wealth. When a powerful or rich person possesses something, it is highly valued and praised, but when a poor person has the same thing, it is often dismissed as worthless or ordinary. It is used to describe social bias and the unfair weight given to status.