కమలాసనుని కలహంసకు తూటికాడలే తిండి.
kamalasanuni kalahamsaku tutikadale tindi.
For the swan of the lotus-seated (Brahma), only lotus stalks are the food.
This expression is used to signify that regardless of status or how divine or grand a position someone holds, they still have specific, natural requirements or humble necessities. It also suggests that great people have refined tastes or that everything has its own designated place and sustenance in the universe.
Related Phrases
దుందుడుకుతనమే, దూతే తాతే తాలంతత్తే తూతక తాతకతోనా దొందుదొందే
dundudukutaname, dute tate talantatte tutaka tatakatona dondudonde
" The tamarinds have flowered," [said one]. " When the time of blossoming and bearing fruit comes, will flowers and fruit be wanting?" [said another] " You are both alike," [said the third]. Three sisters suffered from an impediment in their speech—each thought she spoke better than either of the other two. The first instead of " Chintalu pûchinavè," said " Tintalu tûtinavè" the second pronounced " Pûchè kâchè kâlam vastè, pûgaka kâyaka pônâ?" as " Tûtè tâtè talam tattè, tûtaka tâtaka tônâ?" and the third, taunting both her sisters, said of their speech " Dondu dondè" for " Rendu rendè" (literally, "the two are two").
This expression is used to describe two people or things that are equally bad, useless, or mischievous. It implies that there is no difference between them as they are both 'two of a kind' or 'birds of a feather.' It is commonly used when comparing two people who are colluding in a wrong act or are equally incompetent.
అన్నదమ్ముల కలహం బావమరుదుల సరసం
annadammula kalaham bavamarudula sarasam
Conflict between brothers is like the joking of brothers-in-law.
This proverb describes the nature of family arguments. It means that fights between brothers are temporary and shouldn't be taken too seriously by outsiders, as they reconcile quickly, much like the lighthearted teasing that occurs between brothers-in-law.
ఆలుమగల కలహం, ఆరికకూడు వండినంతసేపే.
alumagala kalaham, arikakudu vandinantasepe.
A dispute between a husband and wife lasts only as long as it takes to cook millet.
This proverb highlights the temporary and fleeting nature of domestic quarrels between a married couple. Kodo millet (arika) cooks very quickly; similarly, the disagreement between a couple is expected to resolve by the time their next meal is prepared, suggesting that they shouldn't hold grudges.
పొరిగింటి కలహము విన వేడుక
poriginti kalahamu vina veduka
Quarrelling in one's neighbour's house is pleasant to listen to.
This proverb is used to describe the human tendency to find interest or amusement in the problems or disputes of others, as long as they do not affect oneself. It highlights the schadenfreude or curiosity people have regarding private matters of their neighbors.
మారు లేని తిండి మాలతిండి, దొరలేని తిండి దయ్యపుతిండి
maru leni tindi malatindi, doraleni tindi dayyaputindi
Food without a second helping is like scavenger's food; food without a master is like a ghost's food.
This traditional proverb emphasizes the cultural importance of hospitality and social structure. It suggests that a meal where one cannot ask for or receive a second serving (maaru) is considered poor or unfulfilling, while a meal eaten without a host or proper supervision (dora) is chaotic or unlucky, like food consumed by spirits.
పొరుగింటి కలహం విన వేడుక
poruginti kalaham vina veduka
A quarrel in the neighbor's house is a joy to hear.
This proverb highlights a common human tendency to find entertainment or amusement in the conflicts and troubles of others, particularly neighbors, while ignoring one's own issues. It describes the voyeuristic pleasure people sometimes take in gossip and local drama.
ఆలుమగల కలహం, అన్నం తినేదాకానే.
alumagala kalaham, annam tinedakane.
A quarrel between husband and wife lasts only until they sit down to eat.
This proverb suggests that conflicts between a married couple are temporary and short-lived. It highlights the idea that domestic disputes are usually resolved quickly, often by the time the next meal is shared, emphasizing reconciliation over holding grudges.
పుత్రసంతతిలేని పురుషుని కలిమి కలహంసలేని కొలను వంటిది.
putrasantatileni purushuni kalimi kalahamsaleni kolanu vantidi.
The wealth of a man who has no children is like a pond without swans.
This proverb emphasizes that material wealth (Kalimi) is incomplete and lacks beauty or purpose if there are no children (Putrasantati) to inherit or enjoy it. Just as a beautiful pond looks desolate and lifeless without graceful swans, a rich man's life feels empty without progeny.
చిన్నవాళ్ళు తింటే చిరుతిండి, పెద్దవాళ్ళు తింటే ఫలహారం
chinnavallu tinte chirutindi, peddavallu tinte phalaharam
If children eat it, it's a snack; if elders eat it, it's a religious offering (light meal).
This expression points out social hypocrisy or double standards. It suggests that the same action is judged differently based on the status or age of the person performing it. While a child eating between meals might be seen as a bad habit (snacking), an elder doing the same is given a more respectful or justified label (tiffin or sacred meal).
కాని కాలాన ఆలే పెండ్లామైంది
kani kalana ale pendlamaindi
In bad times, one's own wife becomes a problem/burden.
This expression is used to describe a string of bad luck or an unfortunate period in life where even the things or people meant to support you (like a spouse) seem to turn against you or become sources of trouble. It highlights how everything goes wrong when time is not in your favor.