ఇంటికి అవ్వ, కొలతకు తవ్వ అవసరము
intiki avva, kolataku tavva avasaramu
A grandmother for the home and a 'thavva' for measurement are necessary.
This proverb highlights the importance of having experienced elders (like a grandmother) to manage and guide a household, just as a standard unit of measure (like the traditional 'thavva') is essential for accurate transactions. It signifies that wisdom and proper standards are foundational for a stable life.
Related Phrases
అవ్వ వడికిన నూలు తాత మొలతాటికి సరి
avva vadikina nulu tata molatatiki sari
The thread spun by the grand-mother is only sufficient for the waist cord of the grand-father. Waste of that gained by another's industry.
This proverb describes a situation where the output or productivity is just barely enough to meet basic, immediate needs. It implies that despite a lot of effort or time spent (like an old woman spinning yarn), the result is minimal and only sufficient for a single, small purpose (the grandfather's waistband), leaving no surplus.
ఆముదము కొలిచే తవ్వ ఎప్పుడూ జిడ్డే
amudamu koliche tavva eppudu jidde
The vessel used to measure castor oil is always greasy.
This proverb describes a person who is always associated with a particular habit or trait, often a negative one, to the point where it becomes their permanent identity. Just as a measuring cup for oil remains sticky even when empty, a person's reputation or past actions continue to define them in the eyes of others.
కేశవా నారాయణా అవ్వా బువ్వ పెట్టు
keshava narayana avva buvva pettu
O Kesava! O Nârâyaṇa!—O grandmother! give me food. A boy began his Sandhyâ but soon broke off to ask for his food.
This expression is used to describe someone who is being hypocritical or manipulative. It depicts a person who recites the names of God (Keshava, Narayana) to appear pious or selfless, but immediately shifts to a selfish, basic demand for food (buvva). It is often used to mock people who pretend to be spiritual or elevated while their true intentions are entirely materialistic or self-centered.
గువ్వ గూడెక్కె, అవ్వ మంచమెక్కె
guvva gudekke, avva manchamekke
The dove reached its nest, and the grandmother climbed into her bed
This is a rhythmic expression used to describe the onset of evening or dusk. It signifies the end of a long day when birds return to their homes and the elderly retire to rest, symbolizing a time for everyone to settle down.
అవ్వా గుర్రమూ ఒకటి అయినట్టు
avva gurramu okati ayinattu
The grandmother and the horse were one. A man and his grandmother started on a journey, the former riding, the latter on foot ; the grandson rested frequently on the road and eventually only reached his destination just as his grandmother had completed her journey. The tortoise and the hare.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two completely mismatched or incompatible things are forcefully combined, or when someone expects two contradictory results at once. It highlights the impossibility or absurdity of a specific demand or outcome.
తవ్వగా తవ్వగా తథ్యం తేలుతుంది
tavvaga tavvaga tathyam telutundi
By digging and digging the truth is discovered.
This expression is used to indicate that persistent investigation or deep inquiry eventually reveals the underlying truth or reality of a situation. It suggests that while facts might be buried or hidden initially, consistent effort will bring them to light.
గుర్రం చచ్చినది కాక గుంట తవ్వ ఒక రూక
gurram chachchinadi kaka gunta tavva oka ruka
In addition to the horse's death, a fanam [ must be paid ] for digging a pit [ to bury it in ]. Loss upon loss. After one loss come many. (French.)
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one suffers a primary loss and is then forced to incur further expenses or troubles because of that loss. It is similar to the expression 'adding insult to injury' or 'to pour salt on a wound.'
అవ్వ వడికిన నూలు తాత మొలత్రాడుకే సరిపోయిందట
avva vadikina nulu tata molatraduke saripoyindata
The yarn spun by the grandmother was just enough for the grandfather's waist thread.
This proverb describes a situation where the output of a long or laborious effort is so meager that it barely covers the most basic or personal requirement, leaving nothing for others or for the intended purpose. It is used to mock inefficiency or projects where the results are disproportionately small compared to the time and effort invested.
తవ్వగా తవ్వగా తథ్యం తేలుతుంది
tavvaga tavvaga tathyam telutundi
If you dig and dig, the truth will emerge
This expression means that persistent investigation or deep questioning will eventually reveal the actual facts or the hidden truth of a matter. It is used in contexts where someone is encouraged to look beyond the surface to find the reality.
అవ్వా కావాలి, బువ్వా కావాలి
avva kavali, buvva kavali
I want grand-mother and I want food. Said by a child who did not wish to leave its grand-mother, but who had to do so to get its dinner. You cannot drink and whistle at the same time. (Danish.)
This proverb describes a situation where someone wants to have their cake and eat it too. It is used when a person tries to hold onto two mutually exclusive options or wants all the benefits of a situation without making any sacrifices or choices.
* Man kan ikke drikke og pibe paa eengang.