కంకణాల చెయ్యి ఆడితే, కడియాల చెయ్యి ఆడును.
kankanala cheyyi adite, kadiyala cheyyi adunu.
If the hand with Kankaṇamulu moves, the hand with Kaḍiyamulu moves also. Kankaṇamulu are bracelets worn by women. Kaḍiyamulu are those worn by men. Where woman leads man follows.
This proverb highlights the interdependency within a household or society. 'Hand with bangles' refers to the woman (traditionally managing the kitchen/home), and 'hand with bracelets' refers to the man (traditionally the earner). It means that when the woman works to cook and manage the house, the man can eat and have the strength to work, or more broadly, that domestic stability is the foundation for external success.
Related Phrases
పొరుగింటి నెయ్యి, పెండ్లాము చెయ్యి
poruginti neyyi, pendlamu cheyyi
Neighbor's ghee, wife's hand.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is overly generous or extravagant because the resources being used do not belong to them. It implies that people tend to spend or give away others' wealth much more freely than they would their own.
మోచెయ్యి ఆడితే, ముంజెయ్యి ఆడుతుంది.
mocheyyi adite, munjeyyi adutundi.
If the elbow moves, the wrist moves with it.
This proverb emphasizes the dignity of labor and the necessity of hard work. It means that only when one works hard physically (moving the elbow/arm), can they afford to eat (moving the hand to the mouth). It is used to convey that effort is a prerequisite for sustenance.
కుడిచెయ్యి చేసే దానం ఎడమచెయ్యికి తెలియకూడదు
kudicheyyi chese danam edamacheyyiki teliyakudadu
The charity done by the right hand should not be known by the left hand.
This expression emphasizes the importance of anonymous or humble charity. It suggests that when you help someone, you should do it quietly without seeking fame, recognition, or boasting about your generosity to others.
మొదటికే మోసం, మొండిచెయ్యి చూపించడం
modatike mosam, mondicheyyi chupinchadam
Loss at the very beginning and showing an empty hand.
This expression is used when a plan fails right at the start, leading to a total loss. 'Mondi cheyyi chupinchadam' specifically means to cheat, refuse to help, or leave someone empty-handed after promising something.
కోల ఆడితే, కోతి ఆడును.
kola adite, koti adunu.
If you shake the stick the monkey will dance.
This proverb highlights that discipline, fear, or external motivation is often necessary to get work done. It is used to describe situations where someone only performs their duties or behaves well because of strict supervision or the threat of consequences, much like a monkey performing only when its trainer moves the stick.
It is the raised stick that makes the dog obey. ( Danish. )* * Holder man el Kleppen til, agter Hunden intet Bud.
ఉడుము పోయినా చెయ్యి వస్తే చాలును.
udumu poyina cheyyi vaste chalunu.
Never mind if I lose the guana, if I get my hand out it's enough.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is willing to give up a potential gain or an asset just to escape from a dangerous or stuck position. It signifies that safety and liberation are more important than the original objective when things go wrong.
Said by a man whose hand had been caught by a guana in a hole. Catching a Tartar.
ఎముక లేని చెయ్యి
emuka leni cheyyi
A hand without a bone
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely generous and charitable. Just as a hand without a bone would be flexible and unable to close or withhold, it refers to someone who gives freely to others without hesitation or stinginess.
ముంజేయి ఆడితే, మోచేయి ఆడుతుంది
munjeyi adite, mocheyi adutundi
If the forearm moves, the elbow moves.
This expression emphasizes the importance of hard work and action. It means that only when you put in the physical effort (moving your hands/forearm) will you get the momentum and results (the rest of the arm moving) needed to sustain yourself, typically referring to the act of working to earn a meal.
ఒక చేత్తో చప్పట్లు కొట్టలేము
oka chetto chappatlu kottalemu
If you clap with one hand will there be any sound ? Nothing can be done successfully by a single person. One man is no man. ( Latin. )* Two heads are better than one. Hand washes hand, and finger finger. ( Greek. )
This expression is used to convey that cooperation or participation from both sides is necessary for a result, conflict, or agreement. It is often used to suggest that in a dispute, one person alone is rarely responsible, or that a task requires mutual effort.
నీ ఎడమ చెయ్యి తీయి, నా పుర్ర చెయ్యి పెడతాను
ni edama cheyyi tiyi, na purra cheyyi pedatanu
Take away your left hand, I will use my sinister hand.
This expression is used to describe a redundant or meaningless action where one thing is replaced by something identical or equally ineffective. It highlights a situation where there is no real change or improvement despite the movement or effort, often used to mock someone suggesting a solution that is the same as the current problem.
As broad as long.