కలిమి ఉన్నంతసేపు బలగము, కండ ఉన్నంతసేపు మిండడు
kalimi unnantasepu balagamu, kanda unnantasepu mindadu
As long as there is wealth, there are followers; as long as there is physical strength, there is a lover.
This proverb highlights the transient and opportunistic nature of human relationships. It suggests that people often stay around others only for selfish reasons—either for money or physical attraction—and may desert them once those assets are gone. It is used to describe fair-weather friends or superficial bonds.
Related Phrases
కలిమి కులాల మిండడు
kalimi kulala mindadu
Wealth is the paramour of all castes.
This proverb suggests that wealth transcends social hierarchies and caste boundaries. It implies that a person's financial status often carries more weight and influence than their traditional social standing or lineage, effectively stating that 'money is the ultimate power'.
A rich man is sought after by all. Rich people are every where at home. (German.)†
ఆలుమగల కలహం, ఆరికకూడు వండినంతసేపే.
alumagala kalaham, arikakudu vandinantasepe.
A dispute between a husband and wife lasts only as long as it takes to cook millet.
This proverb highlights the temporary and fleeting nature of domestic quarrels between a married couple. Kodo millet (arika) cooks very quickly; similarly, the disagreement between a couple is expected to resolve by the time their next meal is prepared, suggesting that they shouldn't hold grudges.
ఆలుమగల కలహం అద్దంమీద పెసరగింజ ఉన్నంతసేపే
alumagala kalaham addammida pesaraginja unnantasepe
A quarrel between a husband and wife lasts only as long as a green gram stays on a mirror.
This proverb highlights the transient nature of domestic disputes between couples. Just as a small, smooth seed like a green gram cannot find a grip and quickly slides off a slippery surface like a mirror, a disagreement between a married couple is expected to be fleeting and will resolve itself very quickly.
ఎన్నో రణాలు కోసినాను గాని నా రణమంత సేపు లేదు అన్నట్టు.
enno ranalu kosinanu gani na ranamanta sepu ledu annattu.
I have operated on many wounds, but none took as long as my own.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person who is an expert at solving others' problems finds themselves struggling significantly when a similar problem affects them personally. It highlights how personal involvement can make a task feel more difficult or time-consuming than when doing it for others.
కుక్క బుద్ధి దాలికుంటలో ఉన్నంతసేపే
kukka buddhi dalikuntalo unnantasepe
A dog's behavior remains calm only as long as it is in the fireplace ash pit.
This proverb is used to describe a person whose nature or bad habits are only temporarily suppressed due to their current circumstances or surroundings. Just as a dog stays quiet and still while enjoying the warmth of the warm ashes in a fireplace (dalikunta) but returns to its restless or barking nature the moment it leaves, some people only behave well when it is convenient or comfortable for them.
మంచం మీద ఉన్నంతసేపు మొగుడు, కిందికి దిగితే యముడు
mancham mida unnantasepu mogudu, kindiki digite yamudu
A husband as long as he is on the bed, but Death (Yama) once he steps down.
This expression describes someone who is affectionate or kind only when they want something (often sexual or personal favors) but becomes cruel, rude, or indifferent once their need is met. It is used to highlight hypocrisy and selfish behavior in relationships.
కలిమి ఉన్నంతసేపే బలగం, కండ ఉన్నంతసేపే మిండడు
kalimi unnantasepe balagam, kanda unnantasepe mindadu
Relatives stay as long as there is wealth, a lover stays as long as there is physical strength.
This proverb highlights the transient and opportunistic nature of human relationships. It suggests that most people surround you only for their own benefit; relatives and friends stick around for your money, while romantic interests may stay only for physical vitality or prowess. Once these assets are gone, the people often disappear.
ఎగిరిన దూది గాలిలో ఎంతసేపో ఉండదు.
egirina dudi galilo entasepo undadu.
Cotton that has flown up will not stay in the air for long.
This proverb is used to describe a person who experiences sudden, temporary success or fame. It implies that just as light cotton eventually falls back to the ground, a person without a solid foundation or merit cannot maintain their elevated status for long.
కటకట ఉన్న ఇంట కలిమి ఉండదు.
katakata unna inta kalimi undadu.
Wealth does not stay in a house where there is constant complaining or misery.
This proverb suggests that prosperity and fortune avoid homes filled with negativity, sorrow, or a lack of contentment. It emphasizes that a positive and harmonious environment is necessary for wealth and well-being to flourish.
ఏటికి ఎప్పుడు పోయినావు ఇసుక ఎప్పుడు తెచ్చినావు అంటే, ఆడవారు తలిస్తే అది ఎంతసేపు అన్నదట—మొగవారు తలిస్తే ఇది ఎంతసేపు అని నాలుగు బాదినాడట.
etiki eppudu poyinavu isuka eppudu techchinavu ante, adavaru taliste adi entasepu annadata—mogavaru taliste idi entasepu ani nalugu badinadata.
" When did you go to the river, when did you bring the sand ?" [asked the husband ] "If women like, how long will that take ?" [saucily replied the wife ] "If men like, how long will this take ?" [said the husband ] giving her four double-handers. The husband's question was caused by finding sand in his food.
This proverb is a sarcastic take on making excuses and the consequences of over-cleverness. It describes a situation where a woman tries to cover up a lie with a boastful remark about her capabilities, only for her husband to respond with a harsh reality check. It is used to caution against making unrealistic claims or using wit to hide faults, as it may provoke an equally strong or stronger reaction.
* Il faut tendre volle selon le vent.