కాలు చెయ్యి ఉన్నంతకాలం కాలం గడుస్తుంది.

kalu cheyyi unnantakalam kalam gadustundi.

Translation

As long as hands and feet are working, time will pass.

Meaning

This expression emphasizes the importance of physical health and self-reliance. It implies that as long as a person is physically capable and mobile, they can work, earn, and sustain themselves without depending on others.

Related Phrases

Bind the community, hold the pen

This expression emphasizes the importance of education and social unity within a community. It suggests that for a community to progress, people must remain united (community bond) and focus on education and literacy (holding the pen) as tools for empowerment.

As long as hands and feet are working properly, one is a king.

This expression emphasizes the value of physical health and independence. It suggests that as long as a person is healthy enough to perform their own tasks and move around without depending on others, they live a dignified life comparable to that of a king. It is often used to remind people to cherish their health or when discussing the difficulties of old age and dependency.

Hardships do not live (stay) with you forever

This expression is used to offer comfort and hope during difficult times. It signifies the transient nature of problems, suggesting that just as joy is temporary, suffering and struggles will also eventually pass and are not permanent fixtures in one's life.

The mother-in-law's time lasts for a while, and the daughter-in-law's time lasts for a while.

This proverb signifies that power and circumstances are never permanent. Just as a daughter-in-law eventually becomes the mother-in-law in charge, everyone gets their turn to lead or dominate. It is used to remind people to be humble during their time of power, as the tables will eventually turn.

As long as legs and hands are moving, time passes (life goes on).

This expression means that as long as a person is physically healthy and capable of working, they can sustain themselves and live independently. It is often used to emphasize the importance of health and self-reliance in old age, suggesting that life is manageable as long as one is not bedridden or dependent on others for basic movement.

When times are not favorable, even one's wife can bite like a scorpion

This proverb describes the misfortune of bad timing or a period of bad luck. It suggests that when one is going through a terrible phase in life, even the most trusted people or reliable things will turn against them or cause unexpected harm. It is used to express how everything seems to go wrong simultaneously during hard times.

When bangled hands make a jingling sound, the house shines with prosperity.

This proverb highlights the traditional belief that the presence and active involvement of a woman in a household bring vibrancy, joy, and prosperity. The 'jingling of bangles' symbolizes her work and presence, which is seen as essential for a happy and lively home.

The time of the day passes, but the word spoken remains.

This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words compared to the temporary nature of time. While moments pass and hardships are forgotten, a promise made or a hurtful word spoken stays in people's memories forever. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their speech and to honor their commitments.

When time is bad, one must hold a donkey's feet.

This proverb suggests that when a person is in a difficult situation or facing bad times, they might have to humble themselves or seek help from someone they normally look down upon to get their work done. It emphasizes the importance of pragmatism and patience over pride during adversity.

Time passes away, but the word remains

This expression emphasizes the permanence and importance of one's promises or speech. While time is fleeting and situations change, the words you speak—especially promises or insults—leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the moment has passed. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their words or to honor their commitments.