మగ్గం గుంతలో పాముంది, మగాళ్ళుంటే పిలవ్వే అన్నాడట.
maggam guntalo pamundi, magallunte pilavve annadata.
There is a snake in the loom pit, go call any men if they are around, he said.
This proverb is used to mock a person who claims to be brave or masculine but shows cowardice in the face of danger. It describes a situation where a man, instead of dealing with a problem himself, asks a woman to find 'real men' to help, thereby exposing his own weakness and lack of courage.
Related Phrases
సంధ్య వార్చావా అంటే, ఊరి వెలుపల గుంటలో వార్చాను అన్నాడట; ఆ గుంటలో నీళ్లు లేవు కదా అంటే, చాకలి సుబ్బడు ఉన్నాయని చెప్పాడు అన్నాడట.
sandhya varchava ante, uri velupala guntalo varchanu annadata; a guntalo nillu levu kada ante, chakali subbadu unnayani cheppadu annadata.
When asked if he performed his evening prayers, he said he did them in a pond outside the village; when told there was no water in that pond, he replied that Subbadu the washerman told him there was.
This proverb is used to describe a person who tells a series of lies to cover up their laziness or negligence. Instead of admitting they didn't do the task, they fabricate an elaborate story and cite unreliable witnesses when their lies are questioned. It highlights the absurdity of making excuses for failing to perform basic duties.
మొదలుంటే పిలకలు పెడుతుంది
modalunte pilakalu pedutundi
If the root (base) exists, it will sprout shoots.
This expression means that as long as the foundation or capital of something is preserved, it can always regrow or multiply. It is commonly used to suggest that one should protect the core asset or principal amount, as profit or growth will eventually follow.
బుట్టలో పాము వలె అణిగినాడు
buttalo pamu vale aniginadu
He sank down like a snake in a basket. i. e. his pride was humbled. A snake charmer's covered basket is here referred to.
This expression is used to describe someone who has become quiet, submissive, or suppressed, especially after being very aggressive or defiant previously. Just as a snake becomes still and contained when trapped in a charmer's basket, it refers to a person losing their sting or being forced into obedience.
మాటలో నీటుంది, మాటలో పోటుంది, మాటలో సూటి ఉంది.
matalo nitundi, matalo potundi, matalo suti undi.
In speech there is elegance, in speech there is power (a blow), and in speech there is directness.
This expression highlights the multifaceted power of words. It suggests that human speech can be used to convey sophistication (neetu), to deliver a sharp or stinging impact (potu), or to be honest and straightforward (sooti). It is often used to remind people that how we talk can charm, hurt, or clarify depending on the intent.
ఏ గుంటలో నీరు ఆ గుంటలోనే ఇంకుతుంది.
e guntalo niru a guntalone inkutundi.
The water in a pit will soak back into the same pit.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where money, resources, or efforts remain within the same circle, family, or system without going outside. It is often applied to business transactions within a family or internal adjustments where there is no net loss or gain to the external world.
బుట్టలో పామువలె
buttalo pamuvale
Like a snake in a basket
This expression is used to describe a person who is feeling trapped, suppressed, or constrained by their circumstances. It signifies a state of being confined in a small space or situation where one lacks freedom of movement or action, yet remains potentially dangerous or restless.
లగ్గమంటే పగ్గమన్నట్లు
laggamante paggamannatlu
When someone says 'Marriage', another says 'Tethering rope'
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is being overly hasty or tries to rush into a commitment or a task immediately after it is mentioned, without proper planning or consideration. It can also signify a person who is ready to trap or restrict someone the moment an opportunity (like a marriage proposal) arises.
లగ్గం ముందా పల్లకి ముందా అన్నాట్ట
laggam munda pallaki munda annatta
Did the auspicious wedding time come first, or did the palanquin arrive first?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is caught up in trivial or logistical details (like the arrival of a transport palanquin) while overlooking the primary, essential event (the wedding timing itself). It refers to poor prioritization or unnecessary confusion regarding the order of events.
బురద గుంటలో పంది
burada guntalo pandi
Like a pig in the mire.
This expression is used to describe someone who is in their element or perfectly happy in a situation that others might find dirty, messy, or unpleasant. It can also refer to a person who is lazy and refuses to leave a stagnant or bad situation because they find it comfortable.
బురదగుంటలో పందివలె
buradaguntalo pandivale
Like a pig in a mud pit
This expression is used to describe someone who is deeply wallowing in a bad situation, laziness, or a messy environment with no intention of improving or leaving. It signifies being comfortably stuck in filth or a degraded state.