కాకిలా తిరిగాడు, హంసలా ఈదాడు.
kakila tirigadu, hamsala idadu.
Wandered like a crow, swam like a swan.
This expression describes a person who has spent a long time searching or struggling through various difficulties (wandering aimlessly like a crow) but eventually finds grace, success, or a smooth path (swimming elegantly like a swan). It highlights a transformation from a state of struggle to a state of dignity and ease.
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.
చలాకిగా లేకపోయినా సలాకిలా ఉండాలి
chalakiga lekapoyina salakila undali
Even if you are not active, you should be like an iron rod.
This expression is used to advise someone that even if they lack agility, cleverness, or high energy (Chalakiga), they must at least be firm, strong, and resilient (Salaki - meaning an iron rod or poker) in their character and stance. It emphasizes strength over style.
అడుగులోనే హంసపాదా?
adugulone hamsapada?
What! a caret in the commencement ? Said by a man to an ignorant scribe who, in writing the customary invo- cation " Śrī Rāmajaya" at the heading of a letter, omitted a syllable. Blundering at the very beginning of any business. He who begins ill finishes worse. (Italian.)† Well begun is half done.
This expression is used to describe a situation where an obstacle or a mistake occurs at the very beginning of a task or journey. It is similar to the English idiom 'stumbling at the first hurdle' or 'a bad start.'
కాకై కలకాల ముండే కంటే, హంసై ఆరునెలలున్నా చాలు.
kakai kalakala munde kante, hamsai arunelalunna chalu.
Instead of living for ages as a crow, it is enough to live for six months as a swan.
This proverb emphasizes quality of life over quantity. It suggests that a short, meaningful, and noble life (symbolized by the swan) is far superior to a long, mundane, or insignificant life (symbolized by the crow). It is used to inspire people to live with dignity and purpose rather than just existing for a long time.
గంగలో మునిగినా కాకి హంస అవుతుందా?
gangalo munigina kaki hamsa avutunda?
Though it bathe in the Ganges, will a crow become a swan ?
This expression means that a person's inherent nature, character, or lack of skill cannot be changed simply by external actions, rituals, or by changing their environment. It is used to suggest that superficial changes do not alter one's true identity or capabilities.
సముద్రమైనా ఈదవచ్చు కానీ సంసారం ఈదలేం
samudramaina idavachchu kani samsaram idalem
One can swim across an ocean, but one cannot swim across the ocean of worldly/family life.
This proverb highlights the immense challenges and complexities involved in managing family life and worldly responsibilities. It suggests that while physical or heroic feats (like swimming across a sea) might be possible with effort, the emotional, financial, and social struggles of 'Samsaram' (domestic life) are far more difficult to navigate and never-ending.
కొలని హంసలకడ కొక్కెరలన్నట్టు
kolani hamsalakada kokkeralannattu
Like cranes standing among the swans of the pond.
This expression is used to describe a situation where an unworthy or inferior person is found in the company of noble, wise, or talented individuals. It highlights the stark contrast in character, grace, or intellect, suggesting that an out-of-place person stands out for the wrong reasons among those who are truly refined.
తల తిరిగి ముద్ద నోటికి వచ్చినట్లు
tala tirigi mudda notiki vachchinatlu
Like the hand going around the head just to put a morsel of food in the mouth.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes a long, complicated, or roundabout way to do something that could have been done very simply and directly. It highlights unnecessary complexity or lack of efficiency.
గంగలో మునిగినా కాకి హంస అవుతుందా?
gangalo munigina kaki hamsa avutunda?
Even if it dips in the Ganges, will a crow become a swan?
This proverb is used to convey that a person's fundamental nature, character, or inherent qualities do not change simply by changing their environment, performing religious rituals, or putting on external appearances. Just as a crow remains a crow regardless of where it bathes, a person with bad intentions or lack of merit cannot become noble just by association with something sacred.
ఆది లోనే హంస పాదు.
adi lone hamsa padu.
An insertion at the very beginning of writing.
Usually said when there is a hurdle, gap or break in the very beginning.