లాఠీ లాలీ జో లాలీ ఢీ
lathi lali jo lali dhi
Lathi lullaby, Jo-lullaby, lorry collision
This is a rhythmic wordplay or a nonsensical rhyming phrase often used in colloquial Telugu to describe a sequence of events starting from police action (Lathi) to an accident (Lorry collision). It is frequently used in a humorous or mocking tone to describe someone getting into trouble or a chaotic situation that ends in a disaster.
Related Phrases
ఇల్లరికం కన్నా మాలరికం మేలు
illarikam kanna malarikam melu
Working as a manual laborer is better than living as a resident son-in-law.
This proverb highlights the loss of self-respect and the social stigma traditionally associated with 'Illarikam' (the practice of a son-in-law living in his wife's parents' house). It suggests that even performing menial labor is more dignified than living on the mercy of in-laws, where one might be treated like a servant or face constant ridicule.
తలారి పగ తలతో తీరుతుంది.
talari paga talato tirutundi.
A Talâri's hate ends with one's head. Talâri is a village watchman.
This expression suggests that certain rivalries or grudges held by powerful or stubborn individuals will only end in total destruction or extreme consequences. It is used to describe a situation where an enemy will not stop until they have achieved complete revenge, implying that one should be cautious of making enemies with those in positions of authority or those who harbor deep-seated resentment.
ఉన్న ఊరు కన్నతల్లి లాంటిది.
unna uru kannatalli lantidi.
The village where one lives is like one's own mother.
This expression emphasizes the deep emotional bond and sanctity of one's birthplace or residence. Just as a mother nurtures and protects her child, one's hometown provides identity and sustenance. It is used to express patriotism, loyalty, and the importance of respecting and serving one's roots.
దాణా కొద్దీ లద్ది
dana koddi laddi
Dung proportional to the fodder.
The output or result is always proportional to the input or effort invested. Just as an animal produces waste based on how much it eats, success or results depend on the resources or hard work put in.
కోతి పంచాయతీ కొంపలారుస్తుంది
koti panchayati kompalarustundi
A monkey's mediation will ruin the homes.
This proverb is used to warn against seeking help or arbitration from foolish, unstable, or mischievous people. Just as a monkey might end up causing more damage while trying to 'solve' a problem (like the famous story of the monkey dividing bread between two cats), involving an incompetent or malicious mediator in a dispute will only lead to total loss for everyone involved.
ఆశకూ దరిద్రానికీ లంకె.
ashaku daridraniki lanke.
Greed and poverty are linked.
This proverb suggests that no matter how much wealth one possesses, if they have insatiable greed, they are effectively 'poor' because they are never satisfied. It is used to describe people who are never content with what they have and always crave more.
ఏటికి లాగితే కోటికీ, కోటికి లాగితే ఏటికి అన్నట్లు
etiki lagite kotiki, kotiki lagite etiki annatlu
Pulling towards the river leads to the hill, and pulling towards the hill leads to the river.
This proverb describes a state of total lack of coordination, inconsistency, or being at cross-purposes. It is used when efforts are counterproductive or when people involved in a task are pulling in opposite directions, resulting in no progress or chaotic results.
ఆవూరి వారి అంబలి తాగి, దూవూరి వారి దూడలు కాచినట్లు
avuri vari ambali tagi, duvuri vari dudalu kachinatlu
Like drinking the porridge of one village and tending the calves of another village.
This proverb describes a situation where someone receives benefits or help from one person but works for or shows loyalty to someone else. It highlights the lack of gratitude or a mismatch between where one gets their sustenance and where they provide their service.
లొల్లి
lolli
Ruckus / Commotion
This is a common colloquial term used primarily in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh/Telangana. It refers to a noisy disturbance, a fight, or a nuisance. It is used in contexts like 'Don't make a scene' (Lolli cheyyaku) or 'What is this trouble?' (Emi lolli idi?).
ఇల్లరికముకన్నా మూలరికం మేలు
illarikamukanna mularikam melu
Remaining in a corner is better than living as a resident son-in-law.
This proverb highlights the loss of self-respect often experienced by a man who moves into his wife's parental home (Illarikam). It suggests that living in poverty or isolation (Mularikam) while maintaining one's dignity is far superior to the dependency and potential humiliation faced when living under the roof of in-laws.