మగ్గానికి ఒక రాయి మరవకుండా పట్టండి
magganiki oka rayi maravakunda pattandi
Don't forget to pick up a stone for each loom. Said by one of a party of weavers;—until thus betrayed, their sticks had been mistaken by robbers for matchlocks, and they had been permitted to proceed with impunity.
This expression is used to emphasize the importance of consistent effort or adding a contribution to a collective or ongoing task. In the context of handloom weaving, it refers to the weights (stones) used to maintain tension; metaphorically, it means 'everyone should play their part' or 'keep the process going by doing your bit'.
Related Phrases
బుర్రకు ఒక గుణము, జిహ్వకు ఒక రుచి.
burraku oka gunamu, jihvaku oka ruchi.
Every head has its idiosyncrasy, and every tongue its taste. All tastes are tastes. (Italian.) There is no disputing of tastes, appetites, and fancies.
This proverb highlights the diversity of human nature and preferences. It suggests that just as different people enjoy different flavors, every individual possesses their own unique way of thinking, personality traits, and opinions. It is used to explain why people disagree or have varying interests.
* Tutti i gusti son gusti. 36
తానూ ఒక మనిషేనా తవుడూ ఒక రొట్టేనా
tanu oka manishena tavudu oka rottena
He calls himself a man, and the bran he eats, bread. A vulgar person taking airs.
This proverb is used to dismiss someone's significance or capability by comparing them to something of poor quality, like bread made from bran (chaff). It is typically used when a person of low status or limited skill attempts to do something beyond their reach, or when someone is being ignored as insignificant.
కుక్క వస్తే రాయి దొరకదు, రాయి దొరికితే కుక్క రాదు.
kukka vaste rayi dorakadu, rayi dorikite kukka radu.
When the dog comes, a stone cannot be found ; when a stone is found, the dog does not come. A thing can never be found when it is most wanted.
This expression describes a situation of poor timing or irony where two things needed for a specific action are never available at the same time. It is used when resources or opportunities are missing exactly when they are most needed, but appear only when the need has passed.
కర్ర విరగకుండా, పాము చావకుండా కొట్టు
karra viragakunda, pamu chavakunda kottu
Hit in such a way that the stick doesn't break and the snake doesn't die.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a problem needs to be solved or a task accomplished without causing any damage or loss to the parties involved. It refers to finding a diplomatic or clever middle ground where the objective is achieved while maintaining perfect balance and avoiding negative consequences.
పాము చావకూడదు, బడితె విరగకూడదు
pamu chavakudadu, badite viragakudadu
The snake should not die, and the stick should not break.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a problem needs to be solved or a task needs to be completed without causing any damage, loss, or negative consequences to either party involved. It refers to finding a perfect, diplomatic, or tactful middle ground where the objective is achieved with zero risk or collateral damage.
ఏనుగుకు ఒక సీమ, గుర్రానికి ఒక ఊరు, బర్రెకు ఒక బానిసె.
enuguku oka sima, gurraniki oka uru, barreku oka banise.
To keep an elephant [ a man requires ] a country, to keep a horse a village, and to keep a she-buffalo a maid.
This proverb describes the specific resource requirements of different animals based on their status and size. It is used metaphorically to explain that every individual or entity needs an environment or support system proportionate to their scale or nature to thrive.
కుమ్మరికి ఒక ఏడు, గుదియకు ఒక పెట్టు
kummariki oka edu, gudiyaku oka pettu
One year to the potter, one blow to the cudgel. The cudgel destroys in one blow what has cost the potter a year's labour. The sudden loss of that gained by much labour.
This proverb highlights the contrast between the time and effort taken to create something versus how easily it can be destroyed. It is used to describe situations where long-term hard work is undone in a single moment of misfortune or a single careless act.
కానకుండా కట్టె ఇచ్చెనుగాని, వినకుండా వీరణాలు వాయించగలవా?
kanakunda katte ichchenugani, vinakunda viranalu vayinchagalava?
He gave a stick to a blind person, but can he play the drums for a deaf person?
This expression is used to describe an impossible or useless task. Just as a blind person can use a walking stick to find their way, there is some utility provided; however, playing loud ceremonial drums (Veeranams) for a deaf person is entirely pointless as they cannot experience it. It highlights that help or resources must be suitable to the recipient's specific needs to be effective.
నీకు ఒక దండం, నీ బువ్వకు ఒక దండం
niku oka dandam, ni buvvaku oka dandam
A bow to you, a bow to your food. Said when offered bad food.
This expression is used when someone is fed up with another person's troublesome behavior or difficult nature. It signifies a desire to cut ties or stay away from them, implying 'I don't want your company, nor do I want to share a meal with you; just leave me alone.'
పిలవని పేరంటానికి వెళ్లి తిట్లు తిన్నట్లు
pilavani perantaniki velli titlu tinnatlu
Going to a function uninvited and getting insulted.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone involves themselves in an event or matter where they are not welcome or invited, resulting in humiliation or a cold reception. It serves as a warning against interfering in others' affairs without being asked.