ఇనుము, తీట, పేము, పట్టిన చెయ్యి ఊరకుండదు
inumu, tita, pemu, pattina cheyyi urakundadu
The hand which has a bit of iron, the itch, or a bit of cane in it, never remains quiet.
This proverb highlights that people with certain habits or tools cannot remain idle. It refers to someone who is constantly busy, restless, or prone to fiddling with things. Just as iron (tools), a physical itch, or a cane (for discipline or craft) keep a hand active, a person's inherent nature or a specific tool in their hand will always drive them to do something.
Related Phrases
తిట్టే నోరు కుట్టినా ఊరుకోదు
titte noru kuttina urukodu
An abusive mouth will not be quiet though you sew it up.
This expression is used to describe a person who has a chronic habit of criticizing, complaining, or using foul language. It suggests that such behavior is so deeply ingrained in their nature that no amount of punishment or intervention can truly stop them from speaking ill.
కుడిచెయ్యి చేసే దానం ఎడమచెయ్యికి తెలియకూడదు
kudicheyyi chese danam edamacheyyiki teliyakudadu
The charity done by the right hand should not be known by the left hand.
This expression emphasizes the importance of anonymous or humble charity. It suggests that when you help someone, you should do it quietly without seeking fame, recognition, or boasting about your generosity to others.
ఉడుము పోయినా చెయ్యి వస్తే చాలును.
udumu poyina cheyyi vaste chalunu.
Never mind if I lose the guana, if I get my hand out it's enough.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is willing to give up a potential gain or an asset just to escape from a dangerous or stuck position. It signifies that safety and liberation are more important than the original objective when things go wrong.
Said by a man whose hand had been caught by a guana in a hole. Catching a Tartar.
అనుములు తింటూ మినుములు పెట్టినట్లు
anumulu tintu minumulu pettinatlu
Eating field beans while offering black gram
This proverb describes a situation where someone enjoys something superior or valuable for themselves while offering something inferior or cheaper to others. It is used to point out hypocrisy, selfishness, or a disparity in treatment where the person in power keeps the best resources and gives away the lesser ones.
తిట్టే నోరు కొట్టినా ఊరకుండదు
titte noru kottina urakundadu
A mouth that scolds will not remain silent even if it is beaten
This expression refers to people who have a compulsive habit of speaking ill of others or complaining. It suggests that such behavior is so deeply ingrained that no amount of punishment or warning will stop them from expressing their negativity.
బ్రాహ్మణుని చెయ్యీ యేనుగ తొండమూ వూరకుండవు.
brahmanuni cheyyi yenuga tondamu vurakundavu.
A Brahman's hand and an elephant's trunk are never quiet.
This proverb is used to describe people who are always restless or constantly engaged in some activity. Just as an elephant's trunk is always moving or exploring and a priest's hand is constantly involved in rituals, prayers, or receiving offerings, some individuals have a habit of staying busy or meddling in something at all times.
కట్టిన ఇల్లు, పెట్టిన పొయ్యి
kattina illu, pettina poyyi
A house that is already built, and a hearth that is already set up.
This expression refers to entering a situation where everything is already perfectly prepared and ready for use without any effort from the person joining. It is most commonly used in the context of a bride entering a well-established household where she does not have to struggle to set up a new life or home from scratch.
నీ ఎడమ చెయ్యి తీయి, నా పుర్ర చెయ్యి పెడతాను
ni edama cheyyi tiyi, na purra cheyyi pedatanu
Take away your left hand, I will use my sinister hand.
This expression is used to describe a redundant or meaningless action where one thing is replaced by something identical or equally ineffective. It highlights a situation where there is no real change or improvement despite the movement or effort, often used to mock someone suggesting a solution that is the same as the current problem.
As broad as long.
కంకణాల చెయ్యి ఆడితే, కడియాల చెయ్యి ఆడును.
kankanala cheyyi adite, kadiyala cheyyi adunu.
If the hand with Kankaṇamulu moves, the hand with Kaḍiyamulu moves also. Kankaṇamulu are bracelets worn by women. Kaḍiyamulu are those worn by men. Where woman leads man follows.
This proverb highlights the interdependency within a household or society. 'Hand with bangles' refers to the woman (traditionally managing the kitchen/home), and 'hand with bracelets' refers to the man (traditionally the earner). It means that when the woman works to cook and manage the house, the man can eat and have the strength to work, or more broadly, that domestic stability is the foundation for external success.
డబ్బుకు వచ్చిన చెయ్యి వరహాకు వస్తుంది
dabbuku vachchina cheyyi varahaku vastundi
The hand which touches a Dabb, will touch a pagoda. A man who is dishonest in trifles will not be scrupulous in greater matters. He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.
This expression means that if someone develops a habit of stealing or greedily taking small amounts of money, they will eventually progress to committing much larger thefts. It is used as a warning that bad habits or petty crimes, if left unchecked, will inevitably lead to more serious consequences and greater greed.