కాలం మారి కంచు పెంకయినట్లు
kalam mari kanchu penkayinatlu
Like bronze turning into a potsherd when times change
This expression refers to a drastic decline in one's status or wealth due to a change in circumstances or bad luck. It describes a situation where something once precious and valuable (bronze) becomes worthless and fragile (a broken piece of clay) because of the turn of time.
Related Phrases
సుఖం మరిగిన దాసరి పదం మరచినాడట
sukham marigina dasari padam marachinadata
A priest who got used to comforts forgot his hymns.
This proverb describes a situation where someone becomes so accustomed to a life of luxury or ease that they forget their original duties, core responsibilities, or the hard work that defined them. It is used to criticize people who neglect their roots or professions after attaining comfort.
కలతలమారి కొంప, జగడాలమారి ఊరు
kalatalamari kompa, jagadalamari uru
A house full of disputes, a village full of quarrels.
This expression is used to describe an environment—whether a household or a community—that is constantly plagued by internal conflicts and lack of peace. It highlights a situation where harmony is absent and bickering is the norm.
కోతికి టెంకాయ దొరికినట్లు
kotiki tenkaya dorikinatlu
Like a monkey finding a coconut
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gains possession of something valuable or complex but has no idea how to use, appreciate, or manage it. Just as a monkey cannot crack open a hard coconut to eat the fruit inside, an incompetent or unqualified person cannot benefit from a resource they have acquired.
మీ ఇంట ఇంగలం మా ఇంట మంగలం అన్నాడట.
mi inta ingalam ma inta mangalam annadata.
He said, 'There is fire in your house, and there is a burning pan in mine.'
This proverb describes a situation involving a highly selfish or hypocritical person. It refers to someone who wants to borrow something from others (represented by 'ingalam' or fire/embers) even when they already possess it themselves, or someone who expects others to share their resources while keeping their own for themselves. It is used to mock people who pretend to be in need just to exploit others.
మంచు కుంచాల కొలిచినట్లు
manchu kunchala kolichinatlu
Like measuring snow with a grain measure.
This expression refers to a futile or impossible task. Since snow melts while being handled or measured, it is impossible to get a steady or accurate quantity using a traditional measuring cup (kuncham). It is used to describe efforts that are transient, deceptive, or yield no permanent result.
ఆడవారికి ఆవకాయ, మగవారికి బోడి టెంకాయ
adavariki avakaya, magavariki bodi tenkaya
Avakaya (mango pickle) for women, a bald coconut for men.
This is a humorous and playful rhyming expression often used in casual settings to highlight the stereotypical preferences or traits of the genders, or to tease someone. It suggests that women are fond of spicy pickles (Avakaya), while men are like coconuts—plain or perhaps referring to balding patterns in a lighthearted way. It doesn't carry a serious philosophical meaning but is used for rhythmic banter.
తప్పు తిని కులం మరిచినట్టు
tappu tini kulam marichinattu
Eating to excess, he forgets his caste. Said of a man who, being sumptuously entertained, forgets his low origin.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone commits a mistake or falls into bad habits and consequently forgets their roots, values, or original identity. It specifically refers to how a single improper act or a lapse in judgment can lead to a complete loss of self-respect or social standing.
అయినవారికి ఆకుల్లో, కానివారికి కంచాల్లో పెట్టినట్లు.
ayinavariki akullo, kanivariki kanchallo pettinatlu.
Like serving one's own people on leaves and others in plates.
Traditionally, eating on a leaf was considered superior or more respectful than a plate. This expression describes showing favoritism or partiality, where someone treats their close relatives or favorites with special care while neglecting or being formal/distant with others.
కంచరి కటుకు, దంచితే లొటుకు
kanchari katuku, danchite lotuku
The metal worker's crunchy bite becomes a hollow sound when pounded.
This proverb describes someone who puts on a tough or boastful exterior but reveals their weakness or emptiness when put under pressure or tested. It is often used to refer to people who talk big but lack substance or resilience.
కాని కాలానికి కంది అయినా కాయదు
kani kalaniki kandi ayina kayadu
In bad times, even a pigeon pea plant will not bear fruit
This proverb describes a period of misfortune where even the simplest or most reliable tasks fail to yield results. It is used to express that when luck is against someone, even their best efforts and usually dependable resources will let them down.