గొర్రె దాటు, ఏలంవెట్టి
gorre datu, elamvetti
Sheep's leap, blind following
This expression refers to the behavior of 'herd mentality' or 'blindly following' someone without thinking for oneself. Just as when one sheep jumps into a ditch or follows a path, the entire flock follows blindly, this phrase is used to describe people who mimic others' actions or decisions without evaluating the consequences or logic.
Related Phrases
వినేవాటికి (చెవులకు) కనేవాటికి (కళ్ళకు) బెత్తెడే దూరం
vinevatiki (chevulaku) kanevatiki (kallaku) bettede duram
The distance between what you hear (ears) and what you see (eyes) is only a hand-span.
This expression highlights that there is a very small physical distance between the ears and eyes, yet a massive difference in reliability. It is used to caution people against believing rumors or hearsay without seeing the evidence for themselves, as witnessing something firsthand is the only way to know the truth.
పిల్లి కండ్లు మూసుకొని పాలు తాగుతూ, ఎవరూ తన్ను చూడలేదని ఎంచుకొన్నదట.
pilli kandlu musukoni palu tagutu, evaru tannu chudaledani enchukonnadata.
Closing its eyes while drinking milk, the cat thought no one was watching it.
This proverb describes a person who commits a wrong or foolish act thinking they are being clever and that no one notices, while in reality, their actions are obvious to everyone. It is used to mock self-deception and the false sense of security people feel when they ignore the consequences of their actions.
పిల్లి కళ్లు మూసుకుని పాలు తాగుతూ ఎవరూ చూడడం లేదని అనుకున్నట్లు.
pilli kallu musukuni palu tagutu evaru chudadam ledani anukunnatlu.
Like a cat shutting her eyes, and fancying that no one could see her drinking the milk. A man fancying that he is unseen when committing some crime. The forest has ears, the field has eyes. (German.)
This proverb refers to people who commit wrongdoings or deceptive acts thinking they are being clever or secretive, while in reality, their actions are obvious to everyone else. It is used to mock self-deception and the foolish belief that one can hide the truth by simply ignoring it.
నీ అరచేతికి పండ్లు వస్తే చూద్దాం
ni arachetiki pandlu vaste chuddam
When teeth grow in the palm of your hand, I'll listen to you.
This expression is used sarcastically to express strong skepticism about someone's boastful claims or unlikely promises. It implies that what the person is saying is as impossible as a tree growing and bearing fruit in the palm of a hand.
మూసుకుని కూర్చో
musukuni kurcho
Close (your mouth) and sit
This is a blunt and often rude expression used to tell someone to shut up or stay quiet. It is commonly used when someone is talking unnecessarily, annoying others, or meddling in affairs that do not concern them. It literally instructs the person to 'shut it' and remain still.
కళ్లు పోగొట్టిన దేవుడు ఇళ్లు చూపక మానడు
kallu pogottina devudu illu chupaka manadu
The God who took away the eyesight will not fail to show the home.
This proverb is used to express hope and faith during times of hardship. It suggests that even when a higher power or fate brings a great misfortune, it will also provide the necessary support or a way to survive. It is often used to console someone who has faced a significant loss, implying that they will not be completely abandoned.
పెండ్లికి ముందు బాగా కండ్లు తెరచుకొని చూచి, పెండ్లికాగానే కండ్లు సగం మూసుకుని చూచీ చూడనట్లుండాలి.
pendliki mundu baga kandlu terachukoni chuchi, pendlikagane kandlu sagam musukuni chuchi chudanatlundali.
Open your eyes wide before marriage, but after marriage, keep them half-closed and act as if you see but don't see.
This proverb advises individuals to be extremely cautious and observant while choosing a life partner. However, once married, it suggests that one should be tolerant and overlook minor faults or imperfections in their spouse to maintain a harmonious and happy relationship.
అమ్మ చెడ్డ చేటుకు ముసుగు ఒకటా?
amma chedda chetuku musugu okata?
Is this miserable wretched woman to wear a veil?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has already lost their reputation or is in a completely compromised position, and then tries to hide or be modest about minor things. It suggests that when the worst has already happened or been exposed, trivial attempts to maintain dignity or secrecy are hypocritical or pointless.
ఆరుద్రతో అదనుసరి.
arudrato adanusari.
With Arudra (star), the timing is right.
This is an agricultural proverb used by farmers. Arudra refers to the Arudra Karthi (a specific solar mansion in the lunar calendar). It implies that when the Arudra season begins, it is the perfect and most auspicious time for sowing seeds as the rains are expected to be favorable. It emphasizes the importance of timing in farming.
మంచుకుపెట్టిన పందిళ్లు ముసారాకు ఆగునా?
manchukupettina pandillu musaraku aguna?
Will a canopy built for dew withstand a heavy downpour?
This proverb highlights the difference between small preparations and major challenges. It means that measures taken to handle trivial or mild issues (like dew) are completely inadequate when facing a severe crisis or a larger problem (like a heavy rainstorm). It is used to suggest that one must be prepared with sufficient strength or resources to face significant obstacles.