కోటికి లాగితే బిళ్ళకు, బిళ్ళకు లాగితే కోటికి
kotiki lagite billaku, billaku lagite kotiki
If pulled for the crore, it reaches the coin; if pulled for the coin, it reaches the crore.
This proverb describes a state of extreme financial instability or a 'hand-to-mouth' existence. It implies that a person is constantly struggling to balance their resources—when they try to save a large sum (crore), they end up needing it for basic small expenses (coin), and when they focus on small expenses, they are unable to reach their larger financial goals.
Related Phrases
ఎద్దు ఎండకు లాగ, దున్నపోతు నీడకు లాగ.
eddu endaku laga, dunnapotu nidaku laga.
The bullock pulled towards the sun, and the buffalo towards the shade. A bad match. Every couple is not a pair.
This proverb describes a situation where two people are working together but have completely opposite goals, temperaments, or directions. It is used to highlight a lack of cooperation or synchronization, making it impossible to complete a task effectively because the parties involved are pulling in different ways.
కాలు పట్టుకొని లాగితే చూరు పట్టుకుని వేళ్ళాడినట్లు.
kalu pattukoni lagite churu pattukuni velladinatlu.
Like hanging onto the eaves of the roof when someone is pulling your leg.
This proverb describes a person who is extremely stubborn or desperate to stay in a position or situation even when they are being forcefully removed. It is used to mock someone who lacks dignity and clings onto something despite being clearly unwanted or rejected.
నెలకు మూడామడ బిళ్ల పెట్టుగా నడిచేవాడు
nelaku mudamada billa pettuga nadichevadu
He walks thirty miles in a month, as fast as a round plate can be thrown.
This expression is used to sarcastically describe an extremely lazy or slow person. An 'Amada' is an ancient unit of distance (approx. 12 km), and covering only three of them in an entire month suggests a ridiculously slow pace or total lack of productivity.
కాలు పట్టుకొని లాగితే చూరు పట్టుకొని వేళ్ళాడినట్టు
kalu pattukoni lagite churu pattukoni velladinattu
When someone pulls the leg, hanging onto the eaves of the roof.
This proverb describes a person who is extremely stubborn or desperate to stay in a position or relationship even when they are being forcefully removed or rejected. It signifies a tenacious, often annoying, refusal to let go despite clear opposition.
ఒక తీగ లాగితే పొదంతా కదిలినట్లు
oka tiga lagite podanta kadilinatlu
Like the whole bush shaking when a single vine is pulled
This expression refers to a situation where a single action or investigation leads to the discovery of many interconnected things. It is commonly used when a small lead in a case or problem reveals a massive network or a larger chain of events, showing that things are more linked than they initially appeared.
తీగ లాగీతే డొంక అంతా కదిలినట్లు.
tiga lagite donka anta kadilinatlu.
When we pull at a creeper, the whole bush is moved.
This is to suggest that if a small thing is disturbed, it leads to a lot of movement. It suggests that when a small clue is obtained in an investigation, it may lead to unexpected connections and result in the nabbing of the real culprit.
కూటికి జరిగితే కోటికి జరిగినట్లు
kutiki jarigite kotiki jariginatlu
If there is enough for food, it is as if there is a crore (ten million).
This proverb emphasizes the importance of basic sustenance and contentment. It suggests that if a person has enough resources to afford a meal or basic livelihood, they should feel as satisfied and secure as a person who possesses immense wealth. It is often used to counsel someone to be grateful for their basic needs being met.
కాలు పట్టుకొని లాగితే చూరు పట్టుకొని వేలాడేవాడు.
kalu pattukoni lagite churu pattukoni veladevadu.
When you pull him out by the leg, he holds on by the eaves.
This expression is used to describe an extremely stubborn, persistent, or shameless person who refuses to let go or give up. Even when someone tries to remove them or bring them down, they find another way to cling to their position or stay involved.
A man of no delicacy of feeling, not to be got rid of easily. A toady.
ఏటికి లాగితే కోటికీ, కోటికి లాగితే ఏటికి అన్నట్లు
etiki lagite kotiki, kotiki lagite etiki annatlu
Pulling towards the river leads to the hill, and pulling towards the hill leads to the river.
This proverb describes a state of total lack of coordination, inconsistency, or being at cross-purposes. It is used when efforts are counterproductive or when people involved in a task are pulling in opposite directions, resulting in no progress or chaotic results.
చెయ్యి పుచ్చుకొని లాగితే రాలేదుగాని, ఇంటికి చీటి వ్రాశాడట.
cheyyi puchchukoni lagite raledugani, intiki chiti vrashadata.
She didn't come even when he held her hand and pulled her, but he wrote a note to the house (inviting her).
This proverb is used to mock someone who attempts a subtle or formal approach after failing at a much more direct or forceful attempt. It highlights the absurdity of expecting success through a minor gesture when a major effort has already failed. It is often applied to people who try to maintain formalities or 'follow procedure' after they have already been rejected or have failed in a blatant way.