కూలి చేస్తే గడవనిది కూర్చుంటే గడుస్తుందా?
kuli cheste gadavanidi kurchunte gadustunda?
If life doesn't pass even when working for wages, will it pass by sitting idle?
This proverb emphasizes the necessity of hard work and the reality of poverty. It means that if one's basic needs are barely met even through constant labor, they certainly cannot be met by remaining inactive. It is used to encourage someone to keep working or to highlight that there is no alternative to effort for survival.
Related Phrases
ముడి బియ్యం తింటే ముప్పు గడుస్తుందా?
mudi biyyam tinte muppu gadustunda?
If one eats unpolished rice, will danger pass?
This proverb is used to criticize people who focus on trivial or small-scale changes (like diet) while ignoring major, imminent threats or problems. It implies that minor precautions cannot avert a significant calamity.
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.
తాగితే గాని మొగ్గడు, తడిస్తే గాని కప్పడు
tagite gani moggadu, tadiste gani kappadu
He won't bow unless he drinks; he won't cover himself unless he gets wet.
This proverb describes an extremely stubborn, lazy, or reckless individual who refuses to take necessary actions or precautions until forced by dire circumstances or until a situation becomes unavoidable. It highlights a reactive rather than proactive nature.
కుక్కవంటి మనసు కూర్చుండనిచ్చునా
kukkavanti manasu kurchundanichchuna
Will a dog-like mind let you sit still?
This expression compares the human mind to a restless dog that is constantly moving, wandering, and seeking distractions. It is used to describe the nature of a person who lacks focus, mental peace, or the ability to stay still in one place or on one task.
అతి చేస్తే గతి చెడుతుంది
ati cheste gati chedutundi
Excessive action ruins one's fate.
This proverb warns that overdoing anything or acting with excessive pride or greed will eventually lead to one's downfall. It is similar to the English saying 'Too much of anything is good for nothing' and is used to advise moderation in behavior and lifestyle.
ఆ గడపలు వేస్తే ఆవశ్యం కురుస్తుంది.
a gadapalu veste avashyam kurustundi.
If you cross those thresholds, the dew will surely fall.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive or fragile, particularly in a health context. It suggests that even the slightest exposure to the outdoors or a small change in environment is enough to make them fall ill.
కూర్చుంటే కుంటి, లేస్తే లేడి
kurchunte kunti, leste ledi
Lame while sitting, a deer when standing.
This expression is used to describe a person who pretends to be lazy, weak, or incapable when asked to do work, but becomes extremely quick, active, and energetic when it comes to their own interests, food, or play.
కూర్చుంటే కుక్కయినా కరువదు
kurchunte kukkayina karuvadu
Even a dog will not bite you if you sit down.
This proverb suggests that when someone is angry or aggressive, adopting a humble or submissive posture can prevent a conflict. It is used to teach that humility and avoiding provocation can defuse dangerous situations or hostile behavior from others.
కాలు చేయి ఆడుతున్నంత కాలం కాలం గడుస్తుంది
kalu cheyi adutunnanta kalam kalam gadustundi
As long as legs and hands are moving, time passes (life goes on).
This expression means that as long as a person is physically healthy and capable of working, they can sustain themselves and live independently. It is often used to emphasize the importance of health and self-reliance in old age, suggesting that life is manageable as long as one is not bedridden or dependent on others for basic movement.
పూట గడుస్తుంది గాని, మాట నిలిచిపోతుంది.
puta gadustundi gani, mata nilichipotundi.
The time of the day passes, but the word spoken remains.
This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words compared to the temporary nature of time. While moments pass and hardships are forgotten, a promise made or a hurtful word spoken stays in people's memories forever. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their speech and to honor their commitments.