మాదిగవాడి ఆలు అయినా మాడే కాలికి చెప్పు లేదు
madigavadi alu ayina made kaliki cheppu ledu
Though a shoemaker's wife, she has no shoes for her burn- ing feet. A shoemaker's wife and a smith's mare are always the worst shod.
This proverb describes a situation where a person lacks the very thing their family or profession specializes in providing. It is used to highlight irony or scarcity in the midst of abundance, similar to the English expression 'The shoemaker's children go barefoot'.
Related Phrases
మున్నూటి కులానికి ముప్పు లేదు, మొండికాలికి చెప్పు లేదు.
munnuti kulaniki muppu ledu, mondikaliki cheppu ledu.
There is no danger for the Munnuru caste, and there is no sandal for a stumped leg.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb or 'Sameta'. Historically, it refers to the resilience and self-sufficiency of the Munnuru Kapu community, suggesting they are a strong, risk-free collective. The second part is a literal observation used for rhyming or emphasis, implying that just as a deformed or amputated leg cannot wear a standard sandal, certain things in life are fixed or beyond typical constraints.
అసోది మాటలకు అర్థమూ లేదు, గుడ్డి కంటికి చూపూ లేదు.
asodi matalaku arthamu ledu, guddi kantiki chupu ledu.
There is no sense in words of condolence nor sight in a blind eye.
This proverb is used to describe someone who talks incessantly without any logic, substance, or purpose. It compares such senseless chatter to a blind eye, emphasizing that just as a blind eye cannot perform its function of seeing, 'Asodi' (nonsense or idle gossip) serves no functional purpose in communication.
కంటికి రెప్ప, కాలికి చెప్పు
kantiki reppa, kaliki cheppu
A lid to the eye, a shoe to the foot. The protection necessary.
This expression refers to someone or something that provides constant, essential protection and support. Just as an eyelid naturally protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot from harsh terrain, this phrase describes a guardian, a loyal companion, or a preventive measure that keeps one safe from harm.
ఆలు చచ్చినవాడికి ఆలు బంగారం
alu chachchinavadiki alu bangaram
To a man whose wife has died, she is like gold.
This proverb is used to describe how people tend to appreciate the value of someone or something only after they are lost. It highlights the human tendency to ignore virtues during a person's lifetime but praise them excessively once they are gone.
కంటికి రెప్ప కాలికి చెప్పు
kantiki reppa kaliki cheppu
An eyelid for the eye, a sandal for the foot
This expression refers to things that are essential for protection and safety. Just as an eyelid protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot, it describes someone or something that acts as a constant guardian or a basic necessity for one's well-being. It is often used to describe a protective person or a relationship where one takes care of another's safety.
మొగుని మీద కోపంతో మాదిగవాని వెంట పోయినట్లు
moguni mida kopanto madigavani venta poyinatlu
Like someone following an outcaste because they are angry with their husband.
This expression describes a situation where a person makes a self-destructive or extreme decision purely out of spite or anger towards someone else. It highlights a reactive choice that ultimately causes more harm to oneself than to the person they are angry with.
మున్నూటి కులానికి ముప్పు లేదు, మొండి కాలికి చెప్పు లేదు.
munnuti kulaniki muppu ledu, mondi kaliki cheppu ledu.
The pedigree of a family numbering three hundred branches cannot be traced nor can a shoe be made to fit a mained foot. A hopeless task.
This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social observations. The first part suggests that a large, united community (specifically the Munnuru Kapu) is resilient and protected from threats. The second part is a metaphorical observation that some things are impractical or impossible, such as fitting a sandal on a leg without a foot. It is used to describe inherent strengths or undeniable, sometimes harsh, realities.
మడి దున్ని మన్నినవాడు, చేను చేసి చెడినవాడు లేడు.
madi dunni manninavadu, chenu chesi chedinavadu ledu.
There is no one who lived by plowing the wet land or was ruined by working the farm field.
This proverb emphasizes the dignity and reliability of agriculture. It suggests that hard work in farming consistently provides a livelihood and never leads to a person's downfall. It is used to encourage people to trust in honest labor and the fertility of the land.
తన్నే కాలికి రోలు అడ్డమయినట్టు
tanne kaliki rolu addamayinattu
The mortar came in the way of the foot which kicked. A fortunate hindrance in the commission of an act of violence.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person's attempt to cause harm or act aggressively backfires, causing them more pain or injury than intended for others. It signifies that one's own impulsive or hostile actions can lead to self-inflicted consequences when they encounter a solid, immovable obstacle.
కలిగిన వారి పిల్లకు కాలి చెప్పు కరువా?
kaligina vari pillaku kali cheppu karuva?
Is there a shortage of footwear for the children of the wealthy?
This proverb suggests that for people with abundant resources or power, even their smallest needs are easily met without effort. It is used to describe a situation where someone influential never lacks support, opportunities, or basic necessities, implying that luxury and convenience come naturally to those in high positions.