జుట్టుంటే ఎన్ని జడలైనా వేయవచ్చును
juttunte enni jadalaina veyavachchunu
If there is hair, any number of braids can be woven.
This proverb means that as long as one has the basic necessary resources or health, they can achieve or create anything. It is used to emphasize that the fundamental foundation is more important than the various ways of decorating or utilizing it.
Related Phrases
ఆయన ఉంటే విస్తరి అయినా కుట్టును
ayana unte vistari ayina kuttunu
If he were here, he would at least stitch the leaf platter.
This proverb is used to describe someone who was unproductive or useless while alive, but is now being remembered with exaggerated importance or false hope by others. It mocks the act of attributing potential skills or value to someone after they are gone, when in reality, they contributed very little.
కడిగిన మొగముంటే ఎందుకైనా మంచిది
kadigina mogamunte endukaina manchidi
It is always better to have a washed face.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of basic preparedness and grooming. It suggests that maintaining a clean and ready appearance (or state of mind) ensures one is prepared for any unexpected opportunity or situation that may arise.
పైపై నెరిమించు కేసరికి పక్కెర వేయవచ్చునా
paipai neriminchu kesariki pakkera veyavachchuna
Can one put armor on a lion that naturally shines and excels?
This expression is used to suggest that greatness, courage, or inherent talent cannot be confined, suppressed, or artificiality enhanced by external tools. Just as a lion's natural power and majesty are its own defense and don't require man-made armor, a person of true character or capability doesn't need external validation or artificial aids to prove their worth.
పప్పుకూటికి పది ఆమడలైనా వెళ్ళమన్నారు
pappukutiki padi amadalaina vellamannaru
They say one should travel even ten amadas (distance) for a meal with dal.
This proverb highlights the high value placed on 'Pappu' (dal/lentils) in Telugu culture. It suggests that a simple, nutritious, and satisfying meal is worth any amount of effort or travel. It is used to describe something so desirable or beneficial that the distance or struggle to obtain it becomes irrelevant.
ఏనుగు బ్రతికినా వెయ్యి, చచ్చినా వెయ్యి
enugu bratikina veyyi, chachchina veyyi
An elephant is worth a thousand when alive, and worth a thousand even when dead.
This expression is used to describe someone or something of immense value, status, or reputation that remains significant regardless of their current state or circumstances. Just as an elephant provides labor while alive and valuable ivory/hides after death, a great person's legacy or a high-quality asset continues to command respect and value even after its prime.
తన గుణము మంచిదయితే, సానివాడలో గూడ కాపురం చేయవచ్చును.
tana gunamu manchidayite, sanivadalo guda kapuram cheyavachchunu.
If one's own character is good, one can live even in a neighborhood of ill-repute.
This proverb emphasizes that personal integrity and character are internal traits that do not depend on one's surroundings. If a person is truly virtuous, they will remain untainted and honorable regardless of the environment or the company they are forced to keep. It is used to suggest that strong moral fiber protects an individual from external negative influences.
గోడ ఉంటేనే కదా చిత్రం గీయగలము
goda untene kada chitram giyagalamu
Only if there is a wall, can a picture be drawn.
This proverb emphasizes that health is the foundation for all achievements. Just as a painting requires a physical wall to exist, a person needs good health and a basic foundation to pursue any goals or ambitions in life. It is often used to remind someone to prioritize their well-being or the basics before attempting complex tasks.
ఆపదలైనా, సంపదలైనా ఒంటరిగా రావు.
apadalaina, sampadalaina ontariga ravu.
Be it calamities or wealth, they do not come alone.
This expression suggests that both misfortunes and fortunes tend to arrive in series or clusters rather than as isolated incidents. It is used to describe situations where multiple problems occur at once (misfortunes never come singly) or when a stroke of luck leads to multiple benefits.
జుట్టుంటే ఏ కొప్పయినా పెట్టుకోవచ్చు
juttunte e koppayina pettukovachchu
If one has hair, they can tie it into any style of bun
This expression means that as long as you have the basic resources or the core foundation, you can achieve any desired outcome or experiment with different options. In a practical sense, it implies that having wealth or health allows one to pursue various luxuries or goals.
నీటిలో జాడలు వెదకినట్లు
nitilo jadalu vedakinatlu
Like searching for footprints in water
This expression is used to describe a futile or impossible task. Just as it is impossible to find footprints or traces of a path in water, it refers to searching for something that leaves no evidence behind or attempting a hopeless endeavor.