ఎంచకురా పంచుకుంటావు
enchakura panchukuntavu
Don't count/calculate; you will end up sharing.
This expression is used to warn someone against being overly calculating, greedy, or fastidious about portions or shares. It suggests that when you try to calculate or scrutinize too much (often out of selfishness), you will inevitably be forced to share it with others or lose a portion of it anyway. It serves as a reminder that excessive calculation often leads to unexpected redistribution.
Related Phrases
ఆకాశ పంచాంగము
akasha panchangamu
A sky calendar.
This expression refers to baseless predictions, guesswork, or 'building castles in the air.' It is used to describe someone who makes claims or plans without any solid foundation or evidence, similar to predicting the future by simply staring at the sky without actual astronomical data.
A fanciful tale.
చెరపకురా చెడేవు, ఉరకకురా పడేవు
cherapakura chedevu, urakakura padevu
Ruin not others, lest thou be ruined thyself; run not, lest thou fall. He falls into the pit who leads another into it. (Spanish.)§
This is a popular Telugu proverb emphasizing the law of karma and the importance of caution. It means that if you try to harm someone else, you will eventually face harm yourself. Similarly, if you act in haste or without thinking, you will inevitably meet with failure or accidents. It is used to advise people to be ethical and deliberate in their actions.
వయసు కురకుర బాతు కురకుర
vayasu kurakura batu kurakura
Age is crunchy, duck is crunchy.
This expression is used to describe the vigor and energy of youth. It implies that during one's prime age, even a tough or 'crunchy' meat like duck can be easily digested and enjoyed. It signifies that everything seems favorable and manageable when one is young and healthy.
మఖ పంచకము సదా పంచకము
makha panchakamu sada panchakamu
Five days of Makha (rain) equals five months (of water/benefit).
This is a traditional agricultural proverb. It means that if it rains during the 'Makha' Karti (a specific period in the lunar calendar), the water received in those five days is as beneficial and sufficient as five months of regular rainfall. It emphasizes the importance of timely rain for a good harvest.
చెడిపకురా చెడేవు, ఉరకకురా పడేవు
chedipakura chedevu, urakakura padevu
Do not ruin others or you will be ruined; do not run blindly or you will fall.
This proverb serves as a dual warning about morality and impulsiveness. It teaches that causing harm to others will eventually result in one's own downfall (karma). Additionally, it cautions against acting in haste or without foresight, as rushing recklessly leads to failure or mistakes. It is used to advise someone to be ethical and patient.
తలుపు తెంచుకున్న బర్రె, తాడు తెంచుకున్న గుర్రం
talupu tenchukunna barre, tadu tenchukunna gurram
A buffalo that broke the door, a horse that snapped its rope.
This expression is used to describe someone who has become completely uncontrollable, unruly, or has broken free from all restraints and discipline. It refers to a state of absolute chaos or a person acting without any inhibition or regard for rules, similar to the English phrase 'running wild' or 'loose cannon'.
మంచెకు వేసిన పందిళ్లు వాన కాగునా?
mancheku vesina pandillu vana kaguna?
Will a canopy built over a scaffold stop the rain?
This proverb is used to describe efforts that are futile or insufficient for a larger problem. Just as a small thatch or canopy over a crop-watching platform cannot prevent the entire field from getting wet during a downpour, small-scale solutions cannot solve systemic or massive issues.
చెయ్యి దాచుకుంటాముగాని, కులం దాచుకుంటామా?
cheyyi dachukuntamugani, kulam dachukuntama?
We may hide our hand, but can we hide our caste/lineage?
This expression suggests that while one can hide their actions, intentions, or wealth (symbolized by the hand), one's true nature, upbringing, or inherent identity cannot be concealed for long. It is often used to imply that a person's character or background will eventually reveal itself through their behavior.
ఉంచుకున్నవాడు మొగుడూ కాదు, పెంచుకున్నవాడు కొడుకూ కాదు
unchukunnavadu mogudu kadu, penchukunnavadu koduku kadu
A kept man is not a husband, an adopted one is not a son.
This traditional proverb suggests that certain relationships formed through convenience or external arrangements may lack the genuine legal, social, or biological permanence of original roles. It is often used to imply that something acquired or temporary cannot fully replace the original or legitimate version.
ఉంచుకున్నవాడు మగడు కాడు, పెంచుకున్నవాడు కొడుకు కాడు
unchukunnavadu magadu kadu, penchukunnavadu koduku kadu
The man one keeps is not a husband, the child one raises is not a son.
This proverb reflects traditional social views on legitimacy and formal bonds. It suggests that informal relationships or foster care do not equate to the legal and social status of a marriage or biological lineage. It is often used to emphasize that titles or roles earned through convenience or temporary arrangements lack the permanence and sanctity of formal, recognized institutions.