గొడ్డు బలిస్తే పాటుకి, మనిషి బలిస్తే కాటికి.
goddu baliste patuki, manishi baliste katiki.
If cattle get fat they go to work, if a person gets arrogant they go to the cemetery.
This proverb warns against arrogance and over-indulgence. In the case of livestock, gaining weight/strength means they are put to harder labor. However, when a human becomes 'fat' with ego or pride (balupu), it leads to their downfall or destruction. It is often used to humble someone who is acting overly proud or reckless due to their wealth or power.
Related Phrases
మనిషి కాటుకు మందు లేదు.
manishi katuku mandu ledu.
There is no medicine for the bite of a man. The bite of an enraged man is said to be fatally poisonous.
This proverb refers to the malicious nature of human behavior, specifically betrayal, gossip, or cruelty. While there are remedies for snake bites or animal wounds, the damage caused by a person's words or actions can be irreparable and impossible to heal with physical medicine.
జీల బలిసి బందికాడయినట్లు
jila balisi bandikadayinatlu
Like a cumin seed getting fat and becoming a log/beam.
This proverb is used to describe an insignificant person who grows arrogant due to a slight increase in wealth or status. It highlights the absurdity of a tiny thing (cumin seed) imagining itself to be something massive and sturdy (a heavy wooden beam or log).
బ్రహ్మ తలిస్తే ఆయుస్సుకు కొదువా, మొగుడు తలిస్తే దెబ్బలకు కొదువా?
brahma taliste ayussuku koduva, mogudu taliste debbalaku koduva?
If Brahma decides, is there a shortage of lifespan? If a husband decides, is there a shortage of beatings?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has absolute power or control over an outcome. Just as the Creator (Brahma) can grant a long life at will, someone in a position of authority or dominance can cause trouble or inflict hardship whenever they choose. It often highlights the helplessness of one party against the whims of a more powerful one.
కుక్క బలిస్తే గోనెలు మోస్తుందా?
kukka baliste gonelu mostunda?
If a dog gets fat, will it carry gunny sacks?
This proverb is used to say that a person's inherent nature or capabilities do not change just because they gain wealth, power, or physical size. Just as a dog, no matter how strong or well-fed, cannot perform the labor of a donkey or an ox, some people are simply not suited for certain responsibilities regardless of their outward growth.
బక్కవానికి బలిసినవాడు బావ, బలిసినవాడికి బక్కవాడు బావ
bakkavaniki balisinavadu bava, balisinavadiki bakkavadu bava
To a lean man, a wealthy man is a brother-in-law; to a wealthy man, a lean man is also a brother-in-law.
This proverb highlights the reciprocity and equality inherent in kinship and relationships, regardless of economic status. In Telugu culture, 'Bava' (brother-in-law) denotes a close relative. The saying suggests that blood relations or social bonds remain the same regardless of one person being rich (balisinavadu) and the other being poor (bakkavadu). It is used to emphasize that status shouldn't change how family members treat or address one another.
నూకలిస్తే మేకలు కాస్తానన్నాట్ట
nukaliste mekalu kastanannatta
He said he would herd the goats if provided with broken rice.
This expression is used to describe someone who demands a reward or payment even for a task that is inherently beneficial or provides for them anyway. It highlights the absurdity of asking for extra incentives to do something that is basic or self-serving.
బ్రహ్మ తలిస్తే ఆయుస్సుకు తక్కువా, మొగుడు తలిస్తే దెబ్బలకు తక్కువా?
brahma taliste ayussuku takkuva, mogudu taliste debbalaku takkuva?
If Brahmâ wishes, will there be any lack in the length of your days? If the husband wishes, will there be any lack of blows?
This is a sarcastic or cynical proverb used to describe a situation where someone has absolute power or authority to inflict something—either positive or negative. Just as Lord Brahma (the creator) can grant infinite life, a dominant or abusive person can provide an endless supply of trouble or punishment if they set their mind to it. It highlights the inevitability of consequences when someone in power is determined to act.
రాజు తలిస్తే దెబ్బలకు కొదవా?
raju taliste debbalaku kodava?
If the king decides, will there be a shortage of beatings?
This proverb implies that when a person in a position of high authority or power decides to cause harm or create trouble, they have endless means to do so. It is used to describe situations where someone powerful can easily punish or harass others at their whim.
దేవుడు తలిస్తే దెబ్బలకు కొదువా?
devudu taliste debbalaku koduva?
If God decides, will there be a shortage of blows?
This proverb is used to express that when one's luck is bad or when divine fate is against them, troubles and misfortunes come in quick succession from all directions. It is often used to lament a series of unexpected hardships or to suggest that one cannot escape destiny when it turns unfavorable.
ఆవలిస్తే పేగులు లెక్కపెట్టినట్టు
avaliste pegulu lekkapettinattu
Counting the intestines as soon as someone yawns.
This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely sharp, shrewd, or overly clever. It refers to a person who can instantly understand someone's hidden intentions or inner thoughts from just a small hint or gesture, even before the other person expresses them.