ఈతనీళ్ళు పడితే, పాతజోళ్ళు వెళ్ళుతవి, ఇప్పనీళ్ళు పడితే, ఎప్పటి జోళ్ళయినా వెళ్ళుతువి.

itanillu padite, patajollu vellutavi, ippanillu padite, eppati jollayina vellutuvi.

Translation

If toddy from the silver date palm falls, old shoes will go; if liquor from the mahua flower falls, any shoes from any time will go.

Meaning

This is a rural Telugu proverb highlighting the different levels of intoxication. It suggests that a person who drinks fermented palm juice (Eethakallu) might lose their old shoes in their stupor, but someone who drinks mahua liquor (Ippasara) - which is much stronger - will lose their senses completely and might lose any footwear they possess, regardless of its value or age. It is used to describe how intoxication leads to negligence and loss of property.

Related Phrases

When the cows fight, the sucking calves' legs are broken. When the great fall out, the poor suffer.

This proverb describes a situation where the conflict or power struggle between two powerful parties or superiors results in the suffering of innocent, smaller, or weaker subordinates who are caught in the middle. It is used to highlight collateral damage caused by leadership disputes.

Did the mortars sing, or did the pestles sing?

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is excessive, chaotic, or nonsensical noise where it is difficult to distinguish who is speaking or what is being said. It often refers to a group of people all talking or shouting at once, creating a cacophony where no clear meaning can be derived, much like the rhythmic but loud thumping of wooden tools.

If Shani (Saturn) catches you, it's seven years; if I catch you, it's fourteen years.

This expression is used to describe someone who is far more troublesome, persistent, or harmful than even the dreaded astrological period of Shani (Sade Sati). It is often said by a person asserting their dominance or capability to cause long-lasting trouble, or to describe a person who never lets go once they start bothering someone.

Can your house be burnt down with hot water?

This proverb is used to imply that small or insignificant actions cannot cause major damage, or that mild threats/anger cannot destroy strong foundations. It suggests that just because water is hot, it doesn't possess the destructive power of fire.

Applied to lenient or ineffective measures.

If you talk of work, my body becomes heavy; if you talk of dinner, my body swells [ with delight ].

This expression is used to describe a lazy person who avoids physical labor or work by giving excuses of being tired or weak, but shows immense energy and enthusiasm when it comes to eating.

The trade of thick-headed Michael: eating, drinking, and idling. ( Dutch. )*

If Java plums ripen, the lands will flourish.

This is a traditional agricultural observation. It implies that a bountiful harvest of Jamun (Java plum) fruits indicates favorable weather conditions and a good monsoon, which in turn leads to a successful agricultural season and fertile yields across the lands.

Hot water added to cold water

This expression is used to describe a situation where two people or things provide mutual support, even if one's contribution is small. It often refers to a husband and wife or partners helping each other to make life more comfortable and manageable, just as mixing hot and cold water results in a pleasant temperature.

If you fear, will the pain be less?

This expression is used to advise someone that worrying or being anxious about a problem does not solve it. It emphasizes that constant worrying is futile and only action or time can heal difficulties. It is similar to the English sentiment 'Worrying doesn't take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace.'

When the bride was asked to cook, she said she would take the pot and go for water.

This proverb describes someone who tries to avoid a difficult or primary responsibility by suggesting an easier or indirect task. It is used to mock people who give excuses or offer alternatives to escape the actual work assigned to them.

When the bride was asked to cook, she said she would take a pot and go for water.

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to avoid a difficult or primary task by opting for an easier or irrelevant chore. It signifies procrastination or dodging responsibility by being busy with something else.