మనుషులందరి తలపైనా మంగలి చేయ్యి!
manushulandari talapaina mangali cheyyi!
A barber's hand is on everyone's head!
This proverb highlights that certain roles or situations make everyone equal, regardless of their social status, wealth, or power. Just as a king and a commoner must both bow their heads for a barber to cut their hair, there are certain universal truths or professionals whose services everyone requires, humbling them in the process.
Related Phrases
ఎముక లేని చెయ్యి
emuka leni cheyyi
A hand without a bone
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely generous and charitable. Just as a hand without a bone would be flexible and unable to close or withhold, it refers to someone who gives freely to others without hesitation or stinginess.
మనుష్యులు పోయినా మాటలు నిలుస్తాయి.
manushyulu poyina matalu nilustayi.
Even if people pass away, their words remain.
This expression emphasizes the lasting impact and legacy of a person's words, promises, or reputation. While human life is temporary, the things one says or the wisdom one shares endure long after they are gone. It is often used to remind someone to be mindful of their speech or to honor the memory and teachings of the deceased.
పనిలేని మంగలి పిల్లి తల గొరిగినాడట
panileni mangali pilli tala goriginadata
The barber without work shaved the cat's head.
This proverb describes a situation where an idle person engages in useless, absurd, or counterproductive activities just to keep themselves busy. It is used to mock someone who performs unnecessary tasks out of boredom or lack of real work.
A man pretending to be fully employed.
రోగాలు మనుషులకు కాక మానులకొస్తాయా?
rogalu manushulaku kaka manulakostaya?
Do diseases come to trees rather than humans?
This rhetorical question is used to express that suffering, illness, or problems are an inevitable part of being human. It is typically said to comfort someone who is sick or facing a problem, implying that it is natural for humans to face such hardships.
మనుషులు పోయినా మాటలు నిలుస్తాయి.
manushulu poyina matalu nilustayi.
Even if people pass away, their words remain.
This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of one's speech, promises, or reputation. While human life is temporary, the things a person says—whether they are promises, wisdom, or insults—continue to live on in the memories of others and impact the world long after the speaker is gone. It is used to advise someone to speak thoughtfully or to honor a deceased person's words.
నీ ఎడమ చెయ్యి తీయి, నా పుర్ర చెయ్యి పెడతాను
ni edama cheyyi tiyi, na purra cheyyi pedatanu
Take away your left hand, I will use my sinister hand.
This expression is used to describe a redundant or meaningless action where one thing is replaced by something identical or equally ineffective. It highlights a situation where there is no real change or improvement despite the movement or effort, often used to mock someone suggesting a solution that is the same as the current problem.
As broad as long.
మంగలి పాత, చాకలి కొత్త
mangali pata, chakali kotta
An old barber and a new washerman. An old physician, a young lawyer. A barber learns to shave by shaving fools.
This proverb refers to traditional preferences in village life: a barber's razor or tools are considered better when they are 'old' (well-seasoned/tested), whereas a washerman is judged by how 'new' (clean/fresh) the clothes look. It is used to describe how different professions or situations require different standards—some value experience and age, while others value freshness and appearance.
కొండ మంగలి క్షవరం
konda mangali kshavaram
A mountain barber's haircut
This expression is used to describe a job that is done extremely poorly, inconsistently, or left half-finished. Just as a barber on a mountain might do a rough and uneven job due to lack of proper tools or skill, it refers to any work that is messy and unprofessional.
పురుషులందు పుణ్యపురుషులు వేరయా
purushulandu punyapurushulu veraya
Among men, virtuous men are distinct.
This expression is a famous line from Yogi Vemana's poems. It signifies that while all humans may look alike on the outside, virtuous or noble people stand apart due to their character and actions, just as a swan is distinguished from a crow or a gemstone from common pebbles.
చాకలి కొత్త, మంగలి పాత
chakali kotta, mangali pata
A new washerman, but an old barber.
This proverb advises on how to choose service providers based on the nature of their work. A new washerman (Chakali) is preferred because he will be more diligent and wash clothes cleaner to prove his worth. Conversely, an old barber (Mangali) is preferred because his experienced hands are less likely to cause cuts and he understands the client's preferences better.