కాలి కాలన మొండి కట్టె
kali kalana mondi katte
A half-burnt log. Said of a mean spirited creature who resents no affront.
This expression refers to a person who is extremely stubborn, obstinate, or unresponsive to advice and logic. Just as a partially burnt, thick log of wood is difficult to handle and neither fully burns away nor remains useful, this phrase describes a person whose behavior is difficult to change or manage.
Related Phrases
కుళ్లి కుళ్లి కాయ నష్టం, కాలి కాలి కట్టె నష్టం
kulli kulli kaya nashtam, kali kali katte nashtam
Rotting and rotting, the fruit is lost; burning and burning, the wood is lost.
This proverb refers to a situation where a lot of time or resources are wasted on something that ultimately yields no result. It is used to describe a total loss where both the effort (or substance) and the final product are ruined through procrastination or inefficient processes.
ముసలి కాలానికి కుసుమరోగం
musali kalaniki kusumarogam
Menstrual disease at an old age
This expression is used to mock someone who exhibits youthful desires or immature behaviors that are inappropriate for their old age. It implies that certain actions or interests are out of place given a person's stage in life.
ముసలి కాలానికి ముప్పతిప్పలు
musali kalaniki muppatippalu
Three times the troubles in old age.
This expression refers to the immense hardships, health issues, and dependencies that often plague a person during their old age. It is used to describe a situation where one faces constant, overwhelming difficulties during the final stages of life.
ఇవ్వని మొండికి విడవని చండి.
ivvani mondiki vidavani chandi.
One obstinate man who wouldn't give and another who wouldn't take a refusal.
This expression describes a situation where two equally stubborn or determined individuals clash. It is used when a person who refuses to yield meets someone who is relentlessly persistent in their demand or pursuit. It highlights a stalemate between a 'stubborn refuser' and a 'persistent pursuer'.
ఇవ్వని మొండికి విడువని చండి
ivvani mondiki viduvani chandi
A stubborn person who doesn't give meets a persistent person who doesn't let go.
This proverb describes a confrontation between two equally obstinate individuals. It is used to illustrate a situation where a person who refuses to yield or pay up is met with someone who is equally relentless and persistent in their demand until they get what they want.
మున్నూటి కులానికి ముప్పు లేదు, మొండి కాలికి చెప్పు లేదు.
munnuti kulaniki muppu ledu, mondi kaliki cheppu ledu.
The pedigree of a family numbering three hundred branches cannot be traced nor can a shoe be made to fit a mained foot. A hopeless task.
This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social observations. The first part suggests that a large, united community (specifically the Munnuru Kapu) is resilient and protected from threats. The second part is a metaphorical observation that some things are impractical or impossible, such as fitting a sandal on a leg without a foot. It is used to describe inherent strengths or undeniable, sometimes harsh, realities.
కుళ్ళి కుళ్ళి కాయనష్టి, కాలి కాలి కట్టెనష్టి.
kulli kulli kayanashti, kali kali kattenashti.
By decaying and decaying the fruit is destroyed, by burning and burning the wood is destroyed.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where excessive delay or over-processing leads to a complete loss. Just as a fruit becomes useless if left to over-ripen (rot) and wood becomes useless if left to burn completely to ash, being indecisive or overthinking a situation until it is too late results in wasted resources and missed opportunities.
లేని ఉదారి కంటే కలిగిన మొండి మేలు.
leni udari kante kaligina mondi melu.
A rich stingy man is better than a poor liberal man.
This proverb highlights that intentions alone are not enough. A generous person who lacks resources cannot help others despite their kindness, whereas a wealthy but difficult or stingy person might still be a source of resources or support in a practical sense. It is often used to emphasize the importance of capability over empty promises.
కాని కాలానికి కట్టె పామై కరుస్తుంది
kani kalaniki katte pamai karustundi
In bad times, even a stick turns into a snake and bites.
This proverb is used to describe a period of misfortune where everything seems to go wrong. It implies that when one is going through a streak of bad luck, even harmless objects or trusted situations can unexpectedly cause harm or turn against them.
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.