ఏమీ లేని ఆకులు ఎగిసిపడితే, అన్నీ ఉన్న ఆకులు అణిగిమణిగి ఉంటాయి
emi leni akulu egisipadite, anni unna akulu anigimanigi untayi
The leaf dishes which were empty rose up high; those that were full remained steady.
This proverb is a metaphor for human behavior. It suggests that people with little knowledge, wealth, or substance often boast and make a lot of noise (like light, empty leaf plates blowing in the wind), whereas those who are truly wise, wealthy, or accomplished remain humble and composed (like heavy leaf plates filled with a full meal). It is used to describe the importance of humility and to critique empty arrogance.
The conceit of little knowledge, the humility of true learning. Shaal waters mak the maist din. (Scotch.)
Related Phrases
చేతులు కాలిన తర్వాత ఆకులు పట్టుకున్నట్లు
chetulu kalina tarvata akulu pattukunnatlu
Like trying to hold onto leaves after the hands are burnt.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes precautions or looks for a solution after the damage is already done. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or 'crying over spilled milk.' It emphasizes that actions taken too late are futile.
ఉడికిన మెతుకులు తిని ఊళ్లో ఉండేవాణ్ణి, నాకు ఎవరితో ఏమి పని ఉన్నది?
udikina metukulu tini ullo undevanni, naku evarito emi pani unnadi?
I am a man who eats boiled rice and lives in the village, what have I to do with others ?
This expression is used to describe a simple, self-sufficient person who leads a content life without depending on others or getting involved in unnecessary conflicts or social complexities. It highlights a sense of independence and lack of obligation towards others when one's basic needs are met.
అణిగి మణిగి ఆకులో పిందెలాగ
anigi manigi akulo pindelaga
Staying humble and hidden like a tiny fruit behind a leaf.
This expression is used to describe someone who stays extremely humble, modest, or inconspicuous, often hiding their true potential or presence to avoid drawing attention. It describes a state of being very quiet, obedient, or submissive in a given situation.
ఆషాఢ మాసంలో ఆకులు రాలినట్లు
ashadha masamlo akulu ralinatlu
Like leaves falling in the month of Ashadha
This expression is used to describe something happening in massive quantities or very rapidly. Just as trees shed their leaves heavily during the windy Ashadha month, this phrase illustrates a situation where people are losing jobs, dying in large numbers during a disaster, or falling down in quick succession.
చేతులు కాలినాక ఆకులు పట్టుకున్నట్లు.
chetulu kalinaka akulu pattukunnatlu.
Holding leaves after the fingers are burnt, by holding a hot cooking pot or object.
The proverb refers to action taken after something harmful has already happened. It is always desirable to take proper precautions to avoid any undesirable developments rather than regretting after the event. Prevention, they say, is better than cure.
లోకులు పలుగాకులు
lokulu palugakulu
People are like many crows
This proverb is used to convey that people in society have diverse opinions and often engage in gossip or criticism, much like the incessant cawing of crows. It suggests that one should not take public criticism too seriously because it is the nature of the world to talk.
ఏమీలేని విస్తరి ఎగిరెగిరి పడితే, అన్నీ ఉన్న విస్తరి అణిగిమణిగి ఉంటుంది.
emileni vistari egiregiri padite, anni unna vistari anigimanigi untundi.
An empty leaf plate jumps up and down, while a full leaf plate stays calm and steady.
This proverb is used to describe human behavior regarding knowledge and wealth. A person with little knowledge or substance often boasts loudly and makes a lot of noise to get attention, whereas a truly wise or wealthy person remains humble, composed, and silent. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Empty vessels make the most noise.'
కాటిలో పండినవి కాకులు తిన్నవి
katilo pandinavi kakulu tinnavi
The crows ate up the fruit which grew in the forest. Property common to all.
This proverb refers to things that are produced or earned in an improper, unholy, or wasted manner, which ultimately go to waste or are consumed by undeserving people. It is used to describe efforts that yield no benefit to the rightful person or are squandered due to bad circumstances.
* Dli irati lances pedes habent, 14
లోకులు కాకులు
lokulu kakulu
People are like crows
This expression is used to convey that people will always find something to gossip about or criticize, regardless of what one does. Just as crows caw incessantly, society often engages in relentless talk or judgment. It is used to advise someone to ignore public opinion or gossip.
అన్నీ ఉన్న ఆకు అణిగిమణిగి ఉంటుంది, ఏమీ లేని ఆకు ఎగిరెగిరి పడుతుంది
anni unna aku anigimanigi untundi, emi leni aku egiregiri padutundi
A leaf full of food stays calm and flat, while an empty leaf flies and flutters about.
This proverb is used to describe human behavior regarding knowledge and wealth. A person who is truly wise or wealthy remains humble and composed, whereas a person with little knowledge or substance tends to show off and boast excessively. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Empty vessels make the most noise'.