కుమ్మరికి ఒక ఏడు, గుదియకు ఒక పెట్టు
kummariki oka edu, gudiyaku oka pettu
One year to the potter, one blow to the cudgel. The cudgel destroys in one blow what has cost the potter a year's labour. The sudden loss of that gained by much labour.
This proverb highlights the contrast between the time and effort taken to create something versus how easily it can be destroyed. It is used to describe situations where long-term hard work is undone in a single moment of misfortune or a single careless act.
Related Phrases
అందరూ ఒక ఎత్తు, అగస్త్యుడు ఒక ఎత్తు, అతని కమండలం ఒక ఎత్తు
andaru oka ettu, agastyudu oka ettu, atani kamandalam oka ettu
The whole people [of the earth], the sage Agastya, and his jar are all of equal weight. The legend is that when all the great men of the earth had, on one occasion, assembled at Kailâsa, their weight was so great that the earth began to topple over. On this, Agastya was sent to weigh down the other side which he accordingly did, but his presence being afterwards required at Kailâsa, he transferred his virtue to his jar of holy waters, left it to balance the earth, and obeyed the summons.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one person stands out significantly from the rest, but even their small tools or specific eccentricities are equally formidable or noteworthy. It highlights exceptional skill, importance, or the unique weight of a person's character compared to a large group.
* Besser freundlich versagen, als unwilling gewähren.
మంచి వారికి ఒక మాట, మంచి గొడ్డుకు ఒక దెబ్బ
manchi variki oka mata, manchi godduku oka debba
One word to a good man, one stroke to a good bullock. A nod for a wise man, and a rod for a fool.
This proverb emphasizes that an intelligent or sensible person understands and acts upon a single word of advice or instruction, just as a disciplined ox responds to a single stroke. It is used to suggest that wise people do not need repeated warnings or explanations to do the right thing.
బుర్రకు ఒక గుణము, జిహ్వకు ఒక రుచి.
burraku oka gunamu, jihvaku oka ruchi.
Every head has its idiosyncrasy, and every tongue its taste. All tastes are tastes. (Italian.) There is no disputing of tastes, appetites, and fancies.
This proverb highlights the diversity of human nature and preferences. It suggests that just as different people enjoy different flavors, every individual possesses their own unique way of thinking, personality traits, and opinions. It is used to explain why people disagree or have varying interests.
* Tutti i gusti son gusti. 36
తానూ ఒక మనిషేనా తవుడూ ఒక రొట్టేనా
tanu oka manishena tavudu oka rottena
He calls himself a man, and the bran he eats, bread. A vulgar person taking airs.
This proverb is used to dismiss someone's significance or capability by comparing them to something of poor quality, like bread made from bran (chaff). It is typically used when a person of low status or limited skill attempts to do something beyond their reach, or when someone is being ignored as insignificant.
ఇంటింటికీ ఒక మట్టిపొయ్యి అయితే, మా ఇంట మరీ ఒకటి.
intintiki oka mattipoyyi ayite, ma inta mari okati.
Every house has an earthen fire-place, my house is still worse off. Acknowledging one's failings.
This proverb is used to convey that everyone has their own set of problems or flaws, and one's own situation is no exception—or perhaps even slightly more complicated. It highlights the universality of human struggles and domestic issues, suggesting that no household is perfectly free from trouble.
వరికి ఒక వాన, ఊదకు ఒక వానా?
variki oka vana, udaku oka vana?
Is one rain for paddy and another for Úda? ‘ [ God ] sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.’ Matthew v. 45. Impartiality.
This proverb is used to point out that nature or rules apply equally to everyone. It highlights that special or separate treatment is not necessary when the same conditions benefit everyone involved. It is often said when someone expects unique circumstances for a task that is already covered by a general action.
మంచివానికి ఒక మాట, మూర్ఖునికి ఒక చేట.
manchivaniki oka mata, murkhuniki oka cheta.
A word to a good man, [ a blow with ] a sieve for an obsti- nate blockhead.
This proverb highlights the difference in receptiveness to advice. A wise or good-natured person understands and corrects their behavior with just a simple word of advice. However, an obstinate or foolish person will not learn unless they are punished or dealt with harshly (metaphorically represented by a 'cheta' or winnowing basket). It is used to suggest that different people require different levels of persuasion or discipline.
A blow with a sieve, a broom, or a slipper is very degrading.
బాధకు ఒక కాలము, భాగ్యానికి ఒక కాలము.
badhaku oka kalamu, bhagyaniki oka kalamu.
A time for misfortune, a time for fortune.
This proverb conveys that life is a cycle of ups and downs. Just as seasons change, periods of suffering will eventually be followed by periods of prosperity and happiness. It is used to offer hope during difficult times or to remind people to stay humble during successful times.
ఏనుగుకు ఒక సీమ, గుర్రానికి ఒక ఊరు, బర్రెకు ఒక బానిసె.
enuguku oka sima, gurraniki oka uru, barreku oka banise.
To keep an elephant [ a man requires ] a country, to keep a horse a village, and to keep a she-buffalo a maid.
This proverb describes the specific resource requirements of different animals based on their status and size. It is used metaphorically to explain that every individual or entity needs an environment or support system proportionate to their scale or nature to thrive.
నీకు ఒక దండం, నీ బువ్వకు ఒక దండం
niku oka dandam, ni buvvaku oka dandam
A bow to you, a bow to your food. Said when offered bad food.
This expression is used when someone is fed up with another person's troublesome behavior or difficult nature. It signifies a desire to cut ties or stay away from them, implying 'I don't want your company, nor do I want to share a meal with you; just leave me alone.'