గుడారంలో గూని బతుకు
gudaramlo guni batuku
A life hunched over in a tent
This expression describes a life of extreme limitations, struggle, or confinement. It refers to someone who is forced to live in a restricted space or difficult circumstances where they cannot even stand tall or live with dignity, symbolizing a cramped and suppressed existence.
Related Phrases
క్షీరసాగరంలో శేషావతారం, లవణసాగరంలో మత్స్యావతారం
kshirasagaramlo sheshavataram, lavanasagaramlo matsyavataram
An incarnation of Shesha in the ocean of milk, and an incarnation of a fish in the salt ocean.
This expression is used to describe a person who behaves with great dignity and sophistication in elite circles but resorts to crude or low-level behavior when in common or less refined environments. It highlights how an individual's conduct changes drastically based on the status of their surroundings.
అంబరంలో కుంభం, ఆదివారంలో సోమవారం
ambaramlo kumbham, adivaramlo somavaram
A pot in the sky, and Monday within a Sunday.
This expression is used to describe something that is impossible, nonsensical, or a complete fabrication. It refers to situations where someone tells a lie or presents a scenario that defies logic, much like finding a physical pot in the vacuum of space or a Monday occurring inside a Sunday.
రత్నాన్ని బంగారంలో పొదిగితేనే రాణింపు.
ratnanni bangaramlo podigitene ranimpu.
A gemstone shines best only when it is set in gold.
This expression is used to signify that merit or talent gets its true recognition and value only when it is placed in the right environment or paired with something equally worthy. It suggests that excellence requires a proper platform or context to truly sparkle.
దయ్యాల ముందర బిడ్డలు బతుకుతారా?
dayyala mundara biddalu batukutara?
Do children survive in front of demons?
This expression is used to describe an environment where vulnerable people or valuable things cannot thrive or survive because they are surrounded by cruel, corrupt, or destructive forces. It implies that a positive outcome is impossible in a predatory or toxic atmosphere.
కోతలు ఉన్నన్నాళ్ళు కోతీ బతికింది, తరువాత బతికిందే బతుకు
kotalu unnannallu koti batikindi, taruvata batikinde batuku
As long as there were harvests, the monkey survived; life after that is the real struggle.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone enjoys a comfortable life due to favorable external circumstances or resources. When those resources are exhausted, they face the harsh reality of survival. It serves as a reminder that true resilience is tested only when easy times end.
కాలు జారిన పిల్ల బతుకు, నోరు జారిన పెద్ద బతుకు వ్యర్థం
kalu jarina pilla batuku, noru jarina pedda batuku vyartham
The life of a child who slips (physically) and the life of an elder who slips (verbally) are wasted.
This proverb emphasizes the gravity of words spoken by mature individuals. Just as a physical fall can permanently disable a child's future, a person of status or age who speaks carelessly or fails to keep their word loses all respect and credibility in society. It highlights that responsibility and verbal integrity are the foundation of a meaningful life.
తెల్లవారితే చూడు ఎల్లాయి బతుకు
tellavarite chudu ellayi batuku
See Ellayi's life once the day breaks.
This proverb is used to describe someone who maintains a false appearance of wealth or dignity during the night (or in specific settings), but whose true poverty or miserable condition is revealed in the light of day. It refers to situations where reality eventually catches up with pretense.
వట్టలు గీరుకున్నంత సుఖం, వైకుంఠంలో కూడా ఉండదు.
vattalu girukunnanta sukham, vaikunthamlo kuda undadu.
The pleasure of scratching one's testicles cannot be found even in Vaikuntha (Heaven).
A crude but humorous folk saying used to describe a simple, base, or immediate physical relief that feels superior to any imaginary spiritual bliss. It is often used to remark on how people prioritize small, personal comforts over abstract or lofty goals.
మార్గశిరంలో మబ్బులు మాఘమాసంలో వానలు
margashiramlo mabbulu maghamasamlo vanalu
Clouds in the month of Margasira, rains in the month of Magha.
This is a traditional agricultural observation or proverb related to weather patterns. It suggests that if clouds appear during the lunar month of Margasira (usually occurring in Nov-Dec), it is a precursor to rainfall in the month of Magha (Jan-Feb). It is used to describe predictable seasonal cycles or the relationship between specific weather signs and their eventual outcomes.
గతుకులకు పోతే, బతుకులు పోయినవి
gatukulaku pote, batukulu poyinavi
When he went to lap, his livelihood went. When a greedy man went to spoon upon another for his breakfast he was kept waiting so long that he lost his situation.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone, out of greed or a desire for small, insignificant gains (scraps/leftovers), ends up losing something very valuable or even their entire livelihood. It serves as a warning against being penny-wise and pound-foolish, or taking unnecessary risks for minor rewards.