కట్టనిలువని చెరువు గడియలోపల నిండు, బ్రతుకలేని బిడ్డ బారెడుండు.

kattaniluvani cheruvu gadiyalopala nindu, bratukaleni bidda baredundu.

Translation

A tank with a weak embankment fills in an hour; a child who will not survive grows a fathom long.

Meaning

This proverb describes things that show sudden, abnormal growth or success but lack a solid foundation to sustain it. Just as a tank with weak walls fills up too fast only to burst, or a sickly child might have a growth spurt before passing away, it warns that rapid progress without stability is often a sign of imminent failure.

Related Phrases

A man's life is a bowl full of grains; a woman's life is a grain in the gruel.

This traditional proverb reflects historical gender roles and social hierarchies. It suggests that a man's life or contribution is seen as substantial and central (a bowl full of food), while a woman's life is often perceived as supplementary or less significant (a single grain in liquid). It is used to describe the disparity in how society values the lives and roles of men and women.

A child who doesn't know how to survive grows to be a fathom long.

This proverb describes a person who lacks practical life skills or common sense despite being physically grown or having significant resources. It is used to mock someone who is old enough or 'big' enough to be capable, yet remains helpless, lazy, or foolish in managing their own affairs.

Fondling without a child, a flood without rain.

This proverb is used to describe something that is meaningless, artificial, or lacks a foundation. Just as a flood cannot exist without rain and kissing has no purpose without a child (in a parental context), an action or situation without its core essence or cause is considered hollow or futile.

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.

Nose is a cubit long, but the hair bun is a fathom long.

This expression is used to describe someone who exaggerates their appearance or qualities, or to describe an awkward/disproportionate situation. It often refers to a person who makes a mountain out of a molehill, or someone who focuses excessively on minor embellishments while the core reality is different.

The child who doesn't survive appears a fathom long.

This expression is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the qualities or potential of things that are already lost or projects that have failed. Just as a child who died at birth is often remembered as being exceptionally healthy or large, people often overstate the greatness of 'what could have been' in hindsight.

Could a child live in front of devils ?

This expression is used to describe a situation where something fragile, innocent, or valuable is placed in the hands of cruel and heartless people. Just as a child cannot survive amongst demons, a good person or a delicate task cannot thrive or succeed in an environment filled with wicked people or destructive forces.

The dead infant is always a fine child.

This proverb is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the qualities or potential of something they have lost or something that failed to materialize. It highlights the human tendency to glorify the 'what ifs' or lost opportunities, making them seem much greater than they actually were.

Thought more of when dead than when living. Far folks fare well, and fair children die.

The rat below the corn bin must live below the corn bin, where else can it live? Said of an idle parasite.

This proverb describes a situation where a person is entirely dependent on a specific source or benefactor for their livelihood. It implies that someone will naturally stay where they are being fed or supported, as they have no other means of survival elsewhere. It is often used to describe loyalists, dependents, or those who lack the independence to move away from their current situation.

* Tra asino e asino, non corron se non caldi. † Aux grandes mains les grandes remèdes. 18 ( 137 )

A woman's life is a fragile/humble life

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.