కొందరిని కొంతకాలం మోసం చేయవచ్చు కానీ, అందరిని ఎల్లకాలం మోసం చేయలేము
kondarini kontakalam mosam cheyavachchu kani, andarini ellakalam mosam cheyalemu
You can fool some people for some time, but you cannot fool everyone all the time.
This expression emphasizes that while temporary deception or dishonesty might work on a few people, the truth will eventually come out and it is impossible to sustain a lie against everyone forever. It is often used as a warning against dishonesty in leadership or public life.
Related Phrases
కరువు కాలంలో ఒల్లని మొగుడు, పంటకాలంలో పంపమని వచ్చాడట
karuvu kalamlo ollani mogudu, pantakalamlo pampamani vachchadata
The husband who rejected his wife during the drought, came to claim her during the harvest season.
This proverb describes a fair-weather friend or an opportunistic person. It refers to someone who abandons their responsibilities or relationships when times are difficult and resources are scarce, only to return and claim their rights or benefits when prosperity returns.
కాలు చెయ్యి ఉన్నంతకాలం కాలం గడుస్తుంది.
kalu cheyyi unnantakalam kalam gadustundi.
As long as hands and feet are working, time will pass.
This expression emphasizes the importance of physical health and self-reliance. It implies that as long as a person is physically capable and mobile, they can work, earn, and sustain themselves without depending on others.
కండ్లు మూయించవచ్చునుగాని, కలలు గనేటట్లు చేయగలమా?
kandlu muyinchavachchunugani, kalalu ganetatlu cheyagalama?
You can make someone close their eyes, but can you make them dream?
This expression highlights the limits of control and coercion. While you can force someone to perform an external action or follow a rule, you cannot control their internal thoughts, imagination, or true desires. It is often used to emphasize that genuine inspiration or vision cannot be forced.
పాలుపోసి పామును పెంచవచ్చును కానీ పడతిని నమ్మరాదు
paluposi pamunu penchavachchunu kani padatini nammaradu
You can raise a snake by feeding it milk, but you should never trust a woman.
This is a traditional, albeit misogynistic, Telugu proverb used to caution against placing absolute trust in a woman's intentions or loyalty. It suggests that even the most dangerous creature (a snake) is more predictable than the nature of a woman. It is often cited in old literature or dramatic contexts to warn about betrayal.
అత్తాకాలం కొన్నాళ్ళు, కోడలికాలం కొన్నాళ్ళు
attakalam konnallu, kodalikalam konnallu
The mother-in-law's time lasts for a while, and the daughter-in-law's time lasts for a while.
This proverb signifies that power and circumstances are never permanent. Just as a daughter-in-law eventually becomes the mother-in-law in charge, everyone gets their turn to lead or dominate. It is used to remind people to be humble during their time of power, as the tables will eventually turn.
చెలిమిని చేదు తినిపించవచ్చుగాని, బలిమిని పాలు త్రాగించలేము.
chelimini chedu tinipinchavachchugani, balimini palu traginchalemu.
One can make someone eat bitterness through friendship, but cannot force them to drink milk through power.
This proverb emphasizes that affection and friendship can achieve things that force or coercion cannot. You can convince someone to do something difficult or unpleasant (bitterness) out of love, but you cannot force them to accept even something beneficial (milk) against their will.
ఆరు రాజ్యాలు జయించవచ్చును గాని అల్లుడిని జయించలేము
aru rajyalu jayinchavachchunu gani alludini jayinchalemu
One can conquer six kingdoms, but one cannot conquer a son-in-law.
This proverb highlights the delicate and often difficult nature of the relationship with a son-in-law in Indian culture. It suggests that while achieving great feats like winning wars is possible through strength, it is nearly impossible to satisfy or control a son-in-law's ego or demands, as he must be treated with utmost respect and patience to ensure the daughter's happiness.
తప్పు తిని కులం మరిచినట్టు
tappu tini kulam marichinattu
Eating to excess, he forgets his caste. Said of a man who, being sumptuously entertained, forgets his low origin.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone commits a mistake or falls into bad habits and consequently forgets their roots, values, or original identity. It specifically refers to how a single improper act or a lapse in judgment can lead to a complete loss of self-respect or social standing.
బలవంతుని పంచనుండవచ్చునుగాని, నాలిముచ్చు నట్టింటనుండరాదు
balavantuni panchanundavachchunugani, nalimuchchu nattintanundaradu
One can live under the protection of a powerful person, but one should not live in the house of a deceitful person.
This proverb highlights the danger of untrustworthy and treacherous people. While a powerful person might be intimidating, their actions are often predictable or manageable. However, a 'naalimuchu' (a double-dealer or a person with a hidden agenda) is far more dangerous because their betrayal comes from within the home, making it impossible to find peace or safety.
గతకాలము మేలు వచ్చుకాలము కంటెన్
gatakalamu melu vachchukalamu kanten
The past is better than the future to come.
This proverb expresses nostalgia and the human tendency to believe that 'the good old days' were superior to the present or the uncertain future. It is often used when people are dissatisfied with current circumstances or are apprehensive about upcoming changes, suggesting that what has passed was more comfortable, virtuous, or prosperous.