కులమెరిగి చుట్టము, స్థలమెరిగి వాసము
kulamerigi chuttamu, sthalamerigi vasamu
Know the lineage before making a relative, know the place before making a home.
This proverb advises caution and due diligence in personal and practical matters. It suggests that one should understand a person's background and character before establishing a close relationship or marriage, and similarly, one must thoroughly investigate the safety, resources, and environment of a location before deciding to settle there.
Related Phrases
చేనిలో చేను కలిసినా, స్థలంలో స్థలం కలిసినా పోనియ్యరాదు.
chenilo chenu kalisina, sthalamlo sthalam kalisina poniyyaradu.
Even if one field merges with another, or one land merges with another, one should not let it go.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of protecting one's property and boundaries. It suggests that even if land boundaries become blurred or merged due to natural or external factors, one must remain vigilant and assert their ownership rights rather than abandoning them or being indifferent.
వంశమెరిగి వనితను, వన్నెనెరిగి పశువును కొనవలె.
vamshamerigi vanitanu, vannenerigi pashuvunu konavale.
One should know the lineage before choosing a wife and know the color/quality before buying cattle.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of checking background and character before entering into long-term commitments or significant investments. Just as the physical traits of cattle indicate their health and utility, the upbringing and family values (lineage) of a person are considered indicators of their character in traditional social contexts.
వీలెరిగి మాట, కీలెరిగి వాత
vilerigi mata, kilerigi vata
Speak knowing the opportunity; apply the brand knowing the joint.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of acting according to the specific context or situation. Just as a cauterization (vata) must be applied precisely to a joint (keelu) to be effective, one should speak only after understanding the circumstances and the person involved. It is used to advise someone to be tactful, strategic, and aware of vulnerabilities or timing before taking action or speaking.
పాత్రమెరిగి దానము, గోత్రమెరిగి కన్యను ఇవ్వాలి
patramerigi danamu, gotramerigi kanyanu ivvali
Give charity after knowing the worthiness of the recipient, and give a daughter in marriage after knowing the lineage.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of due diligence before making significant commitments. It suggests that one should evaluate the character and merit of a person before giving alms to ensure it is used well, and similarly, one must thoroughly investigate a family's background and reputation before finalizing a marriage alliance.
కీలెరిగి వాత పెట్టాలి
kilerigi vata pettali
Apply the brand after identifying the joint.
This expression suggests that one should act according to the specific circumstances or the weakness of a person. In a literal sense, it refers to traditional medicine where a cauterization (branding) is done exactly at the joint to be effective; metaphorically, it means to handle a situation or a person precisely where it matters most or based on their specific temperament.
ఏటిగి ఏటిగి చేసిన పాపం, ఏపడ్డి పడ్డి పోగొట్టుకోవాలి
etigi etigi chesina papam, epaddi paddi pogottukovali
The sin committed knowingly must be lost/redeemed through intentional suffering.
This proverb suggests that when a person commits a mistake or a sin with full awareness (premeditated), they must face its consequences or undergo a specific form of penance to clear it. It is used to emphasize that one cannot escape the accountability of deliberate actions and must endure the resulting hardship to find resolution.
కులమెరిగి చుట్టము, స్థలమెరిగి వాసము.
kulamerigi chuttamu, sthalamerigi vasamu.
[ Form ] your connexions when you know the caste, [ choose ] your residence when you know the place.
This proverb advises caution and due diligence in social and personal life. It suggests that one should understand a person's background and character before establishing a close relationship or marriage alliance, and similarly, one should thoroughly investigate a location's safety, resources, and suitability before settling down there.
కులమెరిగి కోడలిని, ఆణెమెరిగి ఆవును తీసుకోవాలి
kulamerigi kodalini, anemerigi avunu tisukovali
Choose a daughter-in-law by knowing her family background, and a cow by knowing its quality.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of due diligence and background checks before making significant long-term commitments. It suggests that just as the quality of a cow is essential for its yield, the upbringing and character of a bride are crucial for the harmony of a household.
అదను ఎరిగి సేద్యం, పదును ఎరిగి పైరు.
adanu erigi sedyam, padunu erigi pairu.
Farming by knowing the right time, planting by knowing the moisture.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and preparedness in agriculture and life. It suggests that success comes from doing the right thing at the right moment (adunu) and ensuring the conditions (padunu - soil moisture) are perfect before proceeding.
క్షేత్రమెరిగి విత్తనము, పాత్రమెరిగి దానము
kshetramerigi vittanamu, patramerigi danamu
Sow the seed according to the field; give charity according to the recipient.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of context and discernment. Just as a farmer chooses seeds based on the quality and type of soil to ensure a good harvest, one should evaluate the worthiness and need of a person before giving charity or help. It is used to suggest that resources and efforts should be invested wisely where they will be most effective or appreciated.