జలుబు మందు తింటే వారం రోజులు ఉంటుంది, తినకపోతే ఏడు రోజులు ఉంటుంది.

jalubu mandu tinte varam rojulu untundi, tinakapote edu rojulu untundi.

Translation

If you take medicine for a cold, it lasts for a week; if you don't take it, it lasts for seven days.

Meaning

This is a humorous observation or a 'sameta' used to point out that certain things, like a common cold, follow their natural course and cannot be rushed. Since a week and seven days are exactly the same, it implies that the medicine doesn't actually shorten the duration of the illness. It is used to describe situations where intervention doesn't yield a faster result than doing nothing.

Related Phrases

If one stays for three days, they become a dirty relative.

This proverb highlights the social dynamic that hospitality has its limits. It implies that a guest is honored and welcomed initially, but if they overstay their welcome (specifically more than three days), they start to be seen as a burden or an annoyance by the hosts.

If the root (base) exists, it will sprout shoots.

This expression means that as long as the foundation or capital of something is preserved, it can always regrow or multiply. It is commonly used to suggest that one should protect the core asset or principal amount, as profit or growth will eventually follow.

The village says "go," the cemetery says "come."

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely old or in the final stages of their life. It metaphorically suggests that the living world (the village) is ready to see them go, while the land of the dead (the graveyard) is waiting to welcome them.

About to die. He is burnt to the socket.

The bird that eats stones will eat stones, and the bird that eats gems will eat gems.

This expression refers to the inherent nature and destiny of individuals based on their character and surroundings. It signifies that people will gravitate towards things that match their worth, status, or habits. Just as birds follow their natural diet, humans pursue what they are accustomed to or what they truly deserve.

If you must listen, listen to the Mahabharata; if you must eat, eat Vada (Garelu).

This expression is used to highlight the absolute best or finest examples in a category. It suggests that just as the Mahabharata is the pinnacle of literature and storytelling, the Garelu (deep-fried lentil donuts) are the ultimate delicacy. It is often quoted when someone encounters something of exceptional quality.

If you listen, listen to the Mahabharata; if you eat, eat Vada (Garelu).

This proverb highlights the gold standard of experiences. It suggests that among all stories, the epic Mahabharata is the most worthwhile to hear, and among all snacks, the Vada is the most delicious to eat. It is used to describe the best or most superior choice in a particular category.

A tree with leaves provides shade; a mother with a child has milk.

This proverb highlights natural law and the concept of preparedness or provision. Just as it is the inherent nature of a leafy tree to offer shade, a mother is naturally equipped to provide for her child's needs. It is used to describe situations where someone or something is naturally endowed with the resources required to fulfill their purpose or role.

If there are rains, there are crops; if not, there are fires.

This proverb highlights the critical importance of rainfall for agriculture. It signifies that timely rains lead to prosperity and food security (crops), whereas a lack of rain leads to drought, starvation, and economic devastation (metaphorically referred to as fires/suffering).

If there is a heart, there will be a way

This is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'Where there is a will, there is a way.' It means that if one is truly determined to achieve something, they will find a method to overcome any obstacles.

If you eat, you feel weak; if you don't eat, you feel weak.

This expression is used to describe a state of poor health or extreme exhaustion where neither food nor fasting provides relief. It can also figuratively describe a 'no-win' situation or a dilemma where every possible action leads to a negative or unsatisfying result.