గంతకు పడాలని ఉంది, ఎద్దుకు తూలాలనీ ఉంది
gantaku padalani undi, edduku tulalani undi
The pack-saddle wants to stay on, and the ox wants to wander.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one is caught between two conflicting desires or contradictory thoughts. It refers to a state of indecision or inconsistency where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of staying put while also wanting the freedom of wandering away.
Related Phrases
కుక్కకు కూడా కలిసివచ్చే కాలమని ఉంటుంది.
kukkaku kuda kalisivachche kalamani untundi.
Even a dog will have a favorable time.
This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'Every dog has its day.' It is used to suggest that everyone, no matter how insignificant or unfortunate they may seem, will eventually have a period of success, luck, or opportunity in their life.
దుక్కి ఉంటే దిక్కు ఉంది
dukki unte dikku undi
If there is plowing, there is a way.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of agriculture and hard work. It suggests that if one prepares the land well (plowing), they will always have a means of survival and a secure future. It is used to highlight that labor is the foundation of sustenance.
అన్నీ ఉన్నాయి గానీ అంచుకు తొగరు లేదు
anni unnayi gani anchuku togaru ledu
Everything is there, but the border lacks the red dye (Togaru).
This proverb is used to describe a situation where everything seems perfect or complete, yet one crucial or finishing detail is missing that makes the whole thing feel incomplete or inadequate. It is often used to critique something that has quantity but lacks a specific quality or a necessary finishing touch.
ఉండి ఉండి ఉప్పరవానిని కట్టుకొంటే, తట్ట తట్టకు తలపోతలే.
undi undi upparavanini kattukonte, tatta tattaku talapotale.
After waiting and waiting, if one marries a digger (laborer), there will be head-washings (ceremonial or literal) for every basket carried.
This proverb describes a situation where someone waits a long time to make a choice, only to end up with a difficult or laborious situation. It specifically refers to the disappointment when a long-awaited decision results in unexpected hardships or constant, repetitive struggles.
నలిగి ఉన్నప్పుడు తొలగి ఉండమన్నారు
naligi unnappudu tolagi undamannaru
When you are exhausted or worn out, stay away/rest.
This expression is used to advise someone that when they are tired, frustrated, or physically/mentally drained, it is best to distance themselves from tasks or social interactions to avoid errors or conflicts. It emphasizes the importance of taking a break and stepping back during difficult times.
తిని ఉండలేక, తాగి బొందను పడినట్లు
tini undaleka, tagi bondanu padinatlu
Like eating too much, getting drunk, and falling into a pit.
This expression is used to describe a person who, despite having everything they need (food and comfort), creates unnecessary trouble for themselves through reckless behavior or bad habits. It refers to someone who ruins their own peace or stability by overindulging or being irresponsible.
మాటలో నీటుంది, మాటలో పోటుంది, మాటలో సూటి ఉంది.
matalo nitundi, matalo potundi, matalo suti undi.
In speech there is elegance, in speech there is power (a blow), and in speech there is directness.
This expression highlights the multifaceted power of words. It suggests that human speech can be used to convey sophistication (neetu), to deliver a sharp or stinging impact (potu), or to be honest and straightforward (sooti). It is often used to remind people that how we talk can charm, hurt, or clarify depending on the intent.
పాలు తాగని పిల్లి ఉంటుందా?
palu tagani pilli untunda?
Is there a cat that doesn't drink milk?
This rhetorical question is used to describe a situation where someone is naturally or inevitably tempted by something they love. It is often applied when someone pretends to be disinterested in something they actually desire, or to imply that it is impossible for a person to resist a specific, habitual temptation.
అంతకు తగిన గంత, గంతకు తగిన బొంత.
antaku tagina ganta, gantaku tagina bonta.
A pack-saddle fits the size, and a quilt fits the pack-saddle.
This proverb is used to describe a perfect match or a situation where things are suited to each other, often used in a sarcastic or humorous way to describe a couple or a pair of people who share the same (often negative) traits or habits. It implies that for every person or situation, there is a corresponding match that deserves them.
ఎద్దుకు తూలాలని ఉంది, గంతకు పడాలని ఉంది.
edduku tulalani undi, gantaku padalani undi.
The ox wants to sway/roam freely, yet it also wants to stay in the feeding sack.
This proverb describes a person who is conflicted or greedy, wanting to enjoy two contradictory things at the same time. It is used to describe someone who wants the freedom of having no responsibilities while simultaneously wanting the benefits or security of being tied down.