నంబీ, తంబళీ, నాగుబామూ, చెవులపిల్లీ, ఎదురైతే చేటువస్తుంది.
nambi, tambali, nagubamu, chevulapilli, eduraite chetuvastundi.
If you meet a Nambi, a Tambali, a cobra da capello, or a hare, it will be worse for you.
This is an old superstitious proverb listing specific people or creatures that were historically considered ill-omens if encountered while starting a journey or a task. It reflects ancient social prejudices and traditional beliefs about omens (shakuna).
Related Phrases
ముందటివానికి ముంతంబలి, వెనుకటివానికి తెడ్డంబలి
mundativaniki muntambali, venukativaniki teddambali
Gruel in a pot for the one in front, and a blow with the ladle for the one behind.
This proverb describes a situation of extreme unfairness or diminishing returns. It is used when those who arrive first or act first get the benefits (even if modest), while those who follow late receive only punishment or the remains. It highlights how timing or position can dictate whether one receives a reward or a reprimand.
నంబి వారికి, తంబళి వారికి ఒకటే కుంచకోల అన్నట్లు.
nambi variki, tambali variki okate kunchakola annatlu.
Like using the same measuring rod for both the Nambi and the Thambali.
This expression refers to treating different people or situations with a single, rigid standard without considering their specific differences or nuances. It highlights the error of a 'one size fits all' approach when individual circumstances should be taken into account.
నగుబాట్ల పెళ్ళికి నాడే నాగవల్లి
nagubatla pelliki nade nagavalli
The 'Nagavalli' ceremony on the same day as the mockery-filled wedding.
This proverb is used to describe situations where things are done in an extreme rush or in a disorganized, improper manner. Usually, the Nagavalli ceremony happens days after the wedding, but doing it on the same day implies a lack of proper planning, a sense of embarrassment, or trying to finish a task haphazardly just to get it over with.
ఆడపెత్తనము, తంబళి దొరతనము
adapettanamu, tambali doratanamu
Woman's rule, a Tambaḷi's government. A Tambaḷi is a Śaiva priest of low origin, who wears the sacred thread, and endeavours to observe Brahminical customs.
This proverb is used to criticize or mock ineffective or disorganized leadership. It suggests that just as a temple priest (Tambali) is not traditionally seen as a ruling authority, certain types of management might be weak, fussy, or lack real power, leading to chaos or poor results.
నంబి కవిత్వం, తంబళ్ళ జోస్యం
nambi kavitvam, tamballa josyam
The Nambi's poetry and the Thamballa's astrology.
This proverb is used to describe work that is of poor quality, unreliable, or amateurish. It refers to people attempting tasks for which they lack true expertise, resulting in something mediocre or untrustworthy. It is often used to mock someone's superficial skills.
నంబి, తంబళి, నాగుబాము, చెవులపిల్లి ఎదురుపడితే చేటు వస్తుంది.
nambi, tambali, nagubamu, chevulapilli edurupadite chetu vastundi.
If a Nambi priest, a Thambali priest, a Cobra, or a Hare come across you, misfortune follows.
This is a traditional superstition or old wives' tale (sameta) that lists specific encounters believed to be bad omens. Historically used to describe perceived ill-luck when starting a journey or a new task, it reflects ancient social prejudices and folk beliefs regarding luck and animal encounters.
నంబివాడు ఎదురైనా నాగుబాము ఎదురైనా కలిసిరాదు.
nambivadu eduraina nagubamu eduraina kalisiradu.
Whether a Nambi (priest) comes across you or a cobra comes across you, it won't be auspicious.
This is a superstitious folk saying based on old beliefs. In certain regional traditions, encountering a 'Nambi' (a specific sect of temple priests) or a venomous snake at the start of a journey was considered a bad omen, indicating that the task being undertaken would not be successful. It is used to describe situations where someone feels destined for failure or bad luck regardless of the specific obstacle faced.
కళ్లకు దూరమైతే చెవులకు దూరమా?
kallaku duramaite chevulaku durama?
If out of sight, is it out of hearing also ?
This expression is used to suggest that even if you cannot see someone or something in person, you can still hear about them or stay in touch. It emphasizes that physical absence does not justify a complete lack of communication or information.
ఆలు కుదురైతే చేను కుదురు
alu kuduraite chenu kuduru
If the wife is steady, the farm is steady.
This proverb emphasizes the central role of a woman in managing a household and its prosperity. It means that if a wife is disciplined, hardworking, and manages the home well, the family's assets and livelihood (symbolized by the 'farm') will also be stable and successful.
చెవులపిల్లి ఎదురైతే చేటు వస్తుంది
chevulapilli eduraite chetu vastundi
If a hare comes across your path, harm will follow.
This is a common superstition in Telugu culture suggesting that encountering a hare (long-eared rabbit) while starting a task or a journey is an ill omen that leads to failure or misfortune. It is used to describe irrational fears or traditional beliefs regarding bad luck.