కూలికి ఏడిస్తే కొలుకులు తడుస్తాయా?
kuliki ediste kolukulu tadustaya?
If you cry for wages, will the corners of your eyes even get wet?
This proverb describes a situation where someone performs a task or shows emotion without any genuine interest or sincerity, usually because they are doing it purely for money or as a chore. It implies that artificial effort lacks the depth or results of true passion and sincere work.
Related Phrases
అనూరాధలో తడిస్తే ఆడది మగవాడౌతాడు.
anuradhalo tadiste adadi magavadautadu.
If a woman gets wet in the Anuradha (rain), she will become a man.
This is a popular Telugu proverb related to the Anuradha Nakshatram (constellation) during the monsoon season. It is a metaphorical way of saying that the rainwater during this specific period is so strengthening and medicinal that it gives a woman the physical strength and vigor associated with a man. It highlights the perceived health benefits of the first rains of this season.
మిగిలితే మిండడౌతాడు అన్నట్లు
migilite mindadautadu annatlu
If he survives, he will become a paramour.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is overly optimistic about a future benefit while ignoring an immediate, life-threatening, or critical crisis. It originates from a story where a woman, seeing her husband on his deathbed, calculates that if he happens to survive, he will be strong enough to be a lover, instead of worrying about his survival first.
కూలికి వచ్చి పాలికి మాట్లాడినట్లు
kuliki vachchi paliki matladinatlu
Coming for daily wages but asking for a share in the property.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is hired for a small task or holds a subordinate position oversteps their boundaries and demands authority, ownership, or a share in the profits. It highlights the audacity of a person who forgets their actual status and expects more than what they are entitled to.
గొర్రె ఏడిస్తే తోడేలుకు కనికరమా?
gorre ediste todeluku kanikarama?
If a sheep cries, will a wolf feel any mercy?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a victim seeks sympathy from a natural enemy or a cruel person. It suggests that it is futile to expect compassion or justice from those whose nature it is to exploit or harm you.
కొడుకు మనవాడైతే కోడలు మనదౌతుందా
koduku manavadaite kodalu manadautunda
If the son is ours, will the daughter-in-law also become ours?
This proverb is used to express the reality that one's influence or claim over their own children does not automatically extend to their children's spouses. It highlights the natural distance or lack of blood relation between a person and their daughter-in-law, suggesting that one cannot expect the same level of loyalty or belonging from her as they do from their son.
కూలికి వచ్చి పాలికి మాట్లాడినట్టు.
kuliki vachchi paliki matladinattu.
He came for hire, and asked for a share [in the business]. A cool request.
This proverb is used to describe a person who, despite having a very minor or temporary role in a task or organization, tries to claim ownership, authority, or a large share of the profits. It highlights the audacity of someone overstepping their boundaries.
ఆశ్లేషలో తడిస్తే, ఆడది మొగోడౌతాడు
ashleshalo tadiste, adadi mogodautadu
If one gets drenched during the Ashlesha rain, a woman will turn into a man.
This is a popular Telugu proverb or folk belief regarding the Ashlesha Karti (a specific period in the traditional agricultural calendar). It is a hyperbolic way to describe the intense power and medicinal qualities attributed to the rains during this period. It implies that these rains are so transformative and rejuvenating that they can perform the impossible, like changing one's gender. Practically, it highlights the importance of these rains for health and agriculture.
కులికేదాన్ని పల్లకిలో పెడితే, ఒళ్లంతా చెడ కులికిందట
kulikedanni pallakilo pedite, ollanta cheda kulikindata
When a vain woman was placed in a palanquin, she swayed her body so much that she ruined her health.
This proverb describes people who don't know how to behave when given a position of honor or luxury. Instead of being graceful, they overact or behave foolishly due to excessive pride or lack of character, eventually causing their own downfall or making themselves look ridiculous.
మెతుకులు చల్లితే కాకులకు తక్కువా?
metukulu challite kakulaku takkuva?
If you scatter grains [ of boiled rice ] will there be any lack of crows ?
This expression is used to signify that when there are resources, opportunities, or money available, there will never be a shortage of people (often sycophants or opportunists) flocking to take advantage of them. It suggests that followers or takers are easily attracted by incentives.
కొంగు తడిస్తే చలిగాని కోకంతా తడిస్తే ఏమి చలి
kongu tadiste chaligani kokanta tadiste emi chali
If the hem be wet, cold [ is felt ], but if the whole garment be wet, what cold [ is felt ? ]. 12
This proverb is used to describe a situation where once a person is fully committed to a difficult or risky task, they no longer worry about small setbacks or inconveniences. It is similar to the idea that once you are in deep trouble, minor additional problems don't matter anymore, or 'over head, over ears.'