గూనిగుగ్గిరిచ్చె, దండు దగ్గరొచ్చె.
guniguggirichche, dandu daggarochche.
The hunchback whistled, the army approached.
This expression is used to describe a situation where an insignificant or seemingly small event acts as a warning or a precursor to a major trouble or a large-scale event. It highlights the moment when a looming threat is finally signaled.
Related Phrases
చింతచెట్టుకు చిగురొచ్చింది, చిన్నదానికి పొగరొచ్చింది
chintachettuku chigurochchindi, chinnadaniki pogarochchindi
The tamarind tree has sprouted new leaves, and the young girl has grown proud.
This is a rhythmic folk saying or song lyric often used playfully. It draws a metaphorical parallel between the natural growth of a tree (springing new life) and a young person reaching a certain age or status where they exhibit attitude, pride, or self-confidence.
బడాయికోరు బచ్చే, కూటికి లేక చచ్చె
badayikoru bachche, kutiki leka chachche
A boastful fellow died because he had no food to eat.
This proverb is used to describe someone who shows off a high status or wealth through grand words and arrogance, while in reality, they are struggling with basic necessities or are in a pathetic state. It highlights the irony of maintaining a false, boastful image despite extreme poverty or failure.
గొడ్డలి దెబ్బకు అన్నాడట
goddali debbaku annadata
He said 'brother' to the axe blow
This expression describes a situation where someone suddenly becomes humble, respectful, or starts calling an enemy 'brother' only when faced with an immediate, life-threatening danger or severe punishment. It is used to mock people who only show manners or submission when they are under duress.
మొగుళ్ల పొద్దు మోసపుచ్చే, కోడలి ప్రాణం కొలువులోకి వచ్చె.
mogulla poddu mosapuchche, kodali pranam koluvuloki vachche.
The husbands' time passed deceitfully, and the daughter-in-law's life came to the service/assembly.
This proverb describes a situation where an opportunity was missed or time was wasted due to the laziness or deception of others, and now the person in a subordinate position (the daughter-in-law) is forced to face the difficult consequences or hard labor. It is used when someone's negligence leads to another person being burdened with heavy responsibilities at the last minute.
మృతి దగ్గరకు వచ్చినా, సతి దగ్గరకు వచ్చినా మతి ఉండదు.
mriti daggaraku vachchina, sati daggaraku vachchina mati undadu.
Whether death approaches or a wife approaches, one loses their mind.
This proverb highlights two extremes where a person loses their rational thinking or common sense: when facing imminent death (due to fear and panic) and when overwhelmed by lust or infatuation. It is used to describe situations where a person acts irrationally under the influence of extreme fear or intense desire.
దూరం గుడి కడితే (చంద్రుని చుట్టూ) దగ్గర వాన, దగ్గర కడితే దూరపు వాన.
duram gudi kadite (chandruni chuttu) daggara vana, daggara kadite durapu vana.
If a halo forms far around the moon, rain is near; if it forms near, rain is far.
This is a traditional Telugu weather-lore proverb. It suggests that a large, wide halo around the moon indicates immediate rainfall, whereas a tight, small halo indicates that rain is still a long way off. It is used to predict weather based on atmospheric observations.
కాటి దగ్గరి మాటలు కూటి దగ్గర ఉండవు
kati daggari matalu kuti daggara undavu
The words spoken at the graveyard do not remain at the dinner table.
This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of philosophical realizations or remorse. People often express deep wisdom or regret during somber moments (like a funeral), but quickly return to their usual habits and desires once they are back in the comfort of their daily lives.
తాళం నీ దగ్గర, చెవి నా దగ్గర
talam ni daggara, chevi na daggara
The lock is with you, the key is with me.
In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.
ముగ్గురి మధ్య ముంత దాగింది
mugguri madhya munta dagindi
A small vessel hidden among three people
This expression is used to describe a situation where a common item or responsibility is neglected or lost because everyone assumes someone else is taking care of it. It highlights how shared responsibility among a small group often leads to inefficiency or things going missing.
ఊరు దూరం, కాడు దగ్గర
uru duram, kadu daggara
The village is far, the graveyard is near.
This expression is used to describe someone who is reaching the very end of their life or is extremely old. It signifies that their connection to the living world (the village) is fading, while their transition to death (the graveyard) is imminent.