ఏరు నిండి పారినా పాత్రకు తగురీతి నీరు వచ్చు
eru nindi parina patraku taguriti niru vachchu
Even if the river flows full, a vessel will only get as much water as its capacity.
This proverb emphasizes that opportunities or resources may be abundant, but one can only benefit based on their own capacity, effort, or merit. It is used to describe situations where a person's limitations prevent them from taking full advantage of a grand situation.
Related Phrases
ఏరు వచ్చినా ఎద్దడి నీరే, మొగుడు వచ్చినా మొండి మెడె.
eru vachchina eddadi nire, mogudu vachchina mondi mede.
Even if the river flows, there's only a scarcity of water; even if the husband arrives, there's only a stubborn neck.
This proverb describes a state of perpetual misfortune or dissatisfaction where even favorable circumstances do not bring relief. It refers to a person who remains in a miserable or neglected state regardless of changes in their environment or situation. It is used when someone's basic needs or expectations are never met, even when the source of that fulfillment is physically present.
నీరు పల్లమెరుగు, నిజం దేవుడెరుగు (నీరు నిల్లవ వంకనే పారుతుంది)
niru pallamerugu, nijam devuderugu (niru nillava vankane parutundi)
Water runs towards water. Men haste to help those of their own caste, &c.
This proverb is used to describe things that naturally follow a specific path or instinct. Just as water naturally flows toward lower ground (slopes), certain events or human tendencies are inevitable. It is often used to imply that truth will eventually come out or that people naturally gravitate towards their own kind or interests.
మృతి దగ్గరకు వచ్చినా, సతి దగ్గరకు వచ్చినా మతి ఉండదు.
mriti daggaraku vachchina, sati daggaraku vachchina mati undadu.
Whether death approaches or a wife approaches, one loses their mind.
This proverb highlights two extremes where a person loses their rational thinking or common sense: when facing imminent death (due to fear and panic) and when overwhelmed by lust or infatuation. It is used to describe situations where a person acts irrationally under the influence of extreme fear or intense desire.
నీరు పల్లమెరుగు, నిజం దేవుడెరుగు (నీరు పల్లపు వంకకే పారును గాని, మిట్టలకెక్కునా)
niru pallamerugu, nijam devuderugu (niru pallapu vankake parunu gani, mittalakekkuna)
Water only flows towards the slope; will it ever climb the heights?
This proverb signifies that just as water naturally flows to the lowest point, wealth or benefits naturally flow to those who are already influential or in a position of advantage. It is used to describe how resources often accumulate where they are already abundant, rather than reaching those in need or in difficult positions.
నిలువదగనిచోట నలువది నిందలు వచ్చు
niluvadaganichota naluvadi nindalu vachchu
Standing in a place where one shouldn't stand leads to forty accusations.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of choosing the right environment and company. If you stay in a place or situation that is inappropriate for your character or social standing, you will inevitably face numerous false accusations or damage to your reputation, even if you have done nothing wrong.
నీరధికి నీరు మోసినట్లు
niradhiki niru mosinatlu
Like carrying water to the ocean
This expression is used to describe a redundant or futile effort where one provides something to someone who already possesses it in abundance. It is similar to the English idiom 'carrying coals to Newcastle'.
వట్టి నిందలు చెప్పితే, గట్టి నిందలు వచ్చును.
vatti nindalu cheppite, gatti nindalu vachchunu.
If you accuse others falsely, you will be accused truly in turn.
This proverb warns that if you spread baseless rumors or false accusations about others, you will eventually face serious and undeniable accusations or consequences yourself. It serves as a reminder that dishonesty and slander often backfire.
అత్త చచ్చిన ఆరు మాసములకు కోడలి కంట నీరు వచ్చినదట
atta chachchina aru masamulaku kodali kanta niru vachchinadata
Six months after the death of the mother-in-law, tears came into the eyes of the daughter-in-law.
This proverb describes a situation where a person shows a delayed, insincere, or hypocritical emotional reaction. It is used to mock someone who pretends to care about a loss or an event long after it happened, or when their reaction is clearly performative rather than genuine.
కొత్త నీరు వచ్చి పాత నీరు కొట్టుకుపోయినట్లు
kotta niru vachchi pata niru kottukupoyinatlu
The new water came and washed away the old water. A little gain once was the cause of all being lost eventually.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where new people, ideas, or trends replace old ones completely. It is often used when a newcomer takes over the position or influence of someone who has been there for a long time, or when modern methods render traditional ones obsolete.
నీరు విడిచిన మొసలి - నీరు విడిచిన చేప
niru vidichina mosali - niru vidichina chepa
A crocodile out of water - a fish out of water
These two expressions describe loss of power and vulnerability. A crocodile out of water (నీరు విడిచిన మొసలి) refers to a powerful person who loses their strength and authority when removed from their natural environment or position. A fish out of water (నీరు విడిచిన చేప) refers to someone who is helpless, extremely uncomfortable, or unable to survive in an alien environment. Both are used to highlight how strength and survival are dependent on the right context or surroundings.