కాళ్ళ దగ్గరకు వచ్చిన బేరం కాశికి వెళ్ళినా దొరకదు.

kalla daggaraku vachchina beram kashiki vellina dorakadu.

Translation

A deal that comes to your feet cannot be found even if you go to Kashi.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the importance of seizing an opportunity when it is right in front of you. If you neglect or reject a fortune or a good deal that comes to you easily, you may not find it again even if you travel long distances or make extreme efforts (symbolized by a pilgrimage to Kashi) to search for it.

Related Phrases

Like playing a Veena in front of a male buffalo.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one's efforts, talents, or advice are wasted on someone who cannot appreciate or understand them. It is similar to the English idiom 'Casting pearls before swine.'

Maybe, brother-in-law anywhere, but not at the brinjal (egg plant) garden.

When it comes to money or material, relationship is of no consequence. Some are extremely business-like in their relationships.

An opportunity that comes to your feet will not be found even if you go to Kashi.

This expression means that when a good opportunity or a profitable deal comes to you effortlessly, you should grab it immediately. If you neglect or reject it, you might not find such a great opportunity again, even if you travel far and wide or put in immense effort (symbolized by going to the holy city of Kashi).

Whether death approaches or a wife approaches, one loses their mind.

This proverb highlights two extremes where a person loses their rational thinking or common sense: when facing imminent death (due to fear and panic) and when overwhelmed by lust or infatuation. It is used to describe situations where a person acts irrationally under the influence of extreme fear or intense desire.

A bargain [with a man] with his belly full. A person in easy circumstances will drive a hard bargain.

This expression refers to a negotiation or deal where one party is not in desperate need or in a hurry. Since they are already satisfied (full), they can afford to be indifferent, picky, or firm on their terms without worrying about the outcome.

Like going to Benares and bringing back an ass's egg.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone puts in a massive amount of effort or travels a long distance only to return with something useless, non-existent, or disappointing. Since donkeys do not lay eggs, it highlights the futility and absurdity of a wasted journey or endeavor.

An absurd exploit. * Chi bestia va à Roma bestin retorna.

Like going to Kashi because someone said a coconut would be given to a crow.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone undertakes a massive, unnecessary journey or effort for a trivial or nonsensical reward. It highlights poor judgment and the waste of resources for something that doesn't justify the scale of the endeavor.

A priest serving a thousand houses cannot be found even if you search.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely busy or in high demand because they serve too many people or handle too many responsibilities. It highlights that someone with too many commitments becomes unavailable or hard to reach when specifically needed.

The lock is with you, the key is with me.

In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.

A bargain made with a full stomach

This expression refers to a negotiation or deal where one party is not in a hurry or desperate to sell or buy. Because they are already satisfied or financially stable, they can afford to be stubborn, picky, or indifferent to the outcome of the deal.