ఈగ వ్రణం కోరు, నక్క పీనుగ కోరు
iga vranam koru, nakka pinuga koru
A fly seeks a wound, a fox seeks a corpse.
This proverb describes people with pessimistic or malicious mindsets who specifically look for flaws, failures, or the misfortunes of others to benefit themselves or satisfy their nature. Just as a fly ignores a healthy body to find a sore, and a fox looks for a carcass, some people only take interest in negativity.
Related Phrases
నక్క పీనుగును పీకునుగాని, బ్రతికిన జంతువు పైకి పోదు.
nakka pinugunu pikunugani, bratikina jantuvu paiki podu.
A fox will tear at a carcass, but it will not go after a living animal.
This proverb is used to describe a coward or someone who only attacks those who are already defeated or weak. It signifies that some people only show their 'bravery' or strength against those who cannot fight back, but they lack the courage to face a strong or active opponent.
ఒత్తు వాములు కోరును, పలుచన పాతర కోరును.
ottu vamulu korunu, paluchana patara korunu.
Thick growth seeks haystacks, thin growth seeks pits.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to harvesting. It means that when a crop grows densely (thickly), it results in a large quantity of fodder/straw that needs to be stacked as 'vamulu' (haystacks). Conversely, if the yield is thin or sparse, the grain or produce is just enough to be stored in 'pathara' (underground storage pits). It is used to describe the relationship between the density of a crop and the resulting storage requirements.
పలుచన పాతళ్ళు కోరు, ఒత్తు వాములు కోరు
paluchana patallu koru, ottu vamulu koru
Thinly spread pits are desired; thick haystacks are desired.
This is an agricultural proverb related to paddy cultivation. It suggests that when storing grain in underground pits (pathallu), it should be spread thinly to prevent spoilage or heat. Conversely, when stacking hay (vamulu), it should be packed tightly and thickly to ensure stability and space efficiency. It is used to describe the principle of doing the right thing in the right way according to the context.
సంతకం బలి కోరుతుంది, సరసం చలి కోరుతుంది
santakam bali korutundi, sarasam chali korutundi
A signature demands a sacrifice; romance demands the cold.
This proverb highlights the consequences or requirements of specific actions. 'A signature demands a sacrifice' suggests that signing a legal document or contract often involves committing something valuable or taking on a heavy responsibility. 'Romance demands the cold' implies that intimacy and playful affection are best enjoyed in cozy, cold weather. It is used to explain the natural prerequisites or outcomes of certain situations.
పెరటి చెట్టు మందుకు రాదు
perati chettu manduku radu
The tree in the backyard is not used for medicine.
This proverb suggests that people often undervalue things or people that are close to them or easily available, while overestimating the value of things that are far away or hard to get. It is similar to the English expression 'Familiarity breeds contempt' or 'A prophet is not honored in his own country.'
బావమరిది బతకకోరును, దాయాది చావకోరును
bavamaridi batakakorunu, dayadi chavakorunu
Your wife's brother will wish you to live, your paternal relatives will wish you to die. When a Hindu dies his widow is supported by her relatives, and his portion of the family property goes to his relations on the father's side.
This proverb highlights the traditional family dynamics and social relationships in Telugu culture. A brother-in-law (sister's husband or wife's brother) is seen as a well-wisher because your prosperity benefits his family, whereas a 'Dayadi' (paternal relative or rival claimant to an inheritance) is often viewed as a competitor who might benefit from your downfall or demise due to property disputes.
పీనుగకు చేసిన జాతర
pinugaku chesina jatara
A festival celebrated for a corpse
This expression refers to a situation where a lot of effort, money, or energy is spent on something that is already useless or dead. It describes a futile act or an event where there is no appreciation or benefit, as the recipient is unable to enjoy or respond to the efforts made.
దరిద్రుడు మరణం కోరుకుంటాడు, భాగ్యవంతుడు భాగ్యాన్ని కోరుకుంటాడు
daridrudu maranam korukuntadu, bhagyavantudu bhagyanni korukuntadu
The poor man desires death, while the wealthy man desires wealth.
This expression highlights the extreme difference in perspectives and priorities based on one's life circumstances. It suggests that while those in suffering or poverty might see death as an escape from their miseries, those with resources are driven by the ambition to accumulate even more success and prosperity. It is often used to describe the contrasting mindsets of the 'haves' and the 'have-nots'.
వైద్యుడు రోగాలు కోరును, వైశ్యుడు కరువు కోరును
vaidyudu rogalu korunu, vaishyudu karuvu korunu
The doctor wishes for diseases, while the merchant wishes for a famine.
This proverb describes how certain professions benefit from the misfortunes of others. A doctor's income depends on people being sick, and a merchant (Vaishya) profits from scarcity or high prices during a famine. It is used to point out that one person's crisis can be another's opportunity.
ముండల ముఠాకోరు
mundala muthakoru
A gang leader of widows/wretched women
A derogatory or slang expression used to describe a person (usually a man) who constantly hangs around or leads a group of disreputable or quarrelsome women. It is often used to criticize someone for engaging in petty gossip or unnecessary group politics rather than focusing on meaningful work.