ఎత్తువారి చేతి బిడ్డ
ettuvari cheti bidda
A child in the hands of whoever lifts them up.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks a strong individual will or firm stance, and is easily influenced or manipulated by whoever is currently in control of them. It suggests a state of dependency or vulnerability where one's actions are directed by others rather than their own judgment.
Related Phrases
దుడ్డుకట్టా, దుడ్డుకట్టా ఎవరి మాట వింటావే అంటే - ఎవరి చేతిలో ఉంటే వారి మాట అన్నదట.
duddukatta, duddukatta evari mata vintave ante - evari chetilo unte vari mata annadata.
When asked, 'O thick stick, O thick stick, whose words do you obey?' - it replied, 'I obey the words of whoever holds me.'
This proverb describes a situation where power or control is entirely dependent on whoever currently possesses it, regardless of loyalty or principles. It is similar to the expression 'Like a child in the hands of whoever picks them up.' It is used to describe people or tools that lack independent will and simply serve the person currently in charge.
ఆడదాని చేతి అర్థమూ, మొగవాని చేతి బిడ్డా బ్రతకదు
adadani cheti arthamu, mogavani cheti bidda bratakadu
Money left in the hands of a woman wont last; a child left in the hands of a man wont live.
This traditional proverb suggests that wealth tends to be spent quickly when managed by a woman (historically implying domestic expenses or lack of financial restraint), while a child may not thrive under a man's sole care due to a perceived lack of nurturing skills. It is used to describe situations where resources or responsibilities are placed in hands that are traditionally considered ill-equipped to preserve them.
ఆడదాని చేతి అద్దం, మగాడి చేతి బిడ్డ బ్రతకదట
adadani cheti addam, magadi cheti bidda bratakadata
A mirror in a woman's hand and a child in a man's hand do not survive.
This is a traditional proverb highlighting gender-stereotypical roles from the past. It suggests that a mirror in a woman's hand will break because she uses it too frequently, and a baby in a man's hand will not thrive because he lacks the natural nurturing patience or skill required for childcare. In modern usage, it is often cited to remark on the lack of care or the inherent risk of mishandling something when it is not in the hands of an 'expert' or 'natural' caretaker.
అయితే ఆడబిడ్డ, లేకుంటే మగబిడ్డ
ayite adabidda, lekunte magabidda
Either a baby girl or a baby boy.
This expression is used to describe a situation where there are only two possible outcomes, both of which are acceptable or equally significant. It is often used to signify that no matter what happens among the expected options, the result is certain and fine. It can also be used to shut down unnecessary speculation about a result that will eventually reveal itself.
పేరు నేతిబీరకాయ, చీరిచూస్తే నేతిచుక్కలేదు
peru netibirakaya, chirichuste netichukkaledu
The name is Ghee-Gourd, but if you cut it open, there isn't a drop of ghee.
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that has a grand or impressive name but lacks the actual quality or substance implied by that name. It is used to mock pretentiousness, false advertising, or situations where the reality does not live up to the hype.
ఎవరి బిడ్డ వారికి ముద్దు
evari bidda variki muddu
One's own child is beautiful to them
This proverb is used to express that people always find their own possessions, family members, or creations to be the best and most beautiful, regardless of their objective quality. It is similar to the English expression 'Every potter praises his own pot' or 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.'
అరిచే కుక్క కరవదు
ariche kukka karavadu
A barking dog does not bite
This proverb is used to describe people who make a lot of noise, threats, or boasts but rarely take any actual action. It implies that those who are truly dangerous or effective do not need to shout about it, and those who shout are often harmless.
తన చేయి కాలుతుందని, సవతి బిడ్డ చేతితో కలియబెట్టిందట.
tana cheyi kalutundani, savati bidda chetito kaliyabettindata.
Fearing her own hand would get burnt, she stirred the pot with her stepchild's hand.
This proverb describes extreme selfishness and cruelty. It is used to refer to a person who, in order to avoid a small discomfort or risk to themselves, heartlessly puts someone else (especially someone vulnerable) in significant danger or harm.
ఆడదాని చేతి అర్థం, మగవాడి చేతి బిడ్డ నిలవవు.
adadani cheti artham, magavadi cheti bidda nilavavu.
Money in a woman's hand and a child in a man's hand will not stay.
This traditional proverb suggests that wealth held by a woman is quickly spent on household needs, while a man may lack the patience or nurturing skill to keep a child calm or safe for long. It is used to describe roles or situations where resources or responsibilities are perceived to be inherently unstable.
అరిచే కుక్క కరవదు
ariche kukka karavadu
A barking dog doesn't bite
This proverb is used to describe people who make a lot of noise, threats, or boasts but rarely take any action or cause actual harm. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'Barking dogs seldom bite'.