కిట్టులో కిట్టు కలిస్తే కంపేడకు పోతుంది
kittulo kittu kaliste kampedaku potundi
If grease mixes with grease, it will go up to the thorn-fence.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two similar, often cunning or wicked people, join forces. It suggests that their combined influence or conspiracy will spread far and wide, or that their secret dealings will eventually become a messy public affair. It is often used to mock the 'partnership' of two untrustworthy individuals.
Related Phrases
కాయ తిన్నా కంపే, గడ్డి తిన్నా కంపే
kaya tinna kampe, gaddi tinna kampe
Whether you eat a fruit or eat grass, the smell is the same.
This proverb is used to describe situations where the negative consequences or the bad reputation remain the same regardless of the magnitude or nature of the act. It implies that once a person is associated with a bad habit or a wrongdoing, people will judge them equally whether they did something small or something large.
కాలికి వేస్తే మెడకు, మెడకు వేస్తే కాలికి
kaliki veste medaku, medaku veste kaliki
He removes the rope from the leg to the neck, and from the neck to the leg. Attempting to entrap a person by unfair questions.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely cunning, slippery, or argumentative. It refers to someone who can twist any situation or argument to their advantage, making it impossible to pin them down or hold them accountable. It depicts a 'shifty' character who always finds a loophole or a way to deflect blame.
మెతుకుపోతే బ్రతుకు పోతుంది
metukupote bratuku potundi
If the grain of rice is lost, life is lost
This expression highlights the vital importance of food security and agriculture. It signifies that even a single grain of rice represents sustenance, and without food (the means of survival), one's very existence is at risk. It is often used to emphasize the value of hard work, the importance of not wasting food, or the critical nature of one's livelihood.
కత్తి కలిస్తే, పొత్తు కలుస్తుంది.
katti kaliste, pottu kalustundi.
If the swords meet, the partnership/alliance meets.
This expression is used to describe a situation where mutual interests, particularly regarding power or conflict, lead to an alliance. It suggests that once people recognize each other's strength or engage in a common struggle, they are more likely to form a cooperative bond or partnership.
అడిగినట్టు ఇస్తే, కడిగినట్టు పోతుంది.
adiginattu iste, kadiginattu potundi.
If you give exactly what is asked for, it will disappear as if washed away.
This proverb is used to warn against being overly generous or yielding to every demand. It suggests that if you fulfill every request without discretion, the resources or wealth will be depleted quickly and without leaving a trace, often implying that the recipient will not value it or will waste it.
కారాకువలె కర్మం కాలిపోతుంది
karakuvale karmam kalipotundi
Karma burns away like a dry leaf
This expression is used to describe the complete and rapid destruction of one's past sins or destiny, often through divine grace, intense penance, or wisdom. Just as a dry leaf (karaku) catches fire instantly and turns to ash, one's burdens or bad luck are said to be annihilated.
విత్తుకు వేయి విత్తులు
vittuku veyi vittulu
A thousand seeds for a single seed
This expression highlights the principle of exponential growth and abundance. It is used to describe how a small initial effort, investment, or act of kindness can yield results many times greater than the original input.
గొడ్డు బలిస్తే పాటుకి, మనిషి బలిస్తే కాటికి.
goddu baliste patuki, manishi baliste katiki.
If cattle get fat they go to work, if a person gets arrogant they go to the cemetery.
This proverb warns against arrogance and over-indulgence. In the case of livestock, gaining weight/strength means they are put to harder labor. However, when a human becomes 'fat' with ego or pride (balupu), it leads to their downfall or destruction. It is often used to humble someone who is acting overly proud or reckless due to their wealth or power.
ఎక్కువైన సొమ్ము బ్రహ్మలకిత్తునా, బట్లకిత్తునా
ekkuvaina sommu brahmalakittuna, batlakittuna
Should I give the excess money to Brahmins or to the bards (Bhats)?
This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone who actually has nothing (or is in debt) talks grandly about how to spend non-existent surplus wealth. It highlights the absurdity of worrying about distributing profits when one is actually facing losses.
నీరుల్లి నీటిలో కడిగితే కంపేడ పోతుంది
nirulli nitilo kadigite kampeda potundi
If you wash an onion in water, how will the smell go away?
This proverb is used to describe an inherent nature or character trait that cannot be changed by superficial actions. Just as an onion's pungent smell is part of its nature and won't disappear simply by washing it with water, a person's deep-rooted flaws or habits cannot be hidden or removed through external changes.