ఏలుకోవడానికి ఊళ్లు లేవుగాని, ఎత్తుకుని తినడానికి ఊళ్లు లేవా?
elukovadaniki ullu levugani, ettukuni tinadaniki ullu leva?
There are no villages to rule over, but are there not villages to beg in? Said by a beggar refused alms.
This proverb is used to criticize someone who is too proud or lazy to work. It suggests that even if one lacks the status or means to be a leader or a ruler (high status), there are always ways to survive if one is willing to set aside their ego—often used sarcastically against those who complain about lack of grand opportunities while ignoring humble ways to make a living.
Related Phrases
మోక్షానకు పోతే, మొసలి ఎత్తుకొని పోయినది
mokshanaku pote, mosali ettukoni poyinadi
When he went for salvation, an alligator carried him off. He was bathing in holy water for the attainment of eternal beatitude. య.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone sets out with a noble or high intention, but encounters an unexpected and disastrous setback. It highlights how bad luck or unforeseen obstacles can ruin even the most virtuous pursuits.
ఏలడానికి ఊళ్ళు లేకపోయినా, ఎత్తుకు తినడానికి ఊళ్ళు లేక పోతాయా?
eladaniki ullu lekapoyina, ettuku tinadaniki ullu leka potaya?
Even if there are no villages left to rule, will there be no villages left to beg or steal from?
This expression is used to describe a person who has lost their high status, power, or wealth but remains resourceful (often in a shameless or opportunistic way) to survive. It suggests that even if one cannot be a leader or a ruler anymore, they can still find a way to make a living by other, perhaps less dignified, means.
ఏలడానికి ఊళ్ళు లేకపోవచ్చు కానీ, ఎత్తుక తినడానికి ఊళ్ళు లేవా?
eladaniki ullu lekapovachchu kani, ettuka tinadaniki ullu leva?
There may not be villages to rule, but aren't there villages to beg from?
This expression is used to criticize someone who is overly arrogant or picky about work. It implies that if one cannot find a high-status job (ruling), they should not be too proud to take up simpler work or even resort to begging to survive. It is a sarcastic take on people who have lost their wealth or status but refuse to let go of their ego.
అత్త ఎత్తుకొని తింటూ ఉంటే, అల్లుడికి మనుగుడుపా?
atta ettukoni tintu unte, alludiki manugudupa?
If the mother-in-law live by begging will the son-in-law have a feast? Manugudupu is " a final entertainment given by the bride's parents to the bridegroom, after the conclusion of the whole marriage ceremonies." ( Brown. )
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the primary person or provider is struggling for basic necessities, yet someone dependent on them expects luxury or special treatment. It highlights the irony of demanding more than what is available or realistic given the circumstances.
కద్దు అనడానికీ లేదు అనడానికీ దీనికే అధికారమా?
kaddu anadaniki ledu anadaniki dinike adhikarama?
Has she a right to say "there is" or "there is not"? A beggar once asked alms from a daughter-in-law when her mother-in- law was out. She told him there was nothing for him. As he went he met the mother-in-law who enquired whether he had received alms at the house. On being told by the beggar that he had been sent away, she brought him back to the house and after chastising her daughter-in-law said to the man "Now you may go, has she any authority to say there are alms for you or there are not?" Told as an illustration of the fact that a daughter-in-law has no anthority whatever in the house.
This expression is used to mock someone who constantly contradicts themselves or claims absolute authority over both sides of an argument. It highlights the absurdity of one person or entity claiming the right to validate and invalidate the same thing whenever it suits them.
అందని ద్రాక్ష పళ్ళు పుల్లన
andani draksha pallu pullana
Grapes that cannot be reached are sour.
This expression is used when someone pretends to despise or belittle something they want but cannot achieve or obtain. It is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Sour Grapes' idiom from Aesop's Fables, describing a defensive mechanism where one disparages an unattainable goal to save face.
నొసట కళ్ళు లేవు, నోట్లో పళ్ళు లేవు
nosata kallu levu, notlo pallu levu
No eyes on the forehead, no teeth in the mouth.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely old or in a state of physical decline. It can also sarcastically refer to someone who is acting helpless or lacks basic common sense and capability.
ఈకలు లేవుగాని వింజమూరి పుంజే
ikalu levugani vinjamuri punje
No feathers, but it is a rooster from Vinjamoor.
This proverb is used to describe a person who boasts or carries a lot of pride and attitude despite having no actual substance, wealth, or status. It highlights the irony of someone acting superior when their reality suggests otherwise.
వినకు, అనకు, కనకు
vinaku, anaku, kanaku
Do not hear, do not say, do not see.
This is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle. It serves as a moral guideline to avoid evil: do not listen to evil, do not speak evil, and do not see evil. It is used to encourage people to maintain purity of mind and avoid participating in gossip or negativity.
కథకు కాళ్లు లేవు, ముంతకు చెవులు లేవు
kathaku kallu levu, muntaku chevulu levu
No legs to the tale, no ears to the pot. Said of a story that one cannot make head or tail of. A story without a head. (Greek.)
This proverb is used to describe a story, explanation, or excuse that lacks logic, consistency, or a proper foundation. It refers to something that is nonsensical or a 'cock and bull story' where the details don't add up or have no basis in reality.