మనసు కుదిరితే మల్లి, మనసు కుదరకపోతే ఎల్లి
manasu kudirite malli, manasu kudarakapote elli
If the heart agrees, she is Malli; if the heart does not agree, she is Elli.
This expression highlights how human perception and relationships are entirely dependent on one's mindset or mood. When you like someone or are in a good mood, you treat them with respect (Malli - a respectful name); when you are displeased or lose interest, you treat the same person with disregard (Elli - a derogatory or casual way to address someone). It is used to describe fickle-mindedness or how subjective feelings dictate one's behavior toward others.
Related Phrases
మనసు లేని మనుము
manasu leni manumu
An unhappy match.
This expression refers to a union or marriage entered into without the consent or emotional willingness of the individuals involved. It is used to describe a forced relationship or a task undertaken without any genuine interest or passion.
రిక్త మనసు కోర్కెలకు పెద్ద.
rikta manasu korkelaku pedda.
An empty mind is a breeding ground for desires.
This expression suggests that when a person's mind is idle or lacks fulfillment/purpose, it becomes overwhelmed with endless desires and distractions. It is often used to emphasize the importance of keeping one's mind occupied with meaningful work to avoid being led astray by petty or excessive wants.
కుక్కవంటి మనసు కూర్చుండనిచ్చునా
kukkavanti manasu kurchundanichchuna
Will a dog-like mind let you sit still?
This expression compares the human mind to a restless dog that is constantly moving, wandering, and seeking distractions. It is used to describe the nature of a person who lacks focus, mental peace, or the ability to stay still in one place or on one task.
మాట కటిక, మనసు మెతక
mata katika, manasu metaka
Word is harsh, heart is soft
This expression is used to describe a person who speaks bluntly or harshly on the outside but is actually kind-hearted and compassionate on the inside. It is similar to the English idiom 'His bark is worse than his bite.'
నక్క ముదిరితే వాడు, తొండ ముదిరితే ఊసరవెల్లి.
nakka mudirite vadu, tonda mudirite usaravelli.
If a fox ages/matures, it becomes a 'vadu' (cunning man); if a garden lizard ages/matures, it becomes a chameleon.
This expression is used to describe how people or situations evolve into more extreme or devious versions of themselves. It suggests that with age or experience, a person's inherent traits (especially negative ones like cunningness or fickleness) become more pronounced and refined. It is often used to mock someone who has become increasingly manipulative or prone to changing their stance.
మనసు మండిగెలు చేసుకుంటే గోధుమలెవరిస్తారు?
manasu mandigelu chesukunte godhumalevaristaru?
If you just crave sweets in your mind, who will give you the wheat?
This proverb highlights that mere wishing or daydreaming does not yield results without hard work and resources. It is used to mock someone who has grand plans but lacks the means or the will to execute them, emphasizing that desire alone cannot substitute for practical effort.
మాటలకు మల్లి, పనికి యెల్లి
matalaku malli, paniki yelli
He talks like Malli and works like Yelli. Malli and Yelli are women's names. The former means ' again' the latter ' tomorrow.' Applied to a man who is great in words, but slow in action. Say well, and do well end with one letter ; Say well is good, but do well is better.
This proverb is used to describe a person who talks a lot and makes big promises but is completely absent or lazy when it is actually time to do the work. It contrasts a talkative nature with a lack of productivity.
తొండ ముదిరితే ఊసరవెల్లి, గొల్ల ముదిరితే పిళ్ళ
tonda mudirite usaravelli, golla mudirite pilla
If a garden lizard matures, it becomes a chameleon; if a shepherd matures, he becomes a monk.
This proverb highlights how people's nature or professional identity changes as they grow older or more experienced. It suggests that with age and experience, individuals often undergo a transformation into a more complex or refined version of themselves, similar to how a common lizard is perceived to change into a more specialized chameleon.
మనసుంటే మార్గం ఉంటుంది
manasunte margam untundi
If there is a heart, there will be a way
This is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'Where there is a will, there is a way.' It means that if one is truly determined to achieve something, they will find a method to overcome any obstacles.
చితికిన మనసు అతకదు
chitikina manasu atakadu
A broken heart cannot be mended.
This expression is used to describe a situation where trust is shattered or deep emotional hurt is caused. Just as a crushed object cannot be restored to its original state, once a person's heart or spirit is broken by betrayal or severe disappointment, the relationship or their mental peace can never truly be the same again.