హద్దులో ఉంటే ఆడుది, హద్దుదాటితే గాడిది.
haddulo unte adudi, haddudatite gadidi.
If within limits, she is a woman; if the limits are crossed, she is a donkey.
This is a traditional proverb emphasizing the importance of staying within social or behavioral boundaries. It suggests that a person (historically referring to women in this context) earns respect when they maintain self-restraint and decorum, but loses their dignity and is viewed as stubborn or foolish like a donkey if they behave excessively or cross those boundaries.
Related Phrases
అడుగు దాటితే అప్పు దాటుతుంది
adugu datite appu datutundi
If you cross the step, you cross the debt
This expression emphasizes that taking the first step or initiating action is the most important part of overcoming a problem or a burden like debt. It suggests that once you begin making an effort and move forward, the difficulties start to resolve.
కూలి చేస్తే గడవనిది కూర్చుంటే గడుస్తుందా?
kuli cheste gadavanidi kurchunte gadustunda?
If life doesn't pass even when working for wages, will it pass by sitting idle?
This proverb emphasizes the necessity of hard work and the reality of poverty. It means that if one's basic needs are barely met even through constant labor, they certainly cannot be met by remaining inactive. It is used to encourage someone to keep working or to highlight that there is no alternative to effort for survival.
సముద్రానికి చెల్లెలికట్టే హద్దు
samudraniki chellelikatte haddu
The shore is the limit of the sea. The word Chellelikattā signifies 'sister bank.' The idea is that the shore is as inviolate as a sister. Used in cautioning others not to transgress due bounds.
This expression is used to describe an individual's integrity, self-restraint, or discipline. Just as the vast ocean stays within its shores and does not overflow despite its power, a person of character stays within their moral boundaries and principles regardless of circumstances.
చేతిలో ఉంటే అర్థం, చేరువలో ఉంటే పెళ్ళాం.
chetilo unte artham, cheruvalo unte pellam.
If in hand, it is wealth; if nearby, she is the wife.
This proverb highlights the transient nature of value based on possession and proximity. It implies that money is only useful when you actually hold it (liquid/available), and a wife is a companion only when she is present with you. It is often used to emphasize the importance of having resources or loved ones physically accessible rather than just 'on paper' or far away.
చేతిలో ఉంటే అర్థం, చేరువలో ఉంటే పెళ్ళాం
chetilo unte artham, cheruvalo unte pellam
If it is in hand, it is money; if she is nearby, she is a wife.
This expression highlights that things only serve their purpose or provide value when they are accessible or present. 'Artham' (money/wealth) is only useful if you have it in your possession, and a relationship (like a spouse) only provides companionship and support when the person is physically near or available.
ముక్కు దాటితే ముక్తి, నాలుక దాటితే నరకం
mukku datite mukti, naluka datite narakam
Liberation if it passes the nose, hell if it passes the tongue.
This proverb emphasizes the power and danger of speech. 'Passing the nose' refers to the breath (life/meditation), leading to spiritual liberation, whereas 'passing the tongue' refers to careless or hurtful speech, which leads to trouble or 'hell'. It is used to advise someone to think before they speak and to maintain self-control over their words.
అమరితే ఆడది, అమరకుంటే గాడిది
amarite adadi, amarakunte gadidi
If she adapts, she is a woman; if not, she is a donkey.
This expression describes a fickle or opportunistic attitude towards people. It means that as long as someone is useful or compliant to one's needs, they are treated with respect, but the moment they stop serving that purpose or disagree, they are treated with contempt and insulted.
సొమ్మొకడిది, సోకొకడిది
sommokadidi, sokokadidi
One person's wealth, another person's vanity
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person works hard to earn money or resources, while another person spends it lavishly to show off or enjoy the benefits without any effort. It highlights the unfairness of someone reaping the rewards of another person's labor.
హిమగిరిలో ఉంటే నంది, గంగారంలో ఉంటే గంగిరెద్దు
himagirilo unte nandi, gangaramlo unte gangireddu
If in Himagiri (the Himalayas), it is Nandi; if in Gangaram (a common village), it is a Gangireddu (a street bull).
This proverb describes how the value and respect an individual receives depend heavily on their environment, position, and the company they keep. Even a divine bull like Nandi is seen as a common street bull when removed from its sacred context. It is used to emphasize that status is often a reflection of one's surroundings.
అద్దుకునే లేకుంటే తుంచుకునేది ఎక్కడిది?
addukune lekunte tunchukunedi ekkadidi?
If one doesn't even have enough to dip/smear, where would they get enough to pluck/break off?
This proverb describes a state of extreme poverty or scarcity. It suggests that when a person lacks even the minimum required for a small taste or basic sustenance (like dipping a finger in a sauce), it is foolish to expect them to have enough to take a large portion or share with others. It is used to point out that one cannot provide or spend what they don't even have in a minimal quantity.