కమ్మలు నప్పేవాడు పైన, తాళ్ళు పొడిచే వాడు కింద
kammalu nappevadu paina, tallu podiche vadu kinda
The one who fixes the palm leaves is above, and the one who pierces the ropes is below.
This expression describes a situation where a task requires the coordinated effort of two people working in different positions, typically referring to the traditional process of thatching a roof. It is used to highlight teamwork, dependency between roles, or a specific hierarchy in a collaborative job.
Related Phrases
కోడి నలుపైనా గుడ్డు తెలుపే
kodi nalupaina guddu telupe
Even if the hen is black, the egg is white.
This proverb is used to emphasize that one's appearance, origin, or external circumstances do not dictate the quality or value of what they produce. It is often used to say that wisdom or good results can come from anyone, regardless of their background or status.
మొగమాటానికి పోతే, ముండకు కడుపైనట్లు.
mogamataniki pote, mundaku kadupainatlu.
If one goes by hesitation or politeness, a widow might end up pregnant.
This proverb is used to warn against the dangers of being overly hesitant, polite, or unable to say 'no' (Mogamatam). It suggests that excessive politeness in situations where one should be firm can lead to disastrous, irreversible, and shameful consequences. It is used to advise someone to be assertive when necessary to protect their own interests.
చెట్టు నాటినవాడు నీళ్లు పోయడా?
chettu natinavadu nillu poyada?
Will the one who planted the tree not water it?
This proverb is used to express faith in divine providence or natural responsibility. It suggests that the creator or the person who initiates a task will also take care of the necessary sustenance and protection. It is often used to reassure someone that God or a guardian will provide for their needs.
ముందరి కాళ్లకు బందాలు వేసి ముండల తాళ్లు తెంపేవాడు
mundari kallaku bandalu vesi mundala tallu tempevadu
A man who ties the fore legs together and breaks the widows' cords. Said of a crafty swindler, who having made his victim as helpless as an animal whose fore feet have been tied together proceeds to plunder. Widows wear no cords ; the expression signifies a state of helplessness.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely clever, mischievous, or deceitful in a destructive way. It refers to someone who can simultaneously perform a restrictive action (like hobbling an animal) and a socially disruptive or cruel action (like breaking a widow's traditional bond). In modern usage, it often characterizes a person who is capable of doing anything, often implying they are a cunning troublemaker or a 'smart aleck' who creates chaos.
అడిగే వాడికి చెప్పేవాడు లోకువ.
adige vadiki cheppevadu lokuva.
For the one who asks, the one who answers seems inferior in status.
It is easier to put questions than to answer them. It is therefore necessary to be considerate to others and raise only genuine doubts for proper clarification.
నవ్వ చెప్పేవాడు చెడ జెప్పును, యేడవ చెప్పేవాడు బ్రతక చెప్పును.
navva cheppevadu cheda jeppunu, yedava cheppevadu brataka cheppunu.
He who speaks to make you laugh, speaks to your ruin; he who speaks to make you weep, speaks to your profit. A friend's frown is better than a fool's smile.
This proverb highlights the difference between a sycophant and a true well-wisher. Someone who always tells you what you want to hear (making you laugh/happy) might be leading you toward a downfall by ignoring your mistakes. In contrast, a true friend or mentor who criticizes you or tells you harsh truths (making you cry/sad) actually helps you improve and succeed in life.
నూటికి పొడిచి శెభాష్ అనేవాడు
nutiki podichi shebhash anevadu
He kills a hundred and cries " Selaga !"
This expression refers to a person who is extremely clever, mischievous, or deceitful—someone who can commit a hundred wrongs and still present themselves as a hero or get away with it by praising their own cunning. It is often used to describe a smooth talker or a trickster who creates trouble but remains unscathed.
Selaga is a term used in counting or measuring, signifying the comple- tion of a lot of one hundred. Said of a great hero.
మేఘాలు నలుపైతే వాననీళ్ళు నలుపగునా?
meghalu nalupaite vananillu nalupaguna?
If the clouds are black, will the rainwater be black?
This proverb is used to illustrate that the source or external appearance of something does not necessarily define the quality or essence of the outcome. Just as dark clouds produce clear water, a person's humble origins or outward appearance do not dictate their character or the value of their work.
కందం చెప్పినవాడు కవి, పందిని పొడిచినవాడు బంటు
kandam cheppinavadu kavi, pandini podichinavadu bantu
One who can compose a Kandam (poem) is a poet, one who can spear a boar is a warrior.
This proverb highlights that true mastery is defined by the most difficult tasks in a field. In Telugu literature, 'Kandam' is considered a very difficult meter to compose; similarly, hunting a wild boar requires immense courage. It signifies that excellence is proven through successfully handling the toughest challenges of one's profession.
మాట తప్పిన వాడు మాల వాడు
mata tappina vadu mala vadu
He that breaks his word is a Pariah.
This proverb emphasizes the supreme importance of honesty and integrity. It suggests that a person's character and social standing are defined by their ability to keep promises. Historically, it was used to imply that failing to honor one's word leads to a loss of honor and respect in society, comparing the act of lying to being cast out of the social order.