కంటికి రెప్ప కాలికి చెప్పు
kantiki reppa kaliki cheppu
An eyelid for the eye, a sandal for the foot
This expression refers to things that are essential for protection and safety. Just as an eyelid protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot, it describes someone or something that acts as a constant guardian or a basic necessity for one's well-being. It is often used to describe a protective person or a relationship where one takes care of another's safety.
Related Phrases
కాలికి రాని చెప్పు కడగా ఉంచు
kaliki rani cheppu kadaga unchu
Keep the footwear that doesn't fit your foot aside.
This proverb suggests that things or relationships that are not suitable for you or cause discomfort should be discarded or kept at a distance. It is used to advise someone to let go of unnecessary burdens, incompatible people, or situations that do not serve their well-being.
కంటికి రెప్ప, కాలికి చెప్పు
kantiki reppa, kaliki cheppu
A lid to the eye, a shoe to the foot. The protection necessary.
This expression refers to someone or something that provides constant, essential protection and support. Just as an eyelid naturally protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot from harsh terrain, this phrase describes a guardian, a loyal companion, or a preventive measure that keeps one safe from harm.
తనకు చెప్ప తడికల చాటు, ఒకరికి చెప్ప ఒప్పులకుప్ప
tanaku cheppa tadikala chatu, okariki cheppa oppulakuppa
Hiding behind a fence when told to do it oneself, but acting like a master of virtues when telling others.
This proverb is used to describe a hypocritical person who avoids responsibility or hides when it is their turn to perform a task, yet eagerly gives advice and lectures others on how to do things perfectly. It is similar to the English expression 'Practicing what you preach.'
ఉట్టికి ఎగరలేనమ్మ స్వర్గానికి ఎగురుతుందా?
uttiki egaralenamma svarganiki egurutunda?
If one cannot jump to the hanging pot, can she fly to heaven?
This proverb is used to mock someone who fails at a simple, basic task but makes grand claims about achieving something much more difficult or impossible. It highlights the gap between one's actual abilities and their lofty ambitions.
కంటికి కలక వంటికి పోటు
kantiki kalaka vantiki potu
Infection to the eye, pain to the body
This expression is used to describe a situation that is extremely annoying, constant, and difficult to ignore. Just as an eye infection causes persistent discomfort and a body ache makes one restless, this phrase refers to a person or a problem that causes continuous irritation or trouble.
ఈ కంటికి ఈ రెప్పలు దూరమా?
i kantiki i reppalu durama?
Are these eyelids distant from this eye ?
This proverb is used to describe an inseparable relationship or an intimate bond between two people or things. It implies that certain entities are so closely linked by nature, family, or affection that they can never be truly distanced or considered strangers to one another.
Applied to any thing which can easily be tested by actual observation.
గుడ్డికంటికి రెండు గూటాలు, మెల్లకంటికి రెండు మేళాలు
guddikantiki rendu gutalu, mellakantiki rendu melalu
Two stakes for a blind eye, two musical bands for a squint eye.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is being overly cautious or excessive in trying to compensate for a minor or major defect. It highlights how people sometimes apply unnecessary or mismatched solutions to their problems, often making the situation look more dramatic or complicated than it needs to be.
తనకు చెప్ప తడికెలచాటు, ఒకరికి చెప్ప ఒప్పుల కుప్ప.
tanaku cheppa tadikelachatu, okariki cheppa oppula kuppa.
When [the priest] applies [the law] to himself he screens himself [from its penalty]; but in laying down [the law] for others he is a beauty.* Justice, but not in my own house. (Spanish.)† No one likes justice brought home to his own door. (Italian.)
This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves hypocritically. It refers to someone who hides their own faults or avoids responsibility (hiding behind a screen) but gives moral lectures and acts like a paragon of virtue (pile of virtues) when judging others.
మందికి చెప్పాను కానీ, మనకు చెప్పానా?
mandiki cheppanu kani, manaku cheppana?
I told the crowd, but did I tell myself?
This expression is used to describe a person who gives advice to everyone else but fails to follow that same advice in their own life. It highlights hypocrisy or the gap between preaching and practicing, similar to the English idiom 'Practice what you preach.'
కంటికి రెప్ప ఆసరా, పులికి మల ఆసరా
kantiki reppa asara, puliki mala asara
The eyelid is the support for the eye, and the forest is the support for the tiger.
This proverb highlights the importance of natural habitat, protection, and interdependence. Just as an eyelid naturally protects the eye, a dense forest (mala) provides the necessary cover and strength for a tiger to survive and hunt. It is used to suggest that everyone has a specific place or environment where they are most powerful and safe.