గోడలకు చెవులుంటాయి, నీడలకు నోళ్లుంటాయి.
godalaku chevuluntayi, nidalaku nolluntayi.
Walls have ears and shadows have mouths.
This expression is used to advise caution when discussing secrets or sensitive information. It warns that someone might be eavesdropping or that news can spread through unexpected ways, even in seemingly private settings.
Related Phrases
ఓడలు బండ్లవుతాయి, బండ్లు ఓడలు అవుతాయి
odalu bandlavutayi, bandlu odalu avutayi
Ships become carts, and carts become ships.
This proverb highlights the unpredictable and cyclical nature of life and fortune. It signifies that someone who is wealthy or powerful today might face hardship tomorrow, and vice versa. It is used to advise humility during success and hope during failure, reminding us that time can change anyone's circumstances.
అధికారికి చెవులుంటాయిగాని, కళ్ళుండవు.
adhikariki chevuluntayigani, kallundavu.
An officer has ears, but no eyes.
This expression means that people in power or authority often act based on what they hear (rumors, complaints, or reports from subordinates) rather than observing the truth with their own eyes. It is used to caution that leaders can be easily misled by biased information because they do not verify the facts personally.
చేతలను బట్టే రాతలుంటాయి.
chetalanu batte rataluntayi.
Destiny is written based on actions.
This expression means that one's future or fate is determined by their own deeds and conduct. It is used to emphasize personal responsibility and the law of karma, suggesting that if you do good, good things will happen to you in the future.
తల గొట్టేవానికైనా మూడు మనవులుంటాయి.
tala gottevanikaina mudu manavuluntayi.
Even a person who is about to behead someone is allowed three requests.
This proverb highlights that even in the most dire or final situations, a person should be given a fair chance to speak or be heard. It is used to suggest that everyone deserves basic respect, due process, or a final opportunity to explain themselves before a decision is finalized.
కరువునాటి కష్టాలుండవుగాని, కష్టాలనాటి మాటలుంటాయి.
karuvunati kashtalundavugani, kashtalanati mataluntayi.
The hardships of famine days will not remain, but the words spoken during those hardships will.
This proverb emphasizes that while physical or financial difficulties are temporary and will eventually pass, the harsh words, insults, or lack of support experienced during those times are remembered forever. It serves as a reminder to be kind and mindful of one's speech even during stressful or lean periods.
కథకు కాళ్ళు, ముంతకు చెవులు కల్పించినట్లు
kathaku kallu, muntaku chevulu kalpinchinatlu
Like giving legs to a story and ears to a pot.
This expression describes the act of exaggerating a story or fabricating unnecessary details to make a simple event sound more dramatic or believable. It is used when someone adds 'spices' or false information to a basic fact, making the narrative unrealistic or distorted.
కళ్ళు కావాలంటాయి, కడుపు వద్దంటుంది
kallu kavalantayi, kadupu vaddantundi
The eyes say they want it, but the stomach says no.
This expression describes a situation where a person's greed or appetite exceeds their physical capacity. It is commonly used when someone serves themselves a large amount of food because it looks delicious, only to realize they are too full to finish it.
రాటానికి రెండు చెవులు, నాకు రెండు చెవులు.
rataniki rendu chevulu, naku rendu chevulu.
The spinning wheel has two ears, and I have two ears.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone claims equality with another person or object based on a very superficial or irrelevant similarity, while ignoring the vast difference in status, function, or utility. It highlights a false or absurd comparison.
ఆకులున్న చెట్టుకి నీడ ఉంటుంది, పిల్ల తల్లికి పాలుంటాయి.
akulunna chettuki nida untundi, pilla talliki paluntayi.
A tree with leaves provides shade; a mother with a child has milk.
This proverb highlights natural law and the concept of preparedness or provision. Just as it is the inherent nature of a leafy tree to offer shade, a mother is naturally equipped to provide for her child's needs. It is used to describe situations where someone or something is naturally endowed with the resources required to fulfill their purpose or role.
కథకు కాళ్లు లేవు, ముంతకు చెవులు లేవు
kathaku kallu levu, muntaku chevulu levu
No legs to the tale, no ears to the pot. Said of a story that one cannot make head or tail of. A story without a head. (Greek.)
This proverb is used to describe a story, explanation, or excuse that lacks logic, consistency, or a proper foundation. It refers to something that is nonsensical or a 'cock and bull story' where the details don't add up or have no basis in reality.