ఎద్దు అంటే గిద్దెడు పాలు అన్నట్లు
eddu ante giddedu palu annatlu
When someone says 'it is an ox', replying 'it gave a small measure of milk'.
This proverb is used to describe a person who talks without logic or common sense. Since oxen are male and cannot give milk, claiming one gave milk shows total ignorance or a refusal to listen to facts. It highlights situations where someone provides an absurd answer to a simple premise.
Related Phrases
నువ్వే దిక్కంటే- మూడే గిద్దలు అన్నట్లు
nuvve dikkante- mude giddalu annatlu
When I said you are my only hope, you said there are only three small measures.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone seeks help or refuge from a person they trust, only to find that the helper is in a much more pathetic or destitute state than themselves. It highlights the irony of seeking support from someone who is already struggling for basic survival.
తానే సెట్టి అని మూడే గిద్దలంటాడు
tane setti ani mude giddalantadu
Calling himself the head merchant, he says there are only three 'giddas'.
This expression is used to describe a person who talks big or holds an authoritative position but lacks basic knowledge or competency. A 'gidda' is a small unit of measurement; a merchant not knowing standard measures is ironic. It highlights the gap between one's self-importance and their actual ability.
అడ్డం తప్పుకో అంటే గడ్డం పట్టుకో అన్నట్టు
addam tappuko ante gaddam pattuko annattu
When asked to move out of the way, they grabbed the beard instead.
This proverb describes someone who behaves perversely or does the exact opposite of what is requested. It is used when a person responds to a simple request with an annoying or inappropriate action, or when someone misunderstands a situation so badly that they become a nuisance.
ఆశ్లేషలో అడ్డెడు చల్లుట మేలు
ashleshalo addedu challuta melu
Sowing even a small measure during the Ashlesha period is beneficial.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb. Ashlesha is a specific 'karti' (solar mansion) in the lunar calendar associated with heavy rains. The saying suggests that even if you sow only a tiny amount ('addedu') during this fertile period, the yield will be excellent due to the favorable weather, emphasizing the importance of timing in farming.
వానలెక్కడ అంటే దానధర్మాలున్న ధరణిలో అన్నట్లు
vanalekkada ante danadharmalunna dharanilo annatlu
When asked 'Where does it rain?', the reply was 'In the land where charity and righteousness exist'.
This proverb suggests that natural blessings and prosperity occur where people are generous and virtuous. It is used to highlight the belief that the well-being of a society is a direct result of the collective goodness and charitable nature of its people.
చక్కెర తిని చేదు అన్నట్లు.
chakkera tini chedu annatlu.
Like eating sugar and calling it bitter.
This proverb is used to describe a person who displays ingratitude or makes baseless complaints despite receiving something good or beneficial. It refers to someone who is habitually dissatisfied or dishonest about their experiences, often finding fault even in the most pleasant circumstances.
పులగము మీదికి తెడ్డెడు పప్పు
pulagamu midiki teddedu pappu
A ladleful of Dâl on Pulagam. )—To add more dâl is considered barbarous.
This expression is used to describe an extra benefit or a bonus added to something that is already good or sufficient. It is similar to the English idiom 'icing on the cake' or 'a cherry on top,' signifying an additional advantage that makes a situation even better.
ఇంటివాడు 'ఇలో' అంటే పొరుగువాడు 'పొలో' అన్నాడట.
intivadu ilo ante poruguvadu polo annadata.
When the homeowner said 'Ilo', the neighbor said 'Polo'.
This proverb describes a situation where someone blindly follows or joins in a conversation or action without knowing the context or meaning, simply to appear involved. It highlights the tendency of people to chime in or mimic others unnecessarily.
ఉలవలు తింటావా బసవన్నా అంటే ఊ అన్నట్లు
ulavalu tintava basavanna ante u annatlu
Like asking Basavanna if he wants to eat horse gram and him nodding 'yes'
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is overly eager or gives an immediate, enthusiastic consent to something that is clearly to their benefit. It refers to the bull (Basavanna) who never says no to its favorite food, implying a predictable and self-serving 'yes' without any hesitation.
బడాయి బండెడు, బత్తెం గిద్దెడు
badayi bandedu, battem giddedu
Boasting equal to a cartload, but sustenance equal to a small measure.
This proverb is used to describe a person who boasts or shows off excessively (a cartload) despite having very little substance, wealth, or actual capability (a small 'gidda' measure). It highlights the irony of empty pride versus poor reality.