లడాయి వచ్చినప్పుడా కత్తులు చేసుకోవడము?
ladayi vachchinappuda kattulu chesukovadamu?
To make swords when the war comes.
This proverb is used to criticize lack of foresight or preparation. It describes a situation where someone starts preparing for a challenge or emergency only when it is already happening, rather than being ready in advance. It is similar to the English expression 'digging a well only when the house is on fire.'
Related Phrases
చెల్లెలి వరుస విడిచి చేసుకోవాలి, తల్లి వరుస తప్పి చేసుకోవాలి
chelleli varusa vidichi chesukovali, talli varusa tappi chesukovali
One should marry leaving the relation of a sister and avoiding the relation of a mother.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to explain marriage alliances and exogamy. It signifies that one can marry a girl who doesn't fall into the category of a 'sister' (like a paternal uncle's daughter or maternal aunt's daughter) or 'mother' (certain maternal clan relations) according to cultural lineage rules. It emphasizes following social and biological protocols in matrimonial matches.
సాక్షికాళ్లు పట్టుకోవడముకన్నా వాదికాళ్లు పట్టుకోవచ్చును
sakshikallu pattukovadamukanna vadikallu pattukovachchunu
Better fall at the feet of the prosecutor than at the feet of the witnesses.
This proverb suggests that instead of trying to influence or persuade intermediaries or witnesses, it is more effective and straightforward to deal directly with the primary person involved in a dispute. It emphasizes that reaching an agreement with the opponent is easier than managing those who are merely testifying.
కాయ కొడవలి నీచేతికిచ్చినా, నీ యిష్టం వచ్చినట్లు చేసుకో
kaya kodavali nichetikichchina, ni yishtam vachchinatlu chesuko
I have given both the fruit and the sickle into your hands; do as you please.
This expression signifies granting someone complete autonomy or authority over a situation. It is used when you provide someone with all the necessary tools or resources and leave the final decision or outcome entirely to their discretion.
గాలి వచ్చినప్పుడే గదా తూర్పార పట్టుకోవలెను
gali vachchinappude gada turpara pattukovalenu
Is it not when the wind blows that you must winnow ?
This is the Telugu equivalent of 'Make hay while the sun shines'. It advises people to seize opportunities when they arise and make the most of favorable circumstances while they last.
Strike while the iron is hot. Take time while time is, for time will away.
చచ్చినవాని పెండ్లికి వచ్చినంత కట్నము.
chachchinavani pendliki vachchinanta katnamu.
Any quantity of presents must suffice at a dead man's marriage. When a marriage takes place, presents of cloths are sent to the bride and bridegroom by their relations. Return gifts of about equal value are made shortly after the marriage. Should the bridegroom, however, die during the ceremonies, no presents are returned, and no complaints are therefore made regarding the value of those received.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one should be content with whatever little benefit or payment they receive in a hopeless or lost situation. Since a dead man cannot marry, any dowry received is an unexpected bonus from a failed endeavor.
ఇంటివారు అన్నం పెట్టుదురు, ఇక ఇష్టం వచ్చిన గుడ్డ కట్టుకోవచ్చు
intivaru annam pettuduru, ika ishtam vachchina gudda kattukovachchu
The family members will provide food, and then one can wear whatever cloth one likes.
This expression describes a situation where one's basic needs (like food) are taken care of by others, allowing the individual the freedom to pursue their personal desires or vanity without worry. It is often used to suggest that once the struggle for survival is settled, one can focus on appearances or luxuries.
కాలితో కదుపుకోవడం, చేతితో జువ్వుకోవడం
kalito kadupukovadam, chetito juvvukovadam
Moving it with the foot and picking it up with the hand
This expression refers to a situation where someone intentionally creates a mess or a problem (symbolized by kicking something with the foot) and then later has to go through the trouble of fixing or cleaning it up manually. It is used to describe self-inflicted troubles or a lack of foresight.
గాలి వచ్చినప్పుడే తూర్పారబట్టుకోవాలి
gali vachchinappude turparabattukovali
Winnow the grain while the wind blows.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of making the most of a favorable situation or opportunity while it lasts. It is equivalent to the English expression 'Make hay while the sun shines'.
అత్తను చూసి దాచుకోవడం, పిల్లను చూసి పారేసుకోవడం
attanu chusi dachukovadam, pillanu chusi paresukovadam
Hiding upon seeing the mother-in-law, throwing away upon seeing the child.
This expression refers to a person who is hypocritical or selective in their behavior based on self-interest. It describes someone who acts disciplined or stingy in front of authority figures (like a mother-in-law) to make a good impression, but becomes careless or overly generous when dealing with those who have no power over them (like a child).
లడాయి వచ్చినప్పుడా కత్తులు చేసుకోవడం?
ladayi vachchinappuda kattulu chesukovadam?
Should one start making swords only after the battle has begun?
This proverb is used to criticize lack of preparation. It describes the foolishness of trying to acquire necessary tools or skills at the very moment they are needed, rather than being prepared in advance. It is similar to the English expression 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or 'digging a well only when the house is on fire.'