మీసాలు వచ్చేటప్పుడు దేశాలు కానరావు.

misalu vachchetappudu deshalu kanaravu.

Translation

Countries are not visible when the mustache is growing.

Meaning

This proverb refers to the phase of adolescence or early youth when one becomes self-centered or blinded by physical growth and ego. It suggests that when young people reach a certain age (symbolized by growing a mustache), they often lack the maturity or worldly perspective to see the realities and complexities of the world around them, often being overly confident in their limited knowledge.

Related Phrases

A twilight prayer while dying?

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to perform a task or follow a ritual at the very last moment when it is no longer useful or relevant. It highlights the irony of worrying about trivial procedures or formalities when facing a major crisis or life-ending situation.

Wandering across nations for the sake of appearances.

This proverb describes someone who travels to far-off places or spends excessive resources just to show off, maintain a certain status, or seek vanity. It is often used to criticize people who neglect their responsibilities or exhaust their wealth simply to gain superficial recognition or to keep up appearances.

If one says 'Shambho Shankara' while dying

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to fix a problem or seek redemption at the very last moment, often when it is too late for the effort to be meaningful or effective. It highlights the futility of eleventh-hour realisations or actions after a lifetime of neglect.

When he was at the point of death he cried "Śankara! Śankara!" (Siva.) Deathbed repentance.

This proverb is used to describe someone who waits until the very last moment or a crisis to seek help, turn to God, or do the right thing. It refers to a person who ignores their duties or avoids spiritual/ethical paths throughout their life, only to become desperately 'pious' or 'diligent' when they realize time has run out.

While giving, it's Kamuni festival (sadness/burning), while taking, it's Diwali festival (joy/light).

This expression describes the dual nature of people who are very happy and eager when receiving money or favors (like the brightness of Diwali) but become extremely reluctant, sad, or delay indefinitely when they have to pay back or give something (symbolized by the burning/destruction of Kamudu). It is used to criticize hypocrisy in financial dealings or stinginess.

If the arrow misses, the ears won't hear; if the character is lost, the eyes won't see.

This proverb highlights the importance of focus and integrity. It suggests that once a person loses their moral compass or essential character (Guna), they become blind to the truth and reality around them, just as one might lose awareness of surroundings when a critical strike misses its mark.

When told to say 'Narayana' (God's name) on the deathbed, one said 'Sisa' (Bottle)

This proverb describes a situation where someone is given good or spiritual advice at a critical moment, but they respond with something trivial, irrelevant, or related to their bad habits. It highlights how difficult it is to change one's nature or focus on what is important, even in the final moments of life.

Horse gram while coming, sesame seeds while going.

This proverb refers to a person who is extremely clever and self-serving. It describes someone who demands nutritious food like horse gram when arriving as a guest, but demands valuable sesame seeds to take away when leaving. It is used to mock people who look for personal profit in every interaction or those who are never satisfied with what they receive.

Time is afflicted, and the country is wandering [in trouble ]. Said jokingly by a person when asked whether he was in trouble. Dîiams here means literally the country and not the inhabitants of it.

This expression is used to describe a period of extreme adversity, crisis, or misfortune affecting an entire society or region. It suggests that both the times (destiny) and the land are undergoing severe trials, often used in literary or dramatic contexts to lament widespread suffering, political instability, or natural calamities.

Giving is like Kāma's festival, taking is like the feast of Dīpāvali.

This proverb describes a person's hypocritical attitude towards money or favors. They are extremely enthusiastic and happy when receiving something (like the bright celebration of Diwali), but they become miserable, reluctant, or delay indefinitely when it is time to give back or pay a debt (referring to the bonfire/mourning aspect of Kamuni Pandaga/Holi).

Kāmadāhana is the mournful commemoration of the burning of Kandarpa or Kāmadeva ( the god of love ) by the fire from Śiva's eye, when he in- terrupted the god in his devotions. Dīpāvali or Dīpāḷi is a joyous festival with nocturnal illuminations in honour of Kārtikeya. The name signifies " a row of lamps."