కాలితో చూపితే తలతో చేయవలెను.
kalito chupite talato cheyavalenu.
If he points with the foot, it must be done with the head. Said of the obsequiousness necessary to a dependant.
This expression describes extreme obedience or the proactive nature of a dedicated subordinate or servant. It implies that if a master gives a minor or casual command (symbolized by pointing with a foot), the subordinate should execute it with the utmost respect, diligence, and intellectual effort (symbolized by the head). It is used to illustrate deep loyalty or the expectation of swift, high-quality execution of tasks.
Cringing is a gainful accomplishment.
Related Phrases
కాలితో నడిస్తే కాశీకి పోవచ్చునుగాని, తలతో నడిస్తే తనవాకిలి దాటవచ్చునా?
kalito nadiste kashiki povachchunugani, talato nadiste tanavakili datavachchuna?
If you walk with your feet, you can reach Kashi; but if you walk with your head, can you even cross your own doorstep?
This proverb emphasizes that success is achieved by following the natural, right, and established methods rather than trying to do things in an unnatural or egoistic way. 'Walking with the head' symbolizes arrogance or trying to act contrary to common sense, which leads to failure even in small tasks, whereas humble and proper efforts can take one great distances.
పదిమందితో చావు పెళ్ళితో సమానం
padimandito chavu pellito samanam
Death along with ten people is equal to a wedding
This expression means that when a difficulty or disaster is shared by many, it becomes easier to bear. It suggests that collective suffering reduces individual pain or that facing a challenge as a group provides a sense of solidarity and comfort, similar to the shared joy of a wedding.
నలుగురితో చావు పెళ్ళితో సమానం
nalugurito chavu pellito samanam
Death along with many people is equivalent to a wedding.
This proverb suggests that when a misfortune or a difficult situation is shared by a large group, it becomes easier to bear. It reflects the human psychological comfort found in solidarity during times of crisis, implying that suffering alone is a tragedy, but suffering together is a shared experience.
కాలితో నడిస్తే కాశికి పోవచ్చునేగాని, తలతో నడిస్తే తలవాకిలి అయినా దాట వచ్చునా?
kalito nadiste kashiki povachchunegani, talato nadiste talavakili ayina data vachchuna?
If you walk on your feet you may go to Kâsi, but if you walk on your head can you even pass over the threshold ?
This proverb emphasizes the importance of using the right approach or tools for a task. It suggests that success comes from following the natural and practical way of doing things, whereas arrogance, overthinking, or using the wrong methods will prevent even the smallest progress.
ఏట్లో వేసినా ఎంచి వేయాలి
etlo vesina enchi veyali
Although you throw [ things ] into the river, take an account of them. Keep your expenditure within bounds.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of accountability and carefulness in spending or giving away resources. Even if you are losing or donating something, you should still keep track of the value or amount to avoid reckless waste and maintain financial discipline.
బతికి చెడిన వారితో బంధుత్వం చేయవచ్చును గాని చెడి బ్రతికిన వారితో చేయరాదు
batiki chedina varito bandhutvam cheyavachchunu gani chedi bratikina varito cheyaradu
One can have a relationship with those who were once wealthy and became poor, but one should not with those who were poor and became wealthy.
This proverb suggests that people who have fallen from a high status usually retain their values, culture, and humility. In contrast, those who suddenly gain wealth after being poor might become arrogant, boastful, or lack the character to handle their new status appropriately. It is a cautionary advice on choosing associations based on character and background rather than current financial standing.
మణిని మణితోనే కోయాలి
manini manitone koyali
You must cut a gem with a gem.
This expression is used to signify that a powerful person or a difficult problem can only be tackled by someone or something of equal strength or caliber. It is similar to the English proverb 'Set a thief to catch a thief' or 'Diamond cuts diamond'.
చిన్న ఇల్లు కట్టుకొని పెద్ద కాపురము చేయవలెను
chinna illu kattukoni pedda kapuramu cheyavalenu
Build a small house, and become great. The Hindus consider it unlucky to commence housekeeping in a large house.
This proverb advises financial prudence and modesty. It suggests that one should live in a modest house (within their means) while focusing resources on the growth, prosperity, and well-being of the family members. It emphasizes prioritizing people and life quality over showy material assets.
పాముతో చెలిమి, కత్తితో సాము
pamuto chelimi, kattito samu
Friendship with a snake, fencing with a sword.
This expression is used to describe a friendship or association with a dangerous, unpredictable, or untrustworthy person. It implies that being close to such individuals is as hazardous as playing with a venomous snake or practicing with a sharp sword; one must always be on guard because a single mistake or a change in their mood could result in fatal consequences.
పాముతో చెలిమి రాజుతో చెలిమి ఒక్కటే.
pamuto chelimi rajuto chelimi okkate.
Friendship with a snake and friendship with a king are one. Both treacherous.
This proverb warns that befriending powerful people or rulers is as dangerous as befriending a venomous snake. Just as a snake might bite at any moment regardless of intimacy, a powerful person can turn against you or cause your downfall due to their unpredictable nature and authority.