కప్పకూతలు గూయు కాలభుజంగము
kappakutalu guyu kalabhujangamu
The serpent of time that swallows the croaking frogs.
This expression is often used in a philosophical or poetic context to describe the inevitability of death or time (Kala). It compares living beings, who are busy making noise or enjoying life (like croaking frogs), to prey that is eventually consumed by the 'Serpent of Time'. It serves as a reminder of human mortality and the transient nature of worldly pursuits.
Related Phrases
ఆకాశ పంచాంగము
akasha panchangamu
A sky calendar.
This expression refers to baseless predictions, guesswork, or 'building castles in the air.' It is used to describe someone who makes claims or plans without any solid foundation or evidence, similar to predicting the future by simply staring at the sky without actual astronomical data.
A fanciful tale.
పుట్ట మీద గొట్టిన భుజంగము చచ్చునా?
putta mida gottina bhujangamu chachchuna?
Will the snake die if you hit the anthill?
This proverb is used to illustrate that attacking the symptom or the external shell of a problem does not solve the root cause. Just as hitting the mound where a snake lives doesn't kill the snake inside, superficial actions will not yield results when the core issue remains untouched.
కూడి ఉంటే కలదు సుఖం, విడిపోతే కలవు కష్టాలు
kudi unte kaladu sukham, vidipote kalavu kashtalu
Staying together brings happiness; staying apart brings troubles.
This proverb emphasizes the strength and joy found in a joint family system or unity. It suggests that living together as a collective unit (Koodali) leads to a vibrant, bustling, and happy life, whereas living separately or divided (Veradi) leads to loneliness and hardships.
అప్పు చేసి పప్పు కూడు
appu chesi pappu kudu
Eating lentil rice by taking a loan.
This proverb describes a person who lives a lavish or comfortable lifestyle beyond their means by borrowing money. It refers to the habit of prioritizing immediate luxury or indulgence without worrying about future debt or financial consequences.
నూతి కప్పకు సముద్రము తెలుసా?
nuti kappaku samudramu telusa?
Is the sea near to a frog in a well ? Applied to a clumsy fellow.
This proverb is used to describe a person with a narrow perspective or limited knowledge who thinks their small world is everything. It highlights how someone with restricted experience cannot comprehend the vastness or complexity of the real world, much like a frog that believes its well is the entire universe.
నూతి కప్పకు సముద్రం సంగతేమి తెలుసును?
nuti kappaku samudram sangatemi telusunu?
What does a frog in a well know about the ocean?
This proverb is used to describe a person with a narrow-minded perspective or limited knowledge who thinks their small world is everything. It suggests that someone with restricted experience cannot comprehend the vastness or complexity of the world outside their own environment.
జోలె భుజాన ఉంటే జగమంతా తిరగవచ్చు
jole bhujana unte jagamanta tiragavachchu
If a shoulder bag is on the shoulder, one can travel the whole world.
This proverb highlights the freedom and independence that comes with a minimalist or mendicant lifestyle. It suggests that if someone has no attachments, possessions, or ego (symbolized by the monk's begging bowl or 'jole'), they are free to roam anywhere in the world without fear, burden, or social constraints. It is often used to describe someone who leads a carefree life with minimal needs.
ఇల్లు కాలినది జంగమయ్యా అంటే, నా జోలే కప్పరా నా వద్దనే ఉన్నవి అన్నాడట.
illu kalinadi jangamayya ante, na jole kappara na vaddane unnavi annadata.
When the Jangam was told that the house had caught fire, he replied "I have my bag and bowl with me." Selfish indifference.
This proverb describes a person who is completely detached or indifferent to a situation because they have no personal stake or property at risk. It is used to remark on individuals who remain unconcerned about a general disaster or collective loss because their own minimal belongings are safe, or to describe those who prioritize their small interests over a major catastrophe affecting others.
బుద్ధిగల జుట్టు భుజాల దాటదట
buddhigala juttu bhujala datadata
Intelligent hair does not grow beyond the shoulders.
This is a sarcastic or mocking proverb traditionally used to comment on a person's lack of intelligence or common sense, despite their outward appearance. It suggests that if someone's hair grows very long, their brainpower or wisdom is limited, implying a trade-off between hair growth and intellectual growth. It is often used humorously to tease someone who is acting foolishly.
కూత కరణము
kuta karanamu
A karaṇam to talk. A great talker but not good at his work.
This phrase refers to someone who creates a lot of noise or makes loud announcements but possesses no real power or authority. It is used to describe a person who is all talk and no action, or someone who holds a superficial position without the actual ability to influence outcomes.