కుళ్ళి కుళ్ళి కాయనష్టి, కాలి కాలి కట్టెనష్టి.
kulli kulli kayanashti, kali kali kattenashti.
By decaying and decaying the fruit is destroyed, by burning and burning the wood is destroyed.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where excessive delay or over-processing leads to a complete loss. Just as a fruit becomes useless if left to over-ripen (rot) and wood becomes useless if left to burn completely to ash, being indecisive or overthinking a situation until it is too late results in wasted resources and missed opportunities.
Related Phrases
లోభికి రెంట నష్టి.
lobhiki renta nashti.
A miser loses both ways.
This proverb describes how a person who is too greedy or miserly often ends up losing everything. It is used when someone's attempt to save a small amount of money or resources leads to a greater loss in two or more ways, or when they lose both the original investment and the expected gain.
* वरमेको गुणी पुत्रो न च मूर्खशतैरपि। एकश्चन्द्रस्तमो हन्ति न च तारागणैरपि॥
కుళ్లి కుళ్లి కాయ నష్టం, కాలి కాలి కట్టె నష్టం
kulli kulli kaya nashtam, kali kali katte nashtam
Rotting and rotting, the fruit is lost; burning and burning, the wood is lost.
This proverb refers to a situation where a lot of time or resources are wasted on something that ultimately yields no result. It is used to describe a total loss where both the effort (or substance) and the final product are ruined through procrastination or inefficient processes.
ముసలి కాలానికి కుసుమరోగం
musali kalaniki kusumarogam
Menstrual disease at an old age
This expression is used to mock someone who exhibits youthful desires or immature behaviors that are inappropriate for their old age. It implies that certain actions or interests are out of place given a person's stage in life.
ఉల్లి మల్లి కాదు, ఉంచుకున్నది పెళ్ళాం కాదు
ulli malli kadu, unchukunnadi pellam kadu
An onion is not a jasmine flower, and a mistress is not a wife.
This proverb is used to highlight that certain things have inherent limitations and can never replace the original or the ideal. Just as an onion's pungent smell can never match the fragrance of a jasmine, a temporary or illegitimate relationship cannot provide the status, stability, or respect of a legal marriage.
రోగిష్టికి పాపిష్టి కావాలి.
rogishtiki papishti kavali.
A sick person needs a sinful (unhealthy) thing.
This proverb describes the tendency of a person in a bad or vulnerable state to desire things that are harmful to them. Just as a sick person might crave food that is forbidden or worsens their health, people in trouble often make choices that aggravate their situation.
కాలి కాలన మొండి కట్టె
kali kalana mondi katte
A half-burnt log. Said of a mean spirited creature who resents no affront.
This expression refers to a person who is extremely stubborn, obstinate, or unresponsive to advice and logic. Just as a partially burnt, thick log of wood is difficult to handle and neither fully burns away nor remains useful, this phrase describes a person whose behavior is difficult to change or manage.
ఆ తుష్టికీ ఈ నష్టికీ సరి.
a tushtiki i nashtiki sari.
That profit and this loss are equal.
This proverb is used when the pleasure or satisfaction derived from an action is completely offset or negated by the resulting loss or trouble. It describes a break-even situation where the gain was not worth the cost, or where the damage done balances out the enjoyment felt.
కాని కాలానికి కట్టె పామై కరుస్తుంది
kani kalaniki katte pamai karustundi
In bad times, even a stick turns into a snake and bites.
This proverb is used to describe a period of misfortune where everything seems to go wrong. It implies that when one is going through a streak of bad luck, even harmless objects or trusted situations can unexpectedly cause harm or turn against them.
విగ్రహ పుష్టి, నైవేద్య నష్టి
vigraha pushti, naivedya nashti
Stoutness of body, consumption of food. The only advantage of obesity is expensive living.
This proverb is used to describe someone who looks physically strong, healthy, or imposing but is actually incompetent, lazy, or useless when it comes to performing work. It implies that despite their grand appearance (like a large idol), they are a 'waste of food' (the offering) because they don't contribute anything productive.
మంగలి పాత, చాకలి కొత్త
mangali pata, chakali kotta
An old barber and a new washerman. An old physician, a young lawyer. A barber learns to shave by shaving fools.
This proverb refers to traditional preferences in village life: a barber's razor or tools are considered better when they are 'old' (well-seasoned/tested), whereas a washerman is judged by how 'new' (clean/fresh) the clothes look. It is used to describe how different professions or situations require different standards—some value experience and age, while others value freshness and appearance.