ముందు అరకకు మొనగాళ్ళను కట్టవలె
mundu arakaku monagallanu kattavale
Strong oxen must be tied to the first plow.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of starting a task with the most capable or experienced people. In agriculture, the first plow sets the path for others to follow, so it requires the strongest bulls. Similarly, in any project or leadership scenario, the beginning should be handled by experts to ensure a solid foundation and direction for those who follow.
Related Phrases
వస్తుగుణం తెలియనివాడు, వైద్యంలో మొనగాడే.
vastugunam teliyanivadu, vaidyamlo monagade.
He who doesn't know the property of an ingredient claims to be a champion in medicine.
This proverb is used to mock someone who pretends to be an expert in a field despite lacking even the most basic fundamental knowledge. It describes an incompetent person who boasts about their skills while being ignorant of the core principles of the subject.
రోళ్ళు కొత్తవైతే తిరగళ్ళు కొత్తవా?
rollu kottavaite tiragallu kottava?
If the mortars are new, are the grinders also new?
This proverb is used to mock someone who is acting as if they are experiencing something for the first time, despite it being a common or recurring task. It points out that even if the tools or environment change, the work remains the same, or that a person is pretending to be naive about something they should already know.
అత్తవారిల్లంటే కత్తులబోను.
attavarillante kattulabonu.
The mother-in-law's house is like a cage of knives.
This proverb describes the traditional challenges and extreme caution a daughter-in-law often felt she had to exercise in her marital home. It signifies a place where one must behave very carefully, as any small mistake could lead to criticism, conflict, or emotional injury, much like walking through a cage lined with sharp blades.
వండమని అక్క కాళ్ళకు మొక్కవలె, వినుమని బావ కాళ్ళకు మొక్కవలె.
vandamani akka kallaku mokkavale, vinumani bava kallaku mokkavale.
One must bow to the sister's feet to ask her to cook, and bow to the brother-in-law's feet to ask him to listen.
This proverb describes a situation where a person is caught between two difficult or demanding individuals and must constantly humble themselves or flatter both sides just to get basic things done. It signifies the struggle of managing sensitive relationships or dealing with people who expect excessive respect before fulfilling their responsibilities.
అదృష్టం కలిసివస్తే అందరూ మొనగాళ్ళే
adrishtam kalisivaste andaru monagalle
If luck is on one's side, everyone is a hero.
This proverb suggests that when things are going well due to good fortune, it is easy for anyone to appear successful, skilled, or brave. It is used to point out that success is not always solely due to individual talent, but often heavily influenced by timing and luck.
మోహభ్రమన జిక్కి మొనగాడు నిల్వడా
mohabhramana jikki monagadu nilvada
Will a great man not stand still when trapped in the illusion of passion?
This expression suggests that even the strongest, most heroic, or wisest individuals can lose their resolve and succumb to weakness when blinded by intense infatuation or worldly illusions. It is used to describe how human emotions and desires can humble even the mightiest person.
చీపురుకట్టకు పట్టుకుచ్చు కట్టినట్లు
chipurukattaku pattukuchchu kattinatlu
A silk tassel to a broom.
This expression is used to describe an absurd or mismatched combination where something very beautiful, expensive, or high-quality is wasted on or attached to something lowly, ugly, or insignificant. It highlights the incongruity and pointlessness of such an arrangement.
The grand appearance of a worthless person. A leaden sword in an ivory scabbard.
కట్టవేసిన బట్టకు కావలి కాచినట్లు.
kattavesina battaku kavali kachinatlu.
Like guarding the clothes that have already been washed and spread out to dry.
This expression describes a situation where someone is performing a redundant or unnecessary task. It refers to a person watching over something that is already safe or in a state where guarding it serves no practical purpose, similar to 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or performing a futile, over-protective action.
పాటుచేతకాని వాడు మాటలకు మొనగాడు.
patuchetakani vadu matalaku monagadu.
One who is incapable of hard work is a champion in words.
This proverb refers to individuals who are lazy or incompetent when it comes to physical labor or getting things done, but are extremely talkative or boastful about their abilities. It is used to describe people who talk a lot to cover up their lack of effort or action.
సూదికి రెండు మొనలు గలవా?
sudiki rendu monalu galava?
Does a needle have two points?
This rhetorical question is used to highlight the obviousness of a situation or to point out that there is only one way to look at a matter. Just as a needle can only have one sharp tip to function, it implies that certain truths are singular, direct, or undeniable. It is often used to silence unnecessary debate or to emphasize that there is no alternative truth.