మిడిమేలపు మిండని ఉంచుకొనేకంటే గట్టుకు మంచం మోయవచ్చు
midimelapu mindani unchukonekante gattuku mancham moyavachchu
It is better to carry a cot to the riverbank than to maintain an arrogant paramour.
This proverb suggests that performing hard manual labor or enduring physical hardship is far more dignified and preferable than dealing with the constant tantrums, arrogance, or demands of a difficult person. It is often used to emphasize that self-respect is more important than being in a relationship or partnership with someone who is haughty and troublesome.
Related Phrases
మంచం కింద మంత్రసాని, మంచం పైన దొంగచూలాలు
mancham kinda mantrasani, mancham paina dongachulalu
The midwife is under the bed, while the woman pretending to be pregnant is on the bed.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to deceive others with a lie, but they are doing so in the presence of someone who knows the absolute truth. It highlights the futility of trying to trick an expert or an eyewitness who is already aware of the reality.
కంచం ఇచ్చి మెట్టె పెట్టించుకున్నా కానలేడు మొగుడు
kancham ichchi mette pettinchukunna kanaledu mogudu
Even after giving a plate and having a toe ring put on, the husband cannot see it.
This proverb describes a person who is extremely unobservant, dull-witted, or indifferent. It refers to a situation where someone fails to notice something glaringly obvious or a significant gesture, even after being explicitly prompted or provided with all the necessary tools to recognize it.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమంతా కంతలు చేసినాడు.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamanta kantalu chesinadu.
When called a good man, he made holes all over the cot.
This proverb describes a situation where someone takes undue advantage of the praise or kindness shown to them. It refers to people who, when trusted or given freedom due to their 'good' reputation, end up causing damage or acting irresponsibly. It is used to caution against blind trust or to describe someone who lacks common sense despite being called 'good'.
కుంచమంత కూతురుంటే మంచంమీదే కూడు.
kunchamanta kuturunte manchammide kudu.
If you have a daughter as small as a grain measure, you will have food right on your bed.
This proverb highlights the traditional value of having a daughter in the household. It suggests that once a daughter grows up enough to help with chores, she will take care of her parents' needs so diligently that they won't even have to get off their bed to be fed. It reflects the affectionate and caring nature attributed to daughters in Indian culture.
మోచిన మోపుకు ఇందరు మోయవలెనా?
mochina mopuku indaru moyavalena?
Does a bundle already being carried need so many people to carry it?
This proverb is used to criticize a situation where too many people are unnecessarily involved in a simple task or one that is already being handled. It is similar to the English expression 'Too many cooks spoil the broth' but specifically highlights the redundancy of effort for a task already in progress.
కంచం పొత్తేగాని మంచం పొత్తు లేదు
kancham pottegani mancham pottu ledu
Shared plate but not a shared bed.
This expression describes a relationship where people are close enough to eat together or share social meals, but do not share a deep, private, or familial intimacy. It is often used to define the boundaries of a friendship or a formal association where one's private life remains separate.
ప్రాణం మీదికి వచ్చినప్పుడు, పంచాంగం చూసి మందు పోస్తారా?
pranam midiki vachchinappudu, panchangam chusi mandu postara?
When someone's life is at stake, do you look at the almanac before giving medicine?
This expression is used to emphasize that in a crisis or life-threatening situation, one should act immediately rather than wasting time on formalities, traditions, or checking for 'auspicious' timings. It highlights the importance of urgency and common sense over rigid rituals during emergencies.
అనుమానపు మొగుడు ఆలిని వీపుకు కట్టుకొంటే, పెండ్లాము మిండ మగనిని కొప్పులో పెట్టుకొన్నదట.
anumanapu mogudu alini vipuku kattukonte, pendlamu minda maganini koppulo pettukonnadata.
If a suspicious husband ties his wife to his back, the wife hides her lover in her hair bun.
This proverb highlights that extreme suspicion or over-protective control cannot prevent someone from being unfaithful if they intend to be. It suggests that if a person is determined to deceive, they will find a way regardless of how many restrictions or monitoring measures are put in place by a jealous partner.
ముండ మొయ్యవచ్చుగాని నింద మొయ్యరాదు
munda moyyavachchugani ninda moyyaradu
One can bear the life of a widow, but one cannot bear a false accusation.
This proverb emphasizes that loss of reputation or a stain on one's character is far more painful and difficult to endure than even the most tragic personal misfortune or social hardship. It highlights the supreme importance of personal honor over physical or social suffering.
అద్దుకునే లేకుంటే తుంచుకునేది ఎక్కడిది?
addukune lekunte tunchukunedi ekkadidi?
If one doesn't even have enough to dip/smear, where would they get enough to pluck/break off?
This proverb describes a state of extreme poverty or scarcity. It suggests that when a person lacks even the minimum required for a small taste or basic sustenance (like dipping a finger in a sauce), it is foolish to expect them to have enough to take a large portion or share with others. It is used to point out that one cannot provide or spend what they don't even have in a minimal quantity.