ఈతముల్లు విరగదొక్కే కాలము
itamullu viragadokke kalamu
He is at the age when he can tread on and break a date- thorn. Said of an unruly scamp.
This expression refers to the peak of youth and physical vigor. It describes a stage in life where a person is so energetic and strong that they feel invincible, to the extent of being able to crush sharp thorns under their feet without fear or harm.
Related Phrases
ఏనుగుకు కాలు విరగడం, దోమకు రెక్క విరగడం సమానం.
enuguku kalu viragadam, domaku rekka viragadam samanam.
An elephant breaking its leg and a mosquito breaking its wing are the same.
This proverb highlights that pain and suffering are subjective. What may seem like a small loss to a powerful person can be a fatal blow to someone small or weak. In terms of impact on their respective lives, both tragedies are equally debilitating. It is used to teach empathy, suggesting that we should not dismiss others' problems just because they seem minor compared to ours.
తోక తొక్కిన పాములాగా లేచాడు
toka tokkina pamulaga lechadu
He sprang up like a serpent when its tail is trodden on. Applied to a sudden burst of anger in any one on his evil ways being exposed.
This expression is used to describe someone who reacts with sudden, intense, and fierce anger. Just as a snake strikes back instantly and aggressively when its tail is stepped on, this phrase characterizes a person who becomes extremely provoked or defensive due to an insult or an injury.
ఊరంతా తిరిగి ఇంటి ముందుకు వచ్చి పెళ్ళాం బిడ్డలను తలచుకొని కాళ్ళు విరగబడినాడట.
uranta tirigi inti munduku vachchi pellam biddalanu talachukoni kallu viragabadinadata.
After roaming the whole village, he came home, thought of his wife and children, and his legs suddenly gave out (collapsed).
This proverb describes a person who works hard or stays strong when away from home, but chooses to show exhaustion, weakness, or helplessness only when they reach their family to gain sympathy or attention. It is used to mock someone who pretends to be more tired or incapable than they actually are just to be pampered.
ఏనుగుకు కాలు విరగడమూ, దోమకు రెక్క విరగడమూ సమానం
enuguku kalu viragadamu, domaku rekka viragadamu samanam
An elephant breaking its leg and a mosquito breaking its wing are equal.
This expression means that suffering and pain are relative to the individual. Just as a broken leg is a catastrophe for a massive elephant, a broken wing is equally fatal or devastating for a tiny mosquito. It is used to suggest that one should not belittle another's problems just because they seem small in scale; for the person experiencing it, the hardship is total.
తిన్న కుక్క తిని పోతే, కన్న కుక్కను పట్టి కాళ్లు విరగకొట్టినట్టు
tinna kukka tini pote, kanna kukkanu patti kallu viragakottinattu
When the dog which had eaten [ the food ] ran off, he caught hold of another dog and broke its leg. Making the innocent suffer for the guilty.
This proverb describes a situation where the actual culprit escapes, and an innocent person who happens to be nearby is punished for the crime. It is used to highlight injustice or a lapse in judgement where the wrong person is held accountable for someone else's mistake.
వచ్చే కాలము కన్నా, వచ్చిన కాలము మేలు.
vachche kalamu kanna, vachchina kalamu melu.
The past is better than the future. "The good old times."
This expression is used to reflect on the past with nostalgia or to express skepticism about the future. It suggests that people often perceive the present or the unknown future as more difficult or uncertain compared to the 'good old days' they have already experienced.
ముదిముప్పున అంగిటముల్లు
mudimuppuna angitamullu
The quinsy in extreme old age.
This proverb describes a situation where an unexpected problem or a new trouble arises during one's old age or at a time when they are already vulnerable and nearing the end. It signifies suffering that is difficult to endure and even harder to resolve given the circumstances.
పాము చావకూడదు, బడితె విరగకూడదు
pamu chavakudadu, badite viragakudadu
The snake should not die, and the stick should not break.
This proverb describes a situation where one seeks a solution that resolves a conflict or achieves a goal without causing harm to anyone involved or damaging the resources used. It is used when suggesting a balanced, diplomatic, or 'win-win' approach to a delicate problem.
గతకాలము మేలు వచ్చుకాలము కంటెన్
gatakalamu melu vachchukalamu kanten
The past is better than the future to come.
This proverb expresses nostalgia and the human tendency to believe that 'the good old days' were superior to the present or the uncertain future. It is often used when people are dissatisfied with current circumstances or are apprehensive about upcoming changes, suggesting that what has passed was more comfortable, virtuous, or prosperous.
ఏనుగుకు కాలు విరగడమూ, దోమకు రెక్క విరగడమూ సమానమే.
enuguku kalu viragadamu, domaku rekka viragadamu samaname.
The loss of a wing is the same to a mosquito as the loss of a leg to an elephant. Proportionate losses.
This proverb highlights the relativity of loss or suffering. Even though an elephant's injury seems physically larger, the impact of the loss is equally devastating to the individual mosquito. It is used to emphasize that every living being's pain is significant to themselves, regardless of their size or status.