మంచమున్న దగ్గరే కాళ్ళు చాపుకోమన్నట్లు
manchamunna daggare kallu chapukomannatlu
Stretch your legs only as far as the bed extends.
This expression is used to advise someone to live within their means. It suggests that one should limit their expenses and lifestyle according to their actual resources or income, similar to the English proverb 'Cut your coat according to your cloth.'
Related Phrases
ఆముదమున్నచోటే నీళ్ళాడినట్లు
amudamunnachote nilladinatlu
As if bathing in the same place where castor oil is present.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely slow, sluggish, or stuck in one place. Just as castor oil makes a surface sticky and difficult to move on, it refers to a person who lacks speed or progress in their actions.
కల్లందగ్గరి కరణీకం, కంచందగ్గరి రెడ్డిరికం.
kallandaggari karanikam, kanchandaggari reddirikam.
Clerkship at the threshing floor, lordship at the dining plate.
This proverb describes people who show off their authority or position only where there is a personal benefit or profit. A 'Karanam' (clerk) shows his power at the threshing floor to take his share of grain, and a 'Reddy' (village head) asserts his status at the dining table to get the best food. It is used to mock those who are only 'bossy' when there is something to gain.
మంచమెక్కి వావి తడవినట్లు
manchamekki vavi tadavinatlu
Like checking for kinship after climbing onto the bed.
This expression is used to describe someone who acts recklessly or impulsively without considering the consequences or moral boundaries, and only seeks to verify the rules or relationships when it is already too late. It highlights hypocrisy or a lack of foresight regarding social or ethical norms.
కొన్న దగ్గర కొసరు గానీ, కోరిన దగ్గర కొసరా?
konna daggara kosaru gani, korina daggara kosara?
Bargaining for an extra is fine where you purchase, but can you bargain where you begged?
This proverb highlights that one has the right to demand more (kosaru) only when they are paying for a service or product. It is used to point out the lack of modesty or manners in someone who is receiving a favor or gift for free yet continues to demand more or specific preferences.
దగ్గితే నిలవని ముక్కు తుమ్మితే నిలుచునా?
daggite nilavani mukku tummite niluchuna?
Will the nose that can't stand a cough bear a sneeze ?
This proverb is used to describe an extremely fragile situation or a person who couldn't handle a small problem and is now facing an even bigger one. It suggests that if something couldn't survive a minor pressure (a cough), it certainly won't survive a greater force (a sneeze).
లగ్నమంటే పగ్గమన్నట్టు
lagnamante paggamannattu
Like saying a tethering rope when asked about the wedding date.
This expression is used to describe someone who responds with something completely irrelevant or contradictory to the topic at hand. It highlights a mismatch between a question and an answer, or an action and its intended purpose.
ఆలులేని బడాయి నీళ్ళు తోడమన్నట్లు.
aluleni badayi nillu todamannatlu.
Like a man who boasts without having a wife, asking her to draw water.
This proverb is used to describe someone who makes grand, empty boasts or gives orders based on things they don't actually possess. It highlights the absurdity of pretending to have authority or status when the foundation for it is missing.
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.
కొంప అంటుకుపోతుంటే, నీళ్ళబాన కోసం నిప్పు దగ్గరికి వెళ్ళాడట
kompa antukupotunte, nillabana kosam nippu daggariki velladata
When the house was on fire, he went to the fire to fetch a pot of water.
This proverb describes a person who lacks common sense or presence of mind during a crisis. It is used to mock someone who employs a counter-productive or foolish method to solve an urgent problem, essentially making the situation worse.
పచ్చగా ఉన్న దగ్గర మేసి, వెచ్చగా ఉన్న దగ్గర పడుకో
pachchaga unna daggara mesi, vechchaga unna daggara paduko
Graze where it is green, sleep where it is warm
This proverb describes a person who is opportunistic or seeking extreme comfort and convenience. It is used to refer to someone who enjoys resources where they are plentiful and seeks shelter where it is most comfortable, often without contributing or showing loyalty. It can also imply living a life of ease and smart survival.