నమల లేని నారికేళము
namala leni narikelamu
A cocoanut which cannot be chewed.
This expression refers to a task, a person, or a problem that is extremely tough to handle or resolve. It is used to describe something that seems impossible to 'digest' or overcome due to its hardness or complexity, much like trying to chew a hard coconut shell.
A difficult business.
Related Phrases
పిల్ల కుదిరినా కుదరకపోయినా, వచ్చే నెలలో పెళ్ళి నిజమన్నాడట.
pilla kudirina kudarakapoyina, vachche nelalo pelli nijamannadata.
Whether a bride is found or not, the wedding is definitely happening next month, he said.
This expression is used to mock someone who is overly eager or determined to proceed with a plan even when the most essential requirements are not yet met. It highlights a lack of practical planning or a situation where someone is putting the cart before the horse.
నంగి వంగలు మేస్తే నారికేళాలు దూడ మేసినది అన్నాడట.
nangi vangalu meste narikelalu duda mesinadi annadata.
" When the Nangi ate up the brinjals, the calf ate up the cocoanuts" said he. A certain Śūdra named Vēṇu before going on a pilgrimage delivered over charge of his brinjal garden to a Komati called Kustumbha. When he returned and applied for his garden his friend told him that the Nangi had eaten up all the brinjals. Vēṇu knew that no such animal existed, but remained quiet and waited his opportunity to pay off the Kōmati. Shortly afterwards Kustumbha required a man to watch his cocoanut garden and engaged Vēṇu for this work. The Śūdra sold all the cocoa- nuts and appropriated the proceeds. On being questioned by the Komati, Vēṇu told him that the calf had eaten all the cocoanuts. "How is that?" asked Kustumbha, "How could it reach them?" "Oh" replied Vēṇu "When the Nangi ate the brinjals could not the calf eat the cocoanuts?" The Komati, knowing his own dishonesty, could give no answer.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone exaggerates a simple fact into something impossible or absurd. It highlights how rumors or stories grow wildly out of proportion as they are passed along, or how someone tries to cover up a small truth with a massive lie.
తాంబూలం వేయని నోరు, కమలం లేని కోనేరు
tambulam veyani noru, kamalam leni koneru
A mouth without betel leaf, a pond without a lotus.
This expression emphasizes that certain things are incomplete or lack beauty without their essential adornments. Just as a pond looks barren without a lotus flower, a face/mouth is traditionally considered to lack grace or festive spirit if it hasn't partaken in 'Tambulam' (betel leaves and nuts), which is a symbol of auspiciousness and social culture in Telugu tradition.
కందకులేని నస బచ్చలికేల?
kandakuleni nasa bachchalikela?
When the yam itself doesn't itch, why should the malabar spinach?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a third party is more bothered, excited, or concerned about an issue than the person directly involved. It highlights unnecessary interference or over-enthusiasm by someone who has no stake in the matter.
గాడిద పిల్ల కోమలము
gadida pilla komalamu
The mildness of a young donkey. Seemingly good but really useless.
This expression is used sarcastically to describe something that is inherently rough, unpleasant, or low-quality, yet being praised or treated as if it were delicate or refined. It is often used to mock someone's poor taste or to point out that no matter how much you sugarcoat something crude, its true nature remains the same.
సింగడికి ఎలా పత్తి బేరము?
singadiki ela patti beramu?
Why would Singadu deal in the cotton trade?
This proverb is used to describe someone who involves themselves in a business or task they have absolutely no knowledge, skill, or relevance to. It highlights the mismatch between a person's nature and the work they are attempting to do.
నామాలవారేగాని నియమాలవారు కారు
namalavaregani niyamalavaru karu
They wear the religious marks, but they do not follow the religious rules.
This proverb describes people who are hypocritical or superficial. It refers to individuals who put on an outward display of piety or discipline (like wearing religious marks on the forehead) but fail to adhere to the actual principles, virtues, or rules they claim to represent. It is used to criticize someone whose actions do not match their appearance.
చెరుకు నమలడానికి కూలి అడిగినట్లు
cheruku namaladaniki kuli adiginatlu
Like asking for wages to chew sugarcane
This expression describes a situation where someone asks for a reward or compensation for doing something that is already beneficial, pleasurable, or personally advantageous to them. It highlights the irony of demanding payment for an activity that is its own reward.
అగసాలి పొందు, వెలమల చెలిమి నమ్మరాదు.
agasali pondu, velamala chelimi nammaradu.
The friendship of a goldsmith and the companionship of the Velamas should not be trusted.
This is a traditional proverb reflecting social observations of the past. It suggests that certain relationships or alliances can be deceptive or unreliable. It is used to advise caution and skepticism when dealing with people who might have hidden motives or whose loyalty may be fleeting.
వెలమల వితరణ, సాతాని శాస్త్రవాదము
velamala vitarana, satani shastravadamu
The generosity of Velamas and the theological arguments of Satani.
This proverb is used to describe things that are perceived as being excessive or never-ending. Velamas were historically known for their grand, sometimes extravagant generosity, while the Satani community was known for lengthy, intricate religious or philosophical debates. It implies that once these actions start, they go on to an extreme degree.