కుంటివానికి కుయుక్తులెక్కున
kuntivaniki kuyuktulekkuna
A lame person has more cunning tricks.
This proverb suggests that individuals who have physical limitations or disadvantages often compensate for them by developing sharper wits, cleverness, or sometimes manipulative tendencies. It is used to describe someone who uses their cunning to overcome obstacles or to get their way when they cannot do so through direct strength or action.
Related Phrases
కుయుక్తుల మాయల విర్రవీగు నియ్యోగులు అనాథయోగులవ యోగులు.
kuyuktula mayala virravigu niyyogulu anathayogulava yogulu.
The officials (Niyogis) who boast of their cunning tricks and illusions are but wretched yogis and unlucky individuals.
This is a traditional expression or satirical verse often attributed to Vemana or folk wisdom. It critiques people in positions of power or administration (historically the Niyogi community in some contexts) who pride themselves on being manipulative and deceptive. It suggests that despite their cleverness and worldly schemes, such people are spiritually bankrupt, essentially becoming 'unlucky yogis' or 'orphaned' from true virtue and peace.
జీవం తక్కువ, జీతం ఎక్కువ
jivam takkuva, jitam ekkuva
Life is less, salary is more
This expression refers to a situation where a job or a person involves very little physical effort or productivity, yet receives a high salary or compensation. It is often used to comment on laziness or overpaid positions where the output does not justify the pay.
ఈనిన పులికి ఆకలెక్కువ.
inina puliki akalekkuva.
A tiger that has just given birth is hungrier.
This proverb describes someone who is in a highly aggressive, sensitive, or dangerous state after a significant exertion or loss. Just as a tigress is extremely protective and ferocious after birthing her cubs due to hunger and instinct, it is used to warn others to stay away from someone who is currently in a very volatile or provoked mood.
రోగికి కోపం ఎక్కువ
rogiki kopam ekkuva
A sick person has more anger.
This expression is used to describe how people who are suffering or in a weak state tend to be irritable, impatient, or easily annoyed. It serves as a reminder to be patient and empathetic with those who are unwell, as their physical discomfort often manifests as bad temper.
ఉత్తకుండకు ఊపులెక్కువ
uttakundaku upulekkuva
An empty pot shakes (sways) more.
This proverb is used to describe people who have little knowledge or substance but make the most noise or display excessive arrogance. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'Empty vessels make the most noise.' It suggests that those who are truly capable or knowledgeable remain calm and steady, while those lacking substance tend to overcompensate with boastful behavior.
దరిద్రానికి మాటలెక్కువ, తద్దినానికి కూరలెక్కువ
daridraniki matalekkuva, taddinaniki kuralekkuva
Poverty has too many words, a funeral ceremony has too many curries.
This proverb is used to criticize people who talk excessively to cover up their lack of substance or resources. Just as a feast of many curries at a funeral ceremony is seen as wasteful or inappropriate, unnecessary talk from a person who cannot provide results is viewed as a sign of incompetence or pretense.
కులము తక్కువవానికి నీటు ఎక్కువ
kulamu takkuvavaniki nitu ekkuva
The one from a lower caste/status has more vanity.
This proverb is used to describe people who lack substance, character, or high status but try to overcompensate by being overly showy, boastful, or excessively concerned with outward appearances and fashion.
తక్కువవాడికి నిక్కెక్కువ, తవ్వెడు బియ్యానికి పొంగెక్కువ
takkuvavadiki nikkekkuva, tavvedu biyyaniki pongekkuva
A lowly person has more pride; a small measure of rice overflows more when boiled.
This proverb is used to criticize people with limited abilities or status who show excessive arrogance or vanity. It compares their behavior to a small pot of rice that foams over easily, suggesting that true greatness is humble while shallow people boast the most.
కుంటివాని తిప్పలు కుంటివానికి, గూనివాని తిప్పలు గూనివానికి
kuntivani tippalu kuntivaniki, gunivani tippalu gunivaniki
The lame man's struggles are his own, and the hunchback's struggles are his own.
This expression means that every person has their own unique set of problems and struggles which only they truly understand and endure. It is used to emphasize that one cannot compare or diminish someone's hardship, as everyone is preoccupied with their own specific challenges in life.
దరిద్రుడికి పిల్లలెక్కువ
daridrudiki pillalekkuva
A poor man has many children
This proverb is used to comment on how those with the least resources often face the most additional burdens or responsibilities. Historically, it reflects the observation that poverty and large families often went together, but in a modern context, it is used more broadly to describe a situation where someone who is already struggling is further overwhelmed by more problems.