కాని కాలానికి కంది అయినా కాయదు
kani kalaniki kandi ayina kayadu
In bad times, even a pigeon pea plant will not bear fruit
This proverb describes a period of misfortune where even the simplest or most reliable tasks fail to yield results. It is used to express that when luck is against someone, even their best efforts and usually dependable resources will let them down.
Related Phrases
కట్టెను కంపా కాల్చేవాడు
kattenu kampa kalchevadu
One who burns even the bundle of sticks and thorns.
This expression refers to an extremely stingy, ruthless, or destructive person who leaves nothing behind. It describes someone who exploits a resource or situation to the very last bit without any regard for future use or mercy, often used to characterize a person's extreme greed or harsh nature.
చచ్చిన వాడి కళ్లు పత్తికాయలంత
chachchina vadi kallu pattikayalanta
The eyes of a dead man are as large as cotton bolls.
This proverb is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the virtues, qualities, or features of someone or something only after they are gone or no longer available. It refers to the human tendency to overstate the importance of a lost opportunity or a deceased person.
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.
కక్కిన కుక్కవద్దికీ కన్న కుక్కవద్దికీ కానివాణ్ని అయినా పంపవద్దు.
kakkina kukkavaddiki kanna kukkavaddiki kanivanni ayina pampavaddu.
Don't send even your enemy near a dog which has vomited, or a bitch which has pupped.
This proverb highlights situations of extreme irritability and danger. A dog that has vomited is often sick and unpredictable, while a dog with newborns is fiercely protective and aggressive. It teaches that one should not put anyone—even a foe—into a situation where certain harm or irrational fury is expected.
కాలి కాలన మొండి కట్టె
kali kalana mondi katte
A half-burnt log. Said of a mean spirited creature who resents no affront.
This expression refers to a person who is extremely stubborn, obstinate, or unresponsive to advice and logic. Just as a partially burnt, thick log of wood is difficult to handle and neither fully burns away nor remains useful, this phrase describes a person whose behavior is difficult to change or manage.
కాని కాలానికి కప్ప దయ్యమవుతుంది
kani kalaniki kappa dayyamavutundi
In unfavorable times, even a frog becomes a ghost.
This proverb is used to describe how when someone's luck is bad or they are going through a period of misfortune, even the smallest, most insignificant problems or people can become major obstacles and cause significant trouble.
కానిచోట కందయినా కాయదు
kanichota kandayina kayadu
In an unfavorable place, even a yam will not grow.
This proverb suggests that if the environment, timing, or circumstances are not conducive, even the most resilient or easiest tasks will fail to yield results. It is used to emphasize that success depends heavily on being in the right place or situation.
కాని కాలానికి కట్టె పామై కరుస్తుంది
kani kalaniki katte pamai karustundi
In bad times, even a stick turns into a snake and bites.
This proverb is used to describe a period of misfortune where everything seems to go wrong. It implies that when one is going through a streak of bad luck, even harmless objects or trusted situations can unexpectedly cause harm or turn against them.
కన్నెరికానికి కాసులేనోడు, కలకాలం కాపాడుతాడా?
kannerikaniki kasulenodu, kalakalam kapadutada?
Will a man who did not have a single coin for the wedding ceremony protect you forever?
This proverb highlights skepticism towards someone's long-term commitment or reliability when they failed to show effort or capability during the initial, crucial stages of a relationship or project. It is used to suggest that if someone cannot handle small or foundational responsibilities, they cannot be trusted with life-long or larger ones.
కానిదానికి కలతలు మెండు
kanidaniki kalatalu mendu
For that which is not meant to be, troubles are many
This expression is used to describe a situation or a project that is destined to fail or is inherently problematic. It suggests that when something is not right or is 'ill-fated', one will encounter an excessive number of obstacles and complications. It is often said when someone is struggling with a task that seems to be going wrong at every turn.