కాలు కడుగ ముంతలేదు, కల్లుకు కళాయిగిన్నె
kalu kaduga muntaledu, kalluku kalayiginne
Not a small pot to wash feet, but a polished vessel for palm wine.
This proverb describes a person who lacks basic necessities but spends lavishly on vices or luxuries. It is used to criticize those who do not prioritize their essential needs and instead waste resources on unproductive habits.
Related Phrases
విన్నమ్మకు వీపు కాలింది, కన్నమ్మకు కడుపు కాలింది
vinnammaku vipu kalindi, kannammaku kadupu kalindi
For the woman who heard, her back burned; for the mother who gave birth, her womb burned.
This proverb contrasts superficial sympathy with deep, genuine pain. While an outsider (the listener) might feel a momentary or mild annoyance (back burning), only the person directly involved or the parent (the mother) feels the true, excruciating agony (womb burning). It is used to describe situations where bystanders can never truly understand the depth of a victim's suffering.
ఒక కొడుకు కొడుకూ కాదు, ఒక కన్ను కన్నూ కాదు
oka koduku koduku kadu, oka kannu kannu kadu
Having only one son is like having only one eye.
This proverb highlights the vulnerability of relying on a single source of support. Just as losing one's only eye results in total blindness, depending solely on one child or a single plan is risky because if that one fails, there is no backup or alternative support system.
మాటలు కోటలు దాటుతాయి, కాలు గడప దాటదు
matalu kotalu datutayi, kalu gadapa datadu
His words leap over forts, his foot does not cross the threshold.
This expression is used to describe people who talk big and boast about grand plans or achievements, but in reality, fail to take even the smallest action or initiative. It highlights the contrast between empty talk and lack of practical effort.
Great vaunters, little doers. ( French. )† * Il se ruine à promettre, et s'acquit à ne rien donner. † Grand vanteurs, petite faiseurs.
నాడు కట్టాలేదు, నేడు చింతాలేదు
nadu kattaledu, nedu chintaledu
No effort was put in then, and no worry is felt now.
This proverb describes a state of total negligence or lack of foresight. It is used to describe a person who did not take action or plan during the appropriate time (the past) and consequently feels no regret or concern about the failure in the present. It often implies a sense of indifference toward one's responsibilities.
నేకాళ్ళు కడగరా సయ్యదాలీ అంటే, కడిగినట్లే నాకినా, ఖుదా తోడు అన్నాడట
nekallu kadagara sayyadali ante, kadiginatle nakina, khuda todu annadata
When asked, 'Wash your feet, Sayyid Ali,' he replied, 'By God, I have already licked them clean.'
This proverb describes a situation where someone performs a task in a crude, improper, or counterproductive manner instead of doing it the right way. It is used to mock people who are unhygienic, lazy, or lack common sense in how they approach a simple request.
మిన్ను విరిగినా, కన్ను పోయినా కారకమానవు
minnu virigina, kannu poyina karakamanavu
Even if the sky breaks or an eye is lost, you will not stop doing it.
This expression is used to describe an extremely stubborn person or someone who is persistent to a fault. It suggests that regardless of major disasters or personal injury, the individual refuses to change their course of action or stop a specific behavior.
మంచి కాలానికి మామిళ్ళు, చెడు కాలానికి చింతలు కాస్తాయట.
manchi kalaniki mamillu, chedu kalaniki chintalu kastayata.
Mangoes bloom during good times, tamarinds bloom during bad times.
This proverb suggests that positive and sweet experiences (symbolized by mangoes) arrive during prosperous or favorable periods, whereas sour struggles and worries (symbolized by tamarinds/worries, as 'chinta' means both tamarind and worry in Telugu) are prevalent during difficult times. It is used to describe the cyclic nature of fortune and misfortune.
మొదటి చూపుకే కలిగిన వలపుకు కాలయాపన లేదు
modati chupuke kaligina valapuku kalayapana ledu
There is no delay for love that occurs at first sight.
This expression suggests that love at first sight is immediate and decisive. It implies that when a strong connection is felt instantly, there is no need for hesitation or a long waiting period to recognize those feelings. It is often used to describe whirlwind romances or instant attraction.
కథకు కాళ్ళు, ముంతకు చెవులు కల్పించినట్లు
kathaku kallu, muntaku chevulu kalpinchinatlu
Like giving legs to a story and ears to a pot.
This expression describes the act of exaggerating a story or fabricating unnecessary details to make a simple event sound more dramatic or believable. It is used when someone adds 'spices' or false information to a basic fact, making the narrative unrealistic or distorted.
ఒక కన్ను కన్నూ కాదు, ఒక కొడుకు కొడుకూ కాడు
oka kannu kannu kadu, oka koduku koduku kadu
One eye is no eye, one son is no son.
This proverb suggests that relying on a single resource or individual is risky. Just as losing one's only eye leads to total blindness, depending on an only child (or a single point of failure) leaves one vulnerable. It is used to emphasize the importance of backups, security, or having multiple supports in life.