గాలి ఇరవు గాలికే తెలుసు

gali iravu galike telusu

Translation

The destination of the wind is known only to the wind.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where only the person involved truly understands their own path, secrets, or internal state. It is often applied to people whose movements or intentions are unpredictable or mysterious to others, suggesting that one cannot judge or know what another is going through unless they are in their shoes.

Related Phrases

The one who hides the wealth knows, and the one who records the account also knows.

This proverb is used to indicate that secrets related to money or hidden actions are usually known by two types of people: the one who performed the act and the one who maintains the records or details. It implies that truth cannot be hidden forever when there is documentation or a second party involved.

If the crop-wind hits, the harvest will be abundant.

This proverb highlights the importance of favorable weather conditions, specifically the cooling breeze known as 'pairugali', for a successful agricultural yield. It is used to express that when the right environment or support is present, success and prosperity are guaranteed.

A home's appearance reveals the housewife's beauty.

This proverb suggests that the cleanliness, organization, and upkeep of a home are a direct reflection of the character, competence, and management skills of the person in charge of it. It is used to emphasize that true beauty or worth is seen in how one maintains their responsibilities and environment.

He is a mere twenty-five, twenty-six.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who is lazy, useless, or good-for-nothing. The numbers 25 and 26 don't hold a mathematical value here but colloquially represent a person who lacks purpose or effectiveness.

What does a rustic man know of the fragrance of a screw-pine flower?

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks refinement or aesthetic sense and is therefore unable to appreciate the finer things in life. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.' It suggests that someone uncouth or uneducated cannot understand the value of something delicate, rare, or beautiful.

When one was drowning and another asked if he knew how to swim, he replied 'I know' even while sinking.

This expression is used to mock someone who is too proud to admit their failure or lack of knowledge even when they are in a desperate or losing situation. It highlights the foolishness of maintaining a false ego while facing total ruin.

The humpback alone knows how he can lie comfortably.

This proverb conveys that only the person suffering from a specific problem or hardship truly understands its depth and the unique ways they have to cope with it. It is used to emphasize that outsiders cannot fully grasp someone else's personal struggles or the adjustments they must make to survive.

Every man kens best where his own shoe pinches. ( Scotch.)

Ellamma's life (or fate) will be known once the day breaks.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the true outcome or the reality of a person's condition will only be revealed after a period of time or once a specific event concludes. It implies that current appearances might be deceptive and the final truth will come to light eventually.

What does a crude man know of the fragrance of a screw-pine flower?

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks refinement, taste, or the ability to appreciate subtle beauty and excellence. It implies that a person with a coarse nature cannot grasp the value or essence of something sophisticated or delicate.

The same foot gets hit, the same rope gets the knot.

This proverb describes a situation where misfortunes or burdens keep falling on the same person who is already suffering. It is similar to the English expression 'troubles never come singly' or 'misery loves company,' specifically highlighting how the weak or already injured are often the ones who face recurring problems.