కళ్లు ఉండగానే కాటుక

kallu undagane katuka

Translation

[ Apply ] collyrium to your eyes while you have them.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being cheated or robbed in broad daylight, or right in front of their eyes while they are fully aware. It signifies extreme audacity or boldness in deception, suggesting that the thief or deceiver is so daring that they act even when the victim is watching.

Notes

Make use of your opportunities before they pass from you.

Related Phrases

If hailstones fall, step aside.

This expression advises that when a sudden, uncontrollable disaster or intense conflict arises, the wisest course of action is to temporarily withdraw or stay out of the way to protect oneself. It emphasizes self-preservation and common sense over trying to confront a force that is beyond one's control.

Like chickens having wings and palm trees having udders.

This expression is used to describe something that is completely obvious or redundant. Just as it is common knowledge that chickens have wings and palm trees (or ropes/cables in some dialects) lack anatomical parts like udders, it refers to stating the obvious or describing a situation where everything is exactly as expected, often used in a sarcastic tone regarding redundant observations.

The hardships of the priest are known only to the Lord.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the struggle or hard work an individual undergoes is only truly understood by God or the person for whom the work is being done. It is similar to saying 'Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.'

For a one-day wedding, the whole face is covered in mascara.

This proverb describes a situation where someone puts in an excessive, disproportionate, or messy amount of effort for a very small or short-lived occasion. It is often used to mock someone who over-prepares or over-decorates to the point of looking ridiculous for a minor event.

A flower gives off fragrance as soon as it is born.

This expression is used to describe a person who shows signs of greatness, talent, or intelligence from a very early age. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'The child is father of the man' or 'Genius manifests itself early'.

She allegedly took off her saree and tucked it under her arm even while the river was seven miles away.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is overly anxious or prepares prematurely for an event that is still very far off. It mocks people who take drastic actions or get excited about a situation long before it actually arrives.

Men remain not, but words last.

This expression highlights the permanence of one's reputation and legacy. While human life is transient and people eventually pass away, the words they spoke, the promises they made, or the impact of their speech endure long after they are gone. It is often used to remind someone to speak wisely or to honor the memory/words of the deceased.

Open your eyes wide before marriage, but after marriage, keep them half-closed and act as if you see but don't see.

This proverb advises individuals to be extremely cautious and observant while choosing a life partner. However, once married, it suggests that one should be tolerant and overlook minor faults or imperfections in their spouse to maintain a harmonious and happy relationship.

As long as there is food, the traditional way of draping the sari among certain castes does not change.

This proverb is used to illustrate that people do not change their fundamental habits, customs, or attitudes as long as they are comfortable and their basic needs (like food) are met. It suggests that change often only occurs under the pressure of necessity or hardship.

When the eccentric woman grew breasts, her maternal uncle lost his eyesight.

This proverb describes a situation where two unrelated events are coincidentally or spitefully linked, or more commonly, a scenario where a positive development for one person results in an unfortunate or jealous reaction/consequence for another. It is used to mock people who cannot bear to see others progress or to describe an absurd, ill-timed coincidence.