నడుము మునిగేదాకానే చలి, నలుగురు వినేదాకానే సిగ్గు
nadumu munigedakane chali, naluguru vinedakane siggu
The cold lasts only until one is submerged up to the waist; the shame lasts only until four people hear about it.
This proverb highlights how initial hesitation or embarrassment disappears once a certain threshold is crossed. Just as the fear of cold water vanishes once you are halfway in, social stigma or shyness fades once the matter becomes public knowledge or you are fully committed to the action.
Related Phrases
తొండ పరుగు కంప దాకానే
tonda parugu kampa dakane
A garden lizard's run is only as far as the thorny bush.
This proverb is used to describe someone with limited capability, influence, or reach. Just as a lizard quickly scurries away but can only hide within the safety of a nearby bush, a person's power or boastful threats are limited to their specific domain or narrow boundaries. It is often said to humble someone who is overstepping their bounds or acting more important than they are.
తోలు తీయకనే తొనలు మింగేవాడు.
tolu tiyakane tonalu mingevadu.
One who swallows fruit without taking off the skin. A glutton.
This expression describes an extremely lazy or impatient person who wants the end results or benefits without putting in any effort or performing the necessary preliminary tasks. It is often used to mock someone who expects things to be handed to them on a silver platter.
తేరుండేదాకానే తిరునాళ్లు.
terundedakane tirunallu.
The festival lasts only as long as the chariot is there.
This proverb suggests that certain opportunities, privileges, or attention are temporary and only last as long as the main attraction or source of power remains. It is used to remind someone that their current influence or the celebrations around them will end once the central figure or cause departs.
కన్నె సిగ్గు కనడం కోసం
kanne siggu kanadam kosam
The maiden's shyness is for the purpose of giving birth
This expression suggests that a young woman's natural modesty or hesitation is a precursor to marriage and motherhood. It is often used to imply that shyness is a temporary stage or a virtue that eventually leads to the fulfillment of life's biological and social duties.
నలుగురు నడిచేది దారి, పదుగురు చెప్పేది నీతి.
naluguru nadichedi dari, paduguru cheppedi niti.
The path many walk is the road, the principle many speak is the ethics.
This proverb suggests that collective wisdom and common practice define what is right or acceptable in a society. It is used to emphasize following established traditions or conforming to the consensus of the community rather than acting in isolation.
ఆలుమగల కలహం, అన్నం తినేదాకానే.
alumagala kalaham, annam tinedakane.
A quarrel between husband and wife lasts only until they sit down to eat.
This proverb suggests that conflicts between a married couple are temporary and short-lived. It highlights the idea that domestic disputes are usually resolved quickly, often by the time the next meal is shared, emphasizing reconciliation over holding grudges.
నీరు విడిచిన మొసలి - నీరు విడిచిన చేప
niru vidichina mosali - niru vidichina chepa
A crocodile out of water - a fish out of water
These two expressions describe loss of power and vulnerability. A crocodile out of water (నీరు విడిచిన మొసలి) refers to a powerful person who loses their strength and authority when removed from their natural environment or position. A fish out of water (నీరు విడిచిన చేప) refers to someone who is helpless, extremely uncomfortable, or unable to survive in an alien environment. Both are used to highlight how strength and survival are dependent on the right context or surroundings.
నరము లేని నాలుక నాలుగు విధాలుగా తిరుగుతుంది
naramu leni naluka nalugu vidhaluga tirugutundi
The tongue without nerves goes all ways. When the conscience is dead, moral restraint disappears.
This proverb is used to describe people who are inconsistent or unreliable in their speech. Since the tongue is flexible (boneless), it can easily twist the truth, make false promises, or change versions of a story to suit the situation. It serves as a warning not to trust everything someone says blindly.
పులి ఎత్తుబడితే, నలుగురు నాలుగు రాళ్ళు వేస్తారు
puli ettubadite, naluguru nalugu rallu vestaru
When a tiger falls into a pit (or is weakened), everyone throws a stone at it.
This proverb describes a situation where when a powerful or influential person falls from grace or faces a downfall, even the common or weak people who were previously afraid of them will take the opportunity to criticize, mock, or attack them. It is used to illustrate how people react to someone's loss of power or misfortune.
తెగేదాకా బిగించకూడదు.
tegedaka biginchakudadu.
Do not tighten it until it snaps.
This proverb advises against pushing a situation, relationship, or person to their absolute breaking point. It suggests practicing moderation and knowing when to stop before causing irreversible damage or conflict. It is commonly used in the context of negotiations or strict parenting/management.