ఏపట్లా చావకపోతే బాపట్లకు పంపండి.
epatla chavakapote bapatlaku pampandi.
If he does not die in any way, send him to Bâpaṭla. i. e. If you can't get rid of him in any other way, send him to that place. Bâpaṭla is a village in the Guntoor District, once notorious for the rascality of its inhabitants. The Revenue officers sent there to collect the land tax are said to have been killed one after the other by being accomo- dated on the day of their arrival with a dwelling infested by hornets, which came out in the night and disposed of the obnoxious visitor !
This is a humorous and satirical proverb used to describe a person who is extremely stubborn, idle, or difficult to manage. Historically, Bapatla was known for its heat or specific conditions that were jokingly suggested as a 'final cure' for someone who refused to change or 'expire' their bad habits elsewhere. In modern usage, it refers to trying a final, extreme measure to get rid of a nuisance or to deal with someone who is persistent in their ways.
* A chacun son fardeau pèse.
Related Phrases
చవక అయితే బాజారుకు వస్తుంది
chavaka ayite bajaruku vastundi
When cheap it comes to the bazar.
This proverb is used to imply that things of true value or high quality are not easily available or common. It suggests that if something valuable were easy to obtain or inexpensive, it would be as common as any ordinary item found in a local market.
చాలకపోతే బలాదూరు అన్నట్లు
chalakapote baladuru annatlu
Like saying if it is not enough, it is useless
This expression describes a dismissive attitude where someone devalues or discards something simply because it isn't sufficient for their specific needs, even if it has inherent value. It is often used to criticize people who make excuses or pretend that things they cannot fully attain are worthless.
పాట్లన్నీ పట్టెడు కూటికే
patlanni pattedu kutike
All struggles are just for a handful of food
This expression is used to signify that all the hard work, toil, and various struggles a person undergoes in life are ultimately for basic sustenance and survival. It is often used to express a sense of humility or philosophical resignation regarding the grind of daily life.
రోళ్ళు పాడినట్లా, రోకళ్ళు పాడినట్లా
rollu padinatla, rokallu padinatla
Did the mortars sing, or did the pestles sing?
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is excessive, chaotic, or nonsensical noise where it is difficult to distinguish who is speaking or what is being said. It often refers to a group of people all talking or shouting at once, creating a cacophony where no clear meaning can be derived, much like the rhythmic but loud thumping of wooden tools.
ఆహారం పట్లా వ్యవహారం పట్ల మొగమాటం పడరాదు
aharam patla vyavaharam patla mogamatam padaradu
One should not be hesitant regarding food and business transactions.
This proverb advises that being shy or overly polite in two specific areas—eating and financial/business dealings—can lead to personal loss or dissatisfaction. If you are too shy to ask for food, you stay hungry; if you are too shy to discuss terms or money in business, you face financial losses.
పొట్టకు పుట్టెడు తిని అట్లకు ఆదివారము
pottaku puttedu tini atlaku adivaramu
Having eaten a bushel of food, [he begs] for cakes as it's Sunday.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely greedy or never satisfied. It refers to someone who eats a full, hearty meal yet still demands special delicacies like 'atlu' (pancakes) under the pretext of a holiday or tradition. It highlights insatiable hunger or unreasonable demands for more even after being well-provided for.
Sunday is a fast day among some sects. Great greediness.
ఇంతమంది దొరలు చావకపోతే నేను మాత్రం చస్తానా, నాకూ అక్కరలేదు అన్నాడట.
intamandi doralu chavakapote nenu matram chastana, naku akkaraledu annadata.
If so many great people don't die, shall I alone die? I don't want it.
This is a humorous proverb used to describe people who blindly follow others even in illogical situations, or those who display a 'sour grapes' attitude. In the story behind the proverb, a poor man thinks dying is a luxury or a requirement that even the rich aren't fulfilling, so he refuses to 'participate' in it. It highlights foolish competitiveness or a lack of understanding of natural laws.
Said by a man when unwillingly refusing to eat something because Velamas did the same. Never be ashamed to eat your meat. He that is ashamed to eat is ashamed to live. ( French. )*
అయితే ఆముదాలు, కాకపోతే కంది.
ayite amudalu, kakapote kandi.
If it happens, it's castor seeds; if not, it's pigeon peas.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is prepared for two possible outcomes, often in farming or business. Castor plants grow in low rainfall, while pigeon peas need more rain. It signifies a win-win strategy or a fallback plan where regardless of the circumstances, there will be some form of harvest or benefit.
ముగ్గుపిండి అట్లకు పనికివచ్చునా?
muggupindi atlaku panikivachchuna?
Can the powder used for Rangoli be used to make crepes?
This proverb is used to describe something that is only useful for decorative or superficial purposes but lacks functional value. Just as lime/chalk powder looks like flour but cannot be eaten, some people or objects may look the part but fail in practical application.
సాగితే బండి సాగకపోతే మొండి
sagite bandi sagakapote mondi
If it moves, it is a cart; if it doesn't, it is stubborn.
This proverb is used to describe a situation or a machine that is unreliable or inconsistent. It refers to something that works perfectly when it wants to but becomes completely uncooperative or stationary when it faces a hurdle. It is often applied to old vehicles, unpredictable people, or projects that lack a steady momentum.