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.
Related Phrases
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.
చెరుకు తీపి అని వేళ్లతో నమలవచ్చునా?
cheruku tipi ani vellato namalavachchuna?
Because the sugar-cane is sweet are you to chew it with the roots ?
This proverb is used to warn against taking undue advantage of someone's kindness or a good situation. It implies that even if something is beneficial or a person is generous, there should be a limit to how much you exploit it. Overusing or overstepping boundaries will eventually lead to negative consequences.
Said of a greedy, grasping person. Milk the cow, but don't pull off the udder. (Dutch.) Give him an inch and he'll take an ell. Give a clown your finger and he will take your whole hand.
రెండు వ్రేళ్ళతో నాటవచ్చునుకాని, అయిదు వ్రేళ్ళతో పెరకరాదు.
rendu vrellato natavachchunukani, ayidu vrellato perakaradu.
One can plant with two fingers, but should not uproot even with five fingers.
This proverb emphasizes that it is very easy to start or create something (like a rumor, a conflict, or a plant), but extremely difficult to undo or destroy the consequences later. It highlights the importance of being mindful before initiating an action, as the effort required to fix a mistake is much greater than the effort it took to make it.
పగతో పొరుగిల్లు కాల్చవచ్చునుగాని, తన ఇల్లు కాపాడ తరముగాదు
pagato porugillu kalchavachchunugani, tana illu kapada taramugadu
With hatred, one might burn down a neighbor's house, but one cannot save their own house.
This proverb warns that revenge is a double-edged sword. While one might succeed in harming an enemy out of spite or hatred, the resulting consequences and the cycle of destruction will eventually destroy one's own peace, safety, or assets. It emphasizes that destructive actions intended for others often lead to self-destruction.
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.
చెడి స్నేహితునింటికి పోవచ్చునుగాని, చుట్టాలింటికి పోరాదు.
chedi snehitunintiki povachchunugani, chuttalintiki poradu.
One can go to a friend's house when ruined, but not to a relative's house.
This proverb highlights a social observation that when a person loses their wealth or status, friends are often more supportive and less judgmental than relatives. Relatives might look down upon your misfortune or see you as a burden, whereas a true friend is more likely to offer genuine empathy and help without damaging your self-respect.
అప్పు ఆకలికి వచ్చునా?
appu akaliki vachchuna?
Will a debt be repaid when you are hungry ? Can you ever get a debt repaid when you are in want ?
This proverb is used to emphasize that borrowed money or resources are not a permanent or reliable solution for immediate, basic needs. Just as one cannot rely on the uncertainty of getting a loan when they are starving, one should focus on self-reliance and earning their own living rather than depending on others for essential survival.
బలవంతుని పంచనుండవచ్చునుగాని, నాలిముచ్చు నట్టింటనుండరాదు
balavantuni panchanundavachchunugani, nalimuchchu nattintanundaradu
One can live under the protection of a powerful person, but one should not live in the house of a deceitful person.
This proverb highlights the danger of untrustworthy and treacherous people. While a powerful person might be intimidating, their actions are often predictable or manageable. However, a 'naalimuchu' (a double-dealer or a person with a hidden agenda) is far more dangerous because their betrayal comes from within the home, making it impossible to find peace or safety.
మాటలతో మూటలు కొనవచ్చు
matalato mutalu konavachchu
One can buy bundles with words.
This expression refers to someone who is highly persuasive or a smooth talker. It describes a person who can achieve great things or acquire assets just by using their convincing speech and eloquence, without necessarily having the physical means or money at that moment.
కొంగు తడిస్తే చలిగాని కోకంతా తడిస్తే ఏమి చలి
kongu tadiste chaligani kokanta tadiste emi chali
If the hem be wet, cold [ is felt ], but if the whole garment be wet, what cold [ is felt ? ]. 12
This proverb is used to describe a situation where once a person is fully committed to a difficult or risky task, they no longer worry about small setbacks or inconveniences. It is similar to the idea that once you are in deep trouble, minor additional problems don't matter anymore, or 'over head, over ears.'