ముంజేయి ఆడితే, మోచేయి ఆడుతుంది
munjeyi adite, mocheyi adutundi
If the forearm moves, the elbow moves.
This expression emphasizes the importance of hard work and action. It means that only when you put in the physical effort (moving your hands/forearm) will you get the momentum and results (the rest of the arm moving) needed to sustain yourself, typically referring to the act of working to earn a meal.
Related Phrases
ఎండబడితే ఉండబడుతుంది, ఉండబడితే వండబడుతుంది, వండబడితే తిండి పడుతుంది, తిండిబడితే పండపడుతుంది
endabadite undabadutundi, undabadite vandabadutundi, vandabadite tindi padutundi, tindibadite pandapadutundi
If there is sunlight there is life, if there is life there is cooking, if there is cooking there is food, and if there is food there is sleep.
This traditional proverb highlights the interconnectedness of nature and human survival. It emphasizes that the sun is the primary source of life (agriculture/sustenance), which leads to domestic stability, the ability to prepare meals, nourishment, and ultimately, the comfort of rest. It is used to describe the natural order of life and the importance of favorable conditions for prosperity.
మోచెయ్యి ఆడితే, ముంజెయ్యి ఆడుతుంది.
mocheyyi adite, munjeyyi adutundi.
If the elbow moves, the wrist moves with it.
This proverb emphasizes the dignity of labor and the necessity of hard work. It means that only when one works hard physically (moving the elbow/arm), can they afford to eat (moving the hand to the mouth). It is used to convey that effort is a prerequisite for sustenance.
కోల ఆడితే, కోతి ఆడును.
kola adite, koti adunu.
If you shake the stick the monkey will dance.
This proverb highlights that discipline, fear, or external motivation is often necessary to get work done. It is used to describe situations where someone only performs their duties or behaves well because of strict supervision or the threat of consequences, much like a monkey performing only when its trainer moves the stick.
It is the raised stick that makes the dog obey. ( Danish. )* * Holder man el Kleppen til, agter Hunden intet Bud.
మోకాలెత్తు ముందుకు, మోచేతులు వెనక్కు
mokalettu munduku, mochetulu venakku
Knees forward, elbows backward
This phrase describes a state of total exhaustion or a frantic struggle where someone is moving in an awkward, desperate manner. It is often used to characterize a person who is running away in fear or working so hard that their body is failing them, highlighting a lack of coordination or dignity due to extreme circumstances.
ముంజేయి మళ్ళితేనే మోచేయి మళ్ళేది
munjeyi mallitene mocheyi malledi
The elbow turns only when the forearm turns.
This expression emphasizes the importance of taking initial small steps or making basic adjustments before expecting a significant change. It signifies that a major outcome or shift is dependent on a specific, smaller action being completed first. It is often used to describe sequential progress or dependencies in life.
కాలు చేయి ఆడుతున్నంత కాలం కాలం గడుస్తుంది
kalu cheyi adutunnanta kalam kalam gadustundi
As long as legs and hands are moving, time passes (life goes on).
This expression means that as long as a person is physically healthy and capable of working, they can sustain themselves and live independently. It is often used to emphasize the importance of health and self-reliance in old age, suggesting that life is manageable as long as one is not bedridden or dependent on others for basic movement.
బల్లిని పట్టుకుని మొసలి అన్నట్లు
ballini pattukuni mosali annatlu
Like catching a lizard and calling it a crocodile.
This expression describes a situation where someone exaggerates a small, insignificant thing or a minor achievement as something massive and grand. It can also refer to someone being utterly mistaken about the scale or nature of a situation.
కంకణాల చెయ్యి ఆడితే, కడియాల చెయ్యి ఆడును.
kankanala cheyyi adite, kadiyala cheyyi adunu.
If the hand with Kankaṇamulu moves, the hand with Kaḍiyamulu moves also. Kankaṇamulu are bracelets worn by women. Kaḍiyamulu are those worn by men. Where woman leads man follows.
This proverb highlights the interdependency within a household or society. 'Hand with bangles' refers to the woman (traditionally managing the kitchen/home), and 'hand with bracelets' refers to the man (traditionally the earner). It means that when the woman works to cook and manage the house, the man can eat and have the strength to work, or more broadly, that domestic stability is the foundation for external success.
మోచేయి పోయి మొకరానికి తగిలినట్లు
mocheyi poyi mokaraniki tagilinatlu
Like the elbow hitting the knee.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person moves from one difficult situation only to end up in another similarly painful or problematic one. It represents a state of being stuck between two equally unpleasant outcomes or a minor accident leading to another clumsy moment.
నిప్పు ముట్టనిదే చేయి కాలదు
nippu muttanide cheyi kaladu
Without touching, fire wouldn’t scorch.
If one does not make a mistake, the question of punishment does not arise. It is therefore necessary to avoid wrong conduct, in the first place.