ఇద్దరే సత్పురుషులు - పుట్టనివాడు, గిట్టినవాడు.
iddare satpurushulu - puttanivadu, gittinavadu.
Only two are good men - the one who is not yet born and the one who is dead.
This cynical proverb suggests that human nature is inherently flawed or prone to vice. It implies that a person can only be considered truly 'perfect' or 'good' if they have either not yet entered the world of temptation or have already passed away, leaving no room for further mistakes.
Related Phrases
గొడ్డులేనివాడు బిడ్డలేనివాడు ఒకటి.
goddulenivadu biddalenivadu okati.
A person without cattle and a person without children are the same.
In traditional agrarian societies, cattle were considered as vital as family members for one's livelihood and legacy. This expression highlights the essential role of livestock in prosperity, implying that lacking them is as significant a loss as not having heirs to carry on the family name or support the household.
వైద్యము నేరనివాడూ, వానకు తడియనివాడూ లేడు.
vaidyamu neranivadu, vanaku tadiyanivadu ledu.
There is not a man who knows not medicine, nor one who has not been wet by rain. Every man is a fool or a physician at forty.
This proverb highlights that basic medical knowledge (home remedies) is common among everyone, just as experiencing rain is universal. It is often used to suggest that everyone has some level of practical wisdom or that certain life experiences are unavoidable and shared by all.
లేనివాడు పుడమి లేనివాడు.
lenivadu pudami lenivadu.
One who has not is as one who is not in the world. i. e. A penniless man has nothing in the world.
This proverb highlights the harsh reality of social status and poverty. It suggests that a person without wealth or resources is often treated as if they have no place or belonging in the world, emphasizing how society values individuals based on their possessions.
మన్ను ఎరువైతే పుట్టకొద్దీ పంట
mannu eruvaite puttakoddi panta
If soil becomes fertilizer, the harvest will be in heap-loads.
This proverb emphasizes that when the fundamental resources or conditions (like soil quality) are excellent, the resulting output or success will be immense.
ఓపనివాడు కోరనిదీ, ఒంటనివాడు ఆడనిదీ లేదు.
opanivadu koranidi, ontanivadu adanidi ledu.
There is nothing which an invalid will not ask for; and there is nothing which an envious man will not say.
This proverb describes human nature regarding laziness and jealousy. It implies that a person who is unable or unwilling to work (incapable) often makes grand demands or wishes for things without effort, while a person who cannot tolerate others' success (envious) will spread rumors or say anything to belittle them. It is used to criticize those who talk big but do nothing, or those who gossip out of spite.
కానివాడు లేనివాడితో జత
kanivadu lenivadito jata
An unfriendly person is equal to one that is not.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two people who are equally useless, incapable, or lacking resources join forces. It implies that their partnership will be unproductive because neither has the means or character to succeed or help the other. It is often used to mock an alliance that is destined for failure.
పొట్టివాడికి పుట్టెడు బుద్ధులు
pottivadiki puttedu buddhulu
A short person has a basketful of brains/wisdom.
This is a popular Telugu saying used to suggest that what a person lacks in physical stature, they make up for with extreme cleverness, wit, or cunning. It is often used playfully or as a cautionary remark about not underestimating someone based on their small height.
వైద్యం నేర్వనివాడు, వానకు తడియనివాడు లేడు.
vaidyam nervanivadu, vanaku tadiyanivadu ledu.
There is no one who has never learned medicine, and no one who has never been soaked in the rain.
This proverb highlights that in life, everyone eventually gains some practical knowledge about health and remedies through personal experience with ailments. Similarly, just as it is impossible to stay dry if one is out in the rain, it is impossible to live a life without encountering and learning how to treat common illnesses. It is used to suggest that everyone possesses a basic level of medical intuition or 'home remedy' knowledge.
నాభిలో పుట్టిన పురుగు వంటివాడు
nabhilo puttina purugu vantivadu
One like a worm born in the Nâbhi. Nâbhi ( Sans. Vatsanâbha ) is an active vegetable poison, ' the root of the Aconite ferox brought from Nepal' ( Wilson ). Said of a treacherous villain.
This expression is used to describe someone who has intimate, first-hand, and deep knowledge of a person, family, or organization. Just as a worm residing in the navel knows everything about the body, this phrase refers to an insider who knows all the secrets and internal affairs.
పురుషులందు పుణ్యపురుషులు వేరయా
purushulandu punyapurushulu veraya
Among men, virtuous men are distinct.
This expression is a famous line from Yogi Vemana's poems. It signifies that while all humans may look alike on the outside, virtuous or noble people stand apart due to their character and actions, just as a swan is distinguished from a crow or a gemstone from common pebbles.