కాలమందు చేస్తే దేవతలకు ప్రీతి, అకాలమందు చేస్తే అసురులకు ప్రీతి, ఇద్దరివాత మన్ను కొడతాను అన్నట్లు.
kalamandu cheste devatalaku priti, akalamandu cheste asurulaku priti, iddarivata mannu kodatanu annatlu.
If done on time it pleases the Gods, if done out of time it pleases the demons; I will throw soil in both their mouths (by not doing it at all).
This proverb describes a person who is extremely lazy or stubborn and refuses to perform a task even when presented with various reasons to do it. It is used to mock someone who finds excuses to avoid work, even if it means missing out on both spiritual and worldly benefits, effectively 'spiting' everyone involved through their inaction.
Related Phrases
కాలిన మన్నూ కాలని మన్నూ అంటవు
kalina mannu kalani mannu antavu
Burnt earth will not adhere to unburnt. People in different positions in life cannot be very intimate.
This expression is used to describe two people or entities that are fundamentally incompatible or cannot reconcile their differences. Just as burnt clay/soil loses its binding property and cannot merge with raw, unburnt soil, people with opposing natures or those who have had a major falling out cannot be easily brought back together.
ఏతి అంటే ప్రీతి అంటాడు
eti ante priti antadu
When one says he's going, the other says he's dying.
This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely agreeable, a sycophant, or someone who blindly agrees with whatever another person says just to please them, often without thinking or having an original opinion. It suggests a 'yes-man' attitude where the person simply rhymes along with the speaker's words.
Spirit of contradiction.
దేవతలకు దుమ్ము రాక్షసులకు మన్ను
devatalaku dummu rakshasulaku mannu
Dust for the Gods and mud for the demons.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a conflict, competition, or effort results in absolutely no benefit for any of the parties involved. Just as dust and mud are worthless, it implies that both the 'good' side and the 'bad' side ended up with nothing but waste or trouble, signifying a lose-lose situation or a completely futile outcome.
నక్క నోట్లో మన్ను కొట్టినట్టు
nakka notlo mannu kottinattu
He threw mud into the mouth of the jackal. i. e. he cheated him. Said of the surprising recovery of a sick man who had been given up, and whose body it was expected might provide food for the jackals.
This expression is used when someone unexpectedly ruins another person's opportunity or takes away something they were about to enjoy. It describes a situation where a person's expectations or efforts are suddenly thwarted by someone else's interference, leaving them disappointed.
కాలమందు చేస్తే దేవతలకు ప్రీతి, అకాలమందు చేస్తే అసురులకు ప్రీతి, యిద్దరి వాతా మన్ను కొట్టుతాను అన్నాడట.
kalamandu cheste devatalaku priti, akalamandu cheste asurulaku priti, yiddari vata mannu kottutanu annadata.
" If done at the right time it is pleasing to the gods, if done at the wrong time it is pleasing to the Asuras—I'll dis- appoint them both" said he. Said by an irreligious Brahman on being asked why he neglected his daily prayers (Sandhyâvandanam.) The Asuras are 'demons of the first order and in perpetual hostility with the gods' ( Wilson. )
This proverb is used to describe a person who is so perverse or nihilistic that they intentionally refuse to do something, even if it benefits them or others, just to ensure that no one—good or bad—gains anything from the situation. It characterizes a 'dog in the manger' attitude or a self-destructive spitefulness.
* I megilori alberi sono i più battuti. † On ne jette des pierres qu'à l'arbre chargé de fruits. : Aspetta tempo e loco à far la tua vendetta, che la non si fa mai ben in fretta.
యోగమందు గలదె భోగమందున్నట్లు
yogamandu galade bhogamandunnatlu
Is it possible in yoga (self-restraint) what exists in bhoga (sensual enjoyment)?
This expression is used to highlight the contrast between a life of asceticism or discipline (Yoga) and a life of indulgence or pleasure (Bhoga). It suggests that the comforts and pleasures found in a luxurious lifestyle are not present in a disciplined, spiritual path, or vice versa, emphasizing that one must choose their path based on their priorities.
రావిచెట్టుకు ప్రదక్షిణాలు చేస్తే బిడ్డలు పుడతారంటే, చుట్టూ తిరిగిన వెంటనే పొట్ట చూసుకుందట.
ravichettuku pradakshinalu cheste biddalu pudatarante, chuttu tirigina ventane potta chusukundata.
When told that circumambulating the Peepal tree results in children, she checked her belly immediately after the first round.
This proverb is used to mock people who expect instant results for their actions or lack patience. It describes a situation where someone performs a task and immediately expects the final outcome without allowing for the natural time or process required.
నేను ఆకలికాకుండా నీకు మందు చెబుతా, ముందు నాకు కాస్త గంజి నీళ్ళు పోయమన్నట్లు.
nenu akalikakunda niku mandu chebuta, mundu naku kasta ganji nillu poyamannatlu.
Like saying, 'I will tell you a medicine to stop your hunger, but first pour me some congee water.'
This expression is used to describe a hypocritical or ironic situation where a person who claims to have a solution for a problem is suffering from the exact same problem themselves. It highlights the absurdity of seeking or receiving advice from someone who cannot even help themselves.
రాబందులకు చచ్చిన గొడ్డే ప్రీతి
rabandulaku chachchina godde priti
Vultures love dead cattle.
This proverb describes people who take pleasure in the misfortunes or ruin of others. Just as a vulture looks for carcasses rather than living prey, malicious or opportunistic people thrive on others' failures or tragedies.
ఏడిచే బిడ్డకు అరటిపండు చూపినట్టు
ediche biddaku aratipandu chupinattu
Like shewing a plantain to a crying child.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is temporarily distracted or pacified with a minor gesture or a small bribe to stop them from complaining or demanding something more significant. It refers to a superficial or momentary solution to a problem rather than addressing the root cause.