కాలి దూరం వేరు కంటి దూరం వేరు

kali duram veru kanti duram veru

Translation

The distance of the foot is different, the distance of the eye is different.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the difference between seeing a destination and actually reaching it. While an object or place might look close to the eyes, the physical effort and distance required to walk there can be significant. It is used to caution someone that planning or visualizing a task is much easier than the actual physical execution of it.

Related Phrases

If it is far from the feet, is it far from the eyes?

This expression is used to question why someone would stop caring for or remembering someone/something just because they are no longer physically close or in constant contact. It is similar to the English proverb 'out of sight, out of mind', but used as a challenge to suggest that physical distance should not result in emotional distance or forgetfulness.

If the leagues are long, are the hearts far distant? An Âmada (4 Kôs) is a distance varying from 8 to 10 miles. Distance cannot alter true friendship.

This expression is used to convey that physical distance between people (friends, family, or lovers) does not necessarily lead to emotional distance or a lack of affection. Even if individuals are separated by great distances (Amada being an old unit of distance), their hearts and thoughts remain connected.

Staying together brings happiness; staying apart brings troubles.

This proverb emphasizes the strength and joy found in a joint family system or unity. It suggests that living together as a collective unit (Koodali) leads to a vibrant, bustling, and happy life, whereas living separately or divided (Veradi) leads to loneliness and hardships.

Auction madness. Said of foolish extravagance.

Used to describe a situation where a large group of people mindlessly follow a trend or imitate others without thinking, similar to a 'herd mentality' or 'mass hysteria'.

Are these eyelids distant from this eye ?

This proverb is used to describe an inseparable relationship or an intimate bond between two people or things. It implies that certain entities are so closely linked by nature, family, or affection that they can never be truly distanced or considered strangers to one another.

Applied to any thing which can easily be tested by actual observation.

If the pot is different, is the caste (or origin) different?

This proverb emphasizes that while the forms, shapes, or appearances of things might differ, their fundamental essence remains the same. Just as different pots are made from the same clay, all humans have the same origin despite their social divisions or physical differences. It is used to point out underlying unity or to challenge superficial discrimination.

A river's flood and the mouth's itch.

This expression compares an uncontrollable river flood to a person who speaks without restraint. It is used to describe someone who talks incessantly or makes irresponsible remarks without thinking of the consequences, suggesting that both a flood and a loose tongue can cause significant damage and are hard to stop once started.

If distances grow by miles, do the hearts grow apart too?

This expression is used to emphasize that physical distance between people (friends or family) does not necessarily lead to emotional distance or a loss of affection. It suggests that true bonds remain intact regardless of how far apart people live.

If it is far from the feet, is it far from the eyes?

This expression is used to remind someone that even if a person or thing is physically distant (out of reach or out of the house), they are still kept in one's thoughts and memories. It is often used in the context of loved ones living far away, emphasizing that physical distance does not mean they are forgotten.

If out of sight, is it out of hearing also ?

This expression is used to suggest that even if you cannot see someone or something in person, you can still hear about them or stay in touch. It emphasizes that physical absence does not justify a complete lack of communication or information.