హస్తీ చచ్చినా దంతాలు దొరికితే చాలు
hasti chachchina dantalu dorikite chalu
Even if the elephant dies, it is enough if the tusks are found.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite a great loss or failure, something of significant value is still recovered. It highlights the idea that even in destruction, some inherent worth remains. It is often applied to wealthy people or great institutions that, even when ruined, still retain some of their former glory or assets.
Related Phrases
వచ్చిన పేరు చచ్చినా పోదు
vachchina peru chachchina podu
The reputation gained will not leave even after death
This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.
దొంగకు దొరికిందే చాలు.
dongaku dorikinde chalu.
Whatever a thief manages to get is enough.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is in a position of loss or risk, and they should be content with whatever they can recover or save. It also implies that for a person with bad intentions, even a small gain is a victory. It is often used to suggest that one should settle for whatever is available rather than risking everything for more.
చాలుపై చాలు దున్నితే చచ్చు చేనైనా పండుతుంది
chalupai chalu dunnite chachchu chenaina pandutundi
If you plough furrow upon furrow, even a lifeless field will yield a harvest.
This proverb emphasizes the power of persistence and hard work. It suggests that consistent, repeated effort can turn a failure or a barren situation into a success. Just as repeatedly ploughing the same land improves its fertility, constant practice and dedication lead to results in any endeavor.
చాలువై చాలు దున్నితే చచ్చు చేనైనా పండుతుంది.
chaluvai chalu dunnite chachchu chenaina pandutundi.
If you plow along the same furrow repeatedly, even a dead field will yield crops.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of persistence, consistency, and hard work. It suggests that by repeatedly putting effort into a task—even one that seems hopeless or unproductive—success can eventually be achieved.
దొంగకు దొరికినదే చాలును
dongaku dorikinade chalunu
A thief is content with what he gets.
This expression suggests that for someone who is gaining something through illicit means or luck rather than hard work, even a small amount is a bonus. It is used to describe situations where people should be satisfied with whatever they can get when they have no right to it in the first place.
నిలవడానికి చోటు దొరికితే కూర్చోవడానికి చోటు దొరికినట్లే
nilavadaniki chotu dorikite kurchovadaniki chotu dorikinatle
If you find a place to stand, it's as if you found a place to sit.
This proverb describes people who, after being granted a small favor or a foot in the door, gradually demand more or take complete control. It is used to warn about opportunistic people who exploit initial kindness to gain a larger foothold.
అప్పు దొరికితే పప్పుకూడు
appu dorikite pappukudu
If I could raise a loan, [I should be able to live on ] dâl and rice. An excuse made by a host for treating his guest with poor fare.
This proverb describes a person who lives recklessly beyond their means. It refers to someone who spends borrowed money on luxuries or fine food (represented by 'pappukoodu') without worrying about how they will repay the debt later. It is used to critique poor financial planning and hedonistic behavior.
సందు దొరికితే చావడి కొట్టం చంకన బెట్టినట్లు
sandu dorikite chavadi kottam chankana bettinatlu
Like tucking the village meeting hall under one's arm just because a small gap was found.
This proverb is used to describe extremely greedy or opportunistic people who take undue advantage of a small opportunity to grab something far beyond their share or needs. It highlights the absurdity of someone trying to steal or occupy everything just because they found a slight opening or lack of supervision.
వచ్చిన వాడు చచ్చినా పోదు.
vachchina vadu chachchina podu.
Calumny is not removed even by death.
This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.
Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.
తల్లి చచ్చినా మేనమామ ఉంటే చాలు
talli chachchina menamama unte chalu
Even if the mother dies, it is enough if the maternal uncle is there.
In Telugu culture, the maternal uncle (menamama) holds a position of great responsibility and affection, often seen as a protective surrogate for the mother. This proverb emphasizes that even in the absence of a mother, a maternal uncle can provide the necessary support, guidance, and security to a child.