మందూ మాకు గండమాల మాన్పలేకపోయాయి, చక్కచేయగలడా నక్కమోర?
mandu maku gandamala manpalekapoyayi, chakkacheyagalada nakkamora?
When medicines and herbs could not cure the scrofula (neck swelling), can a fox-faced man fix it?
This expression is used to describe a situation where experts or proven methods have failed to solve a significant problem, and an incompetent or unqualified person claims they can fix it. It highlights the absurdity of expecting a miracle from someone who lacks the necessary skills or resources when even the best solutions have failed.
Related Phrases
నక్కలలో నక్కగా నటించవలె
nakkalalo nakkaga natinchavale
One must act as a fox among foxes.
This expression suggests that one must adapt to their surroundings and the company they are in to survive or succeed. It is similar to the English proverb 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' but with a specific emphasis on using cunning or matching the behavior of those around you, especially when dealing with shrewd people.
పక్కవాటుగా నడిచే ఎండ్రకాయను చక్కగా నడిచేటట్లు ఎవరు చేయగలరు?
pakkavatuga nadiche endrakayanu chakkaga nadichetatlu evaru cheyagalaru?
Who can make a crab that walks sideways walk straight?
This proverb is used to describe an ingrained habit or a natural character trait that is impossible to change. Just as a crab is biologically designed to walk sideways, certain people have inherent nature or behaviors that cannot be altered by advice or force. It is often applied to stubborn individuals or situations where intervention is futile.
కడి గండము గాచును.
kadi gandamu gachunu.
A lump of food [given in charity] will save you from trouble. He who lends to the poor, gets his interest from God. (German.)
This proverb highlights the importance of timely help or minimal sustenance. It implies that even a very small amount of food or a minor timely intervention can save a person from a life-threatening situation or a major calamity.
కండ్లు మూయించవచ్చునుగాని, కలలు గనేటట్లు చేయగలమా?
kandlu muyinchavachchunugani, kalalu ganetatlu cheyagalama?
You can make someone close their eyes, but can you make them dream?
This expression highlights the limits of control and coercion. While you can force someone to perform an external action or follow a rule, you cannot control their internal thoughts, imagination, or true desires. It is often used to emphasize that genuine inspiration or vision cannot be forced.
గచ్చపొదలాగా గలగలలాడే రకం
gachchapodalaga galagalalade rakam
The type that rattles like a fever nut bush
This expression is used to describe a person who talks incessantly, noisily, or harshly without pause. Just as a dry 'Gachhapoda' (fever nut bush) makes a rattling sound when the wind blows or when disturbed, this refers to someone who is talkative or argumentative in an annoying manner.
చక్కనమ్మ చిక్కినా, చక్కనయ్య సొక్కినా అందమే
chakkanamma chikkina, chakkanayya sokkina andame
Even if a beautiful woman becomes thin or a handsome man faints, they still look beautiful.
This proverb suggests that true beauty or quality does not fade easily even under unfavorable conditions. It is used to describe people or things that maintain their grace and value despite hardships, illness, or slight deterioration.
యోగమందు గలదె భోగమందున్నట్లు
yogamandu galade bhogamandunnatlu
Is it possible in yoga (self-restraint) what exists in bhoga (sensual enjoyment)?
This expression is used to highlight the contrast between a life of asceticism or discipline (Yoga) and a life of indulgence or pleasure (Bhoga). It suggests that the comforts and pleasures found in a luxurious lifestyle are not present in a disciplined, spiritual path, or vice versa, emphasizing that one must choose their path based on their priorities.
గాజులు చెయ్యి గలగలలాడితే ఇల్లు కళకళలాడుతుంది
gajulu cheyyi galagalaladite illu kalakalaladutundi
When bangled hands make a jingling sound, the house shines with prosperity.
This proverb highlights the traditional belief that the presence and active involvement of a woman in a household bring vibrancy, joy, and prosperity. The 'jingling of bangles' symbolizes her work and presence, which is seen as essential for a happy and lively home.
కంచే చేను మేస్తే కాపేమి చేయగలడు?
kanche chenu meste kapemi cheyagaladu?
If the fence itself grazes the crop, what can the guard do?
This proverb describes a situation where the person or entity responsible for protection becomes the source of harm. It is used when leaders, authorities, or protectors betray their trust, leaving others helpless because there is no higher authority to appeal to.
చక్కనమ్మ చిక్కినా చక్కనే
chakkanamma chikkina chakkane
A beautiful woman is still beautiful even if she becomes thin.
This proverb is used to describe things or people of high quality or inherent value. It suggests that even if someone naturally beautiful loses weight or undergoes hardship, their underlying grace and quality remain evident. In a broader sense, it means that excellence cannot be hidden by temporary setbacks or physical changes.