ఏమిచేసి బ్రతుకుదునమ్మా అంటే, నోరుచేసుకు బ్రతుకుబిడ్డా అన్నదట
emichesi bratukudunamma ante, noruchesuku bratukubidda annadata
When asked 'Mother, how shall I survive?', the mother replied 'Survive by using your mouth (speech), my child'.
This expression highlights that communication skills and articulateness are essential for survival and success. It is used to describe situations where someone makes a living or gets things done through their power of speech, persuasion, or sometimes by being vocal and assertive about their needs.
Related Phrases
ఆడదాన్ని నోరుపెట్టుకుని బ్రతకమన్నారు
adadanni norupettukuni bratakamannaru
A woman was told to live by keeping her mouth (shut).
This traditional expression implies that for a woman to lead a peaceful life in a household or society, she should exercise restraint in speech and avoid arguments. It is often used to suggest that patience and silence are virtues for women in domestic life.
మగవాని బ్రతుకు చిప్పనిండ మెతుకు, ఆడదాని బ్రతుకు గంజిలో మెతుకు.
magavani bratuku chippaninda metuku, adadani bratuku ganjilo metuku.
A man's life is a bowl full of grains; a woman's life is a grain in the gruel.
This traditional proverb reflects historical gender roles and social hierarchies. It suggests that a man's life or contribution is seen as substantial and central (a bowl full of food), while a woman's life is often perceived as supplementary or less significant (a single grain in liquid). It is used to describe the disparity in how society values the lives and roles of men and women.
నోరు కలిగితే బ్రతుకుతాడు
noru kaligite bratukutadu
If he has a mouth he will live. The son of the minister of a king of Ayodhya (Oudh) was caught stealing the king's flowers.—As he was being taken to the palace, his father called out "It is of no consequence, if he has a mouth he will live" The son took the hint, ate up the flowers, denied the offence, and was believed by the king, who punished his accusers. (See Telugu Selections, 36th story.)
This expression is used to describe someone who is articulate, persuasive, or assertive in their speech. It implies that a person who knows how to speak up for themselves, communicate effectively, or negotiate will always find a way to succeed or survive in any situation, regardless of other challenges.
మెతుకుపోతే బ్రతుకు పోతుంది
metukupote bratuku potundi
If the grain of rice is lost, life is lost
This expression highlights the vital importance of food security and agriculture. It signifies that even a single grain of rice represents sustenance, and without food (the means of survival), one's very existence is at risk. It is often used to emphasize the value of hard work, the importance of not wasting food, or the critical nature of one's livelihood.
బతికితే వైద్యుడు బతుకుతాడు, చస్తే బ్రాహ్మణుడు బతుకుతాడు
batikite vaidyudu batukutadu, chaste brahmanudu batukutadu
If the patient lives, the doctor survives; if the patient dies, the priest survives.
This proverb is a satirical take on professions that profit regardless of the outcome. It suggests that if a sick person recovers, the doctor earns money and fame, but if the person dies, the priest earns fees for performing the funeral rites. It is used to describe situations where certain parties benefit from both success and failure.
దయ్యముల ముందర బిడ్డ బ్రతుకునా?
dayyamula mundara bidda bratukuna?
Could a child live in front of devils ?
This expression is used to describe a situation where something fragile, innocent, or valuable is placed in the hands of cruel and heartless people. Just as a child cannot survive amongst demons, a good person or a delicate task cannot thrive or succeed in an environment filled with wicked people or destructive forces.
ఆడదాని బ్రతుకు అరిటాకు బ్రతుకు వంటిది.
adadani bratuku aritaku bratuku vantidi.
A woman's life is like a banana leaf.
This proverb highlights the perceived vulnerability and fragility of a woman's life in traditional society. Like a banana leaf, which gets damaged whether it falls on a thorn or a thorn falls on it, a woman's reputation or life is seen as being easily affected by circumstances regardless of who is at fault.
బత్తెమున్నన్ని నాళ్ళు బ్రతుకులు
battemunnanni nallu bratukulu
Lives last as long as there are provisions
This expression means that a person's existence or stay in a place is dependent on the resources or destiny (karma/provisions) allotted to them. It is often used to signify that life is temporary and will continue only as long as the 'rations' or 'sustenance' provided by fate last.
భార్య మాట బ్రతుకు బాట
bharya mata bratuku bata
Wife's word is the path to life.
This expression suggests that listening to a wife's advice leads to a stable, prosperous, and successful life. It highlights the importance of a spouse's wisdom in maintaining a happy household.
ఆడదాని బ్రతుకు అల్ప బ్రతుకు
adadani bratuku alpa bratuku
A woman's life is a fragile/humble life
This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.