కాసీ పూసే చింతా, గన్నారపు సంతా, నీళ్ళకడవకాడ ముంతా, నిద్రకేమి పుచ్చు కొంటావే.
kasi puse chinta, gannarapu santa, nillakadavakada munta, nidrakemi puchchu kontave.
The tamarind that bears fruit and flowers, the market for oleander, the small vessel near the water pot—what will you take for sleep?
This is a traditional Telugu folk riddle or a rhythmic nursery rhyme (lullaby style). It describes a series of everyday objects and nature scenes in a rhyming pattern, used to distract or soothe a child into sleeping. It reflects rural life where tamarind trees, flower markets, and water pots were central themes.
Related Phrases
పూచింది పొడమంత, కాచింది గంపంత
puchindi podamanta, kachindi gampanta
Flowered as much as a small patch, but yielded a basketful.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a small effort or a modest beginning leads to a surprisingly large or abundant result. It is often used to praise high productivity or unexpected success from minimal resources.
కలలో కాంత, నీటిలో నీడతో సమానం.
kalalo kanta, nitilo nidato samanam.
A woman in a dream is equal to a shadow in the water.
This proverb refers to the transient and illusory nature of certain desires or possessions. Just as you cannot hold a woman seen in a dream or grab a reflection in the water, some things in life are unreachable or temporary despite appearing real or attractive.
తిండి చింత, దండి చింత.
tindi chinta, dandi chinta.
Worry about food is a great worry.
This proverb highlights that basic survival and the struggle for sustenance are the most significant and constant burdens a person can face. It emphasizes that hunger or the lack of resources to eat outweighs all other worldly concerns.
పైన మంట, కింద మంట, కడుపులో మంట, కాలు నిలిపితే ఖామందు తంట
paina manta, kinda manta, kadupulo manta, kalu nilipite khamandu tanta
Fire above, fire below, fire in the belly, and if the foot stops, the master causes trouble.
This proverb describes the plight of a hardworking laborer or farmer. 'Fire above' refers to the scorching sun, 'fire below' refers to the hot earth, and 'fire in the belly' refers to hunger. It signifies that despite physical suffering and hunger, they cannot stop working because they are afraid of the master's wrath or the loss of their livelihood.
కింద ఒక బొంత, మీద ఒక బొంత నాకేమి చింత
kinda oka bonta, mida oka bonta nakemi chinta
One quilt below, one quilt above; what worry do I have?
This proverb describes a state of complete contentment and self-sufficiency with minimal possessions. It is used to express that when a person's basic needs are met and they have a simple life, they are free from the anxieties and stresses that come with wealth or complex responsibilities.
ఆడదాని మాట, నీళ్ల మూట
adadani mata, nilla muta
A woman’s word, a bundle of water. A woman's mind and winter wind change oft.
This is a traditional proverb used to suggest that a promise or statement made by a woman is unstable, unreliable, or impossible to hold onto, much like trying to tie water into a bundle. It is typically used to express skepticism regarding commitments or to highlight perceived inconsistency.
పశువుల రొచ్చుగుంత, పంటకాపు గుచ్చు పాతర.
pashuvula rochchugunta, pantakapu guchchu patara.
A slushy pit for cattle, a hidden grain storage pit for the farmer.
This proverb highlights how resources or environments are utilized differently based on necessity. Just as a muddy area serves as a resting spot for cattle, a farmer uses a deep, concealed pit (pathara) to safely store and preserve harvested grain from pests and theft. It refers to the resourcefulness of rural life and the importance of secure storage for one's livelihood.
నేను మందు తింటా, నీవు పథ్యం ఉండు అన్నట్లు
nenu mandu tinta, nivu pathyam undu annatlu
Like saying 'I will take the medicine, you follow the dietary restrictions'
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person expects another to bear the burden or follow the rules for a benefit they themselves seek. It highlights the absurdity of expecting results without personal effort or sacrifice, or shifting one's responsibilities onto others.
నాదముంటే గంట, వాదముంటే తంట
nadamunte ganta, vadamunte tanta
If there is sound, it is a bell; if there is an argument, it is a trouble.
This expression highlights that while sound (music/vibration) can be pleasant like a bell, engaging in unnecessary arguments or disputes only leads to problems and complications. It is used to advise people to avoid verbal conflicts and maintain peace.
అంతకు తగిన గంత, గంతకు తగిన బొంత.
antaku tagina ganta, gantaku tagina bonta.
A pack-saddle fits the size, and a quilt fits the pack-saddle.
This proverb is used to describe a perfect match or a situation where things are suited to each other, often used in a sarcastic or humorous way to describe a couple or a pair of people who share the same (often negative) traits or habits. It implies that for every person or situation, there is a corresponding match that deserves them.