ఈతచెట్టు ఇల్లు కాదు, తాటిచెట్టు తల్లి కాదు.
itachettu illu kadu, tatichettu talli kadu.
A silver date palm is not a home, and a palmyra palm is not a mother.
This proverb is used to warn against seeking comfort or reliability in things that are inherently hazardous or provide no real protection. Just as a palm tree provides very little shade or shelter (making it a poor 'home') and is often associated with intoxicants (toddy), one should not expect nourishment or maternal care from unreliable sources.
Related Phrases
ఉల్లి మల్లికాదు, కాకి కోకిలకాదు.
ulli mallikadu, kaki kokilakadu.
An onion is not a jasmine flower; a crow is not a cuckoo.
This proverb is used to emphasize that an object's or person's inherent nature cannot be changed just because of outward similarities or pretension. Just as an onion's smell prevents it from being a jasmine, and a crow's appearance doesn't make it a melodic cuckoo, intrinsic traits define true character.
నల్లనివన్నీ నీళ్ళు కావు, తెల్లనివన్నీ పాలు కావు
nallanivanni nillu kavu, tellanivanni palu kavu
Not everything black is water, and not everything white is milk.
This proverb is used as a warning to not judge anything based solely on its outward appearance. Just because something looks familiar or pure (like milk) doesn't mean it is. It emphasizes that reality can be different from superficial perception, advising people to be cautious and look deeper before forming a judgment.
తాటిచెట్టు ఎక్కలేవు, తాటిగొల కొయ్యలేవు, తాతా నీకెందుకోయ్ పెండ్లాము?
tatichettu ekkalevu, tatigola koyyalevu, tata nikendukoy pendlamu?
You cannot climb the palm tree, you cannot harvest the palm fruit bunch; oh old man, why do you need a wife?
This is a sarcastic proverb used to mock someone who desires the benefits of a situation or relationship without having the basic capability or physical strength to fulfill the associated responsibilities. It highlights the mismatch between one's desires and their actual abilities.
పందిరి ఇల్లు కాదు, పరదేశి మొగుడు కాదు
pandiri illu kadu, paradeshi mogudu kadu
A shed is not a house, and a traveler is not a husband.
This proverb highlights the importance of stability and permanence. Just as a temporary thatched shed (pandiri) cannot provide the security of a permanent home, a person who is just passing through (paradesi) cannot fulfill the long-term responsibilities or provide the stability expected of a spouse. It is used to caution against relying on temporary arrangements or people who lack commitment.
ఈతచెట్టు కింద పాలు తాగినా, కల్లే అంటారు.
itachettu kinda palu tagina, kalle antaru.
If you even drink milk under a date tree they will say it's toddy. People are judged by the company they keep. Tell me the company you keep, and I'll tell you what you are. From a clear spring clear water flows. ( Latin. )
This proverb highlights that appearance and environment matter for one's reputation. Even if you are doing something innocent (drinking milk), if you do it in a place associated with vice (under a tree where toddy/liquor is tapped), people will naturally suspect your character. It is used to advise someone to avoid situations or places that could lead to negative misunderstandings.
ఈత చెట్టు నీడ కాదు, తాటి చెట్టు తల్లి కాదు
ita chettu nida kadu, tati chettu talli kadu
A date palm tree's shade is not real shade, a palmyra tree is not a mother.
This proverb highlights that not everything that appears beneficial is actually helpful. The shade of a date palm is too sparse to provide relief, and while a palmyra tree is tall and useful, it lacks the nurturing quality of a mother. It is used to describe things or people that are inadequate despite their outward appearance or status.
ముషిణిచెట్టు అయినా పచ్చనిచెట్టు కొట్టరాదు.
mushinichettu ayina pachchanichettu kottaradu.
Even if it is a poisonous Musini tree, a green tree should not be cut down.
This proverb emphasizes the value of life and environmental preservation. It suggests that one should not destroy something that is thriving and green, even if it is seemingly useless or harmful like the Musini (Strychnine) tree, as every living thing has its place in nature.
ఒక కొడుకు కొడుకు కాదు, ఒక చెట్టు తోపు కాదు
oka koduku koduku kadu, oka chettu topu kadu
One son is not a son, and one tree is not a grove.
This proverb emphasizes that relying on a single resource or individual is risky. Just as a single tree cannot provide the shade or abundance of an entire forest/grove, having only one child (in a traditional context) or one plan was seen as precarious because if that one fails, there is no backup or support system.
తగులుకున్న మొగుడు, తాటిచెట్టు నీడ నిలుకడ లేనివి
tagulukunna mogudu, tatichettu nida nilukada lenivi
An illicit husband and the shade of a palm tree are both unstable.
This proverb highlights things that lack permanence or reliability. Just as the shade of a tall, thin palm tree shifts rapidly and offers no real shelter, an illicit or informal relationship lacks legal or social security. It is used to describe situations or people that cannot be depended upon in the long run.
తాటిచెట్టు నీడ నీడకాదు, తగులుకున్నవాడు మొగుడు కాదు
tatichettu nida nidakadu, tagulukunnavadu mogudu kadu
The shadow of a palm tree is not a real shade, and a paramour is not a husband.
This proverb highlights that some things are unreliable or lack substance despite appearances. Just as the tall palm tree provides very little actual shade for someone seeking cover, a person in a casual or illicit relationship cannot provide the security, commitment, or social standing of a spouse. It is used to describe temporary or deceptive situations that fail to offer true protection or long-term stability.