నాకే కుక్కకు లింగమేమి పానవట్టమేమి
nake kukkaku lingamemi panavattamemi
What does a licking dog care about the Lingam or the Panavattam?
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks decency, respect, or a sense of sanctity. Just as a dog would lick anything without regard for its religious significance (the Shiva Lingam or its base, the Panavattam), a person without shame or character will act inappropriately regardless of the situation or the importance of the objects/people involved.
Related Phrases
బలవంతాన పిల్లను ఇస్తానంటే, కులమేమి గోత్రమేమి అని అడిగినాడట
balavantana pillanu istanante, kulamemi gotramemi ani adiginadata
When one offered his daughter unasked to another, he was answered " What is your caste and what is your Gotra ?" When a man goes out of his way to make an unusual offer, his inten- tions are apt to be suspected.
This proverb is used to describe a person who shows unnecessary arrogance or makes fussy demands when someone is desperately trying to help them or do them a favor. It highlights the irony of a person who is in no position to negotiate but still tries to act superior or picky.
మొగుడికే మొగతనం ఉంటే, తంబళ్ళవారి తగులాటమేమి?
mogudike mogatanam unte, tamballavari tagulatamemi?
If the husband himself has manliness, why would there be an involvement with the temple-servant?
This proverb is used to say that if the person responsible or the main authority is capable and does their job correctly, there is no need for third-party interference or outside help. It emphasizes that problems often arise only when the primary person fails in their duty.
సొమ్మేమి లక్ష్యము, మనిషేమి పావనము
sommemi lakshyamu, manishemi pavanamu
What good is there in money ? what purity is there in man ?
This expression highlights that material possessions or money are secondary to a person's character, integrity, and sanctity. It is used to emphasize that human values and the quality of an individual's soul are far more important than their financial status.
దొంగకు చేను పచ్చి అయితే మాత్రమేమి
dongaku chenu pachchi ayite matramemi
What does it matter to a thief if the field is unripe?
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks responsibility or a sense of ownership. Just as a thief will steal crops regardless of whether they are ready for harvest or if the act ruins the field, an irresponsible or malicious person does not care about the long-term consequences or the damage they cause to others as long as they get what they want.
చీకటి లేకుంటే దీపమేమిటికి?
chikati lekunte dipamemitiki?
If there is no darkness, why is a lamp needed?
This proverb highlights the importance of context and necessity. It suggests that the value of something (like help, knowledge, or resources) is only realized when there is a problem or a deficiency to address. It is often used to explain that greatness or solutions are only recognized in the presence of challenges.
పొట్లకాయకు రాయి కడితే చక్కనగును గాని, కుక్క తోకకు కడితే ఫలమేమి?
potlakayaku rayi kadite chakkanagunu gani, kukka tokaku kadite phalamemi?
If you tie a stone to a snake gourd, it will grow straight, but what is the use of tying one to a dog's tail?
This proverb highlights that some things or people can be corrected with discipline or guidance, while others have an inherent nature that is impossible to change. It is often used to describe someone who refuses to change their bad habits or crooked nature despite repeated efforts to reform them.
బలవంతాన పిల్లిని ఇస్తామంటే, కులమేమి, గోత్రమేమి అని అడిగినాడట
balavantana pillini istamante, kulamemi, gotramemi ani adiginadata
When offered a cat by force, he asked about its caste and lineage.
This proverb describes a situation where someone who is being given something for free (often something undesirable or unnecessary) starts acting overly picky or demanding. It is used to mock people who act entitled or fastidious when they are actually in a position of receiving an unearned favor or a desperate offer.
కరిచే కుక్కకు కర్ర అడ్డము
kariche kukkaku karra addamu
A stick is an obstacle for a biting dog.
This proverb suggests that for every threat or nuisance, there is a specific deterrent or solution. Just as a stick can keep a biting dog at bay, certain measures can be taken to prevent or manage troublesome people or situations.
నయమంటే భయమేమి?
nayamante bhayamemi?
If it is the right path, why fear?
This expression is used to state that one who acts with integrity, honesty, and follows the righteous path has no reason to be afraid of anyone or any consequences. It is similar to the English proverb 'A clean hand wants no washing'.
సన్యాసికి దొంగల భయమేమి?
sanyasiki dongala bhayamemi?
Why should an ascetic/monk fear thieves?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who has nothing to lose has no reason to be afraid. Since an ascetic (Sanyasi) possesses no material wealth, thieves have nothing to steal from them. It is applied to people who are in a position where they are immune to threats or losses because they lack the assets or status that others might target.