నరునికి నాలు గంశలు.
naruniki nalu gamshalu.
A human has four traits.
This expression refers to the four inherent characteristics or tendencies often attributed to human nature in Telugu philosophical discourse: desire (kama), anger (krodha), greed (lobha), and attachment (moha). It is used to describe the fundamental complexities or flaws that define the human condition.
Related Phrases
నరం లేని నాలుక నాలుగు రకాలుగా మాట్లాడుతుంది
naram leni naluka nalugu rakaluga matladutundi
A tongue without a bone speaks in four different ways
This expression refers to the inconsistency of human speech. Since the tongue is flexible and has no bone (naram) to keep it rigid, it can easily change its stance or twist the truth. It is used to describe people who are unreliable, go back on their word, or change their versions of a story to suit their convenience.
ఆశలుడిగినట్టి అయ్యలు గలరొకో
ashaludiginatti ayyalu galaroko
Are there any gentlemen (fathers/elders) who have truly given up all desires?
This is a philosophical expression, often from Vemana Satakam, suggesting that it is nearly impossible to find a human being who is completely free from worldly desires. It is used to highlight the universal nature of human ambition and attachment.
నరుని కంట నల్లరాయి పగులును.
naruni kanta nallarayi pagulunu.
By the look of a man's eye, granite will be broken. The power of an evil eye.
This expression refers to the harmful power of the 'evil eye' or jealousy. It suggests that a person's envious gaze is so potent and destructive that it can shatter something as solid as a black granite stone. It is commonly used when someone experiences a sudden misfortune or when something breaks unexpectedly, attributing it to the jealousy of others.
లోభికి నాలుగందాల నష్టం
lobhiki nalugandala nashtam
A miser suffers loss in four ways
This proverb explains that a miser, in an attempt to save small amounts of money, often ends up facing much larger losses or multiple disadvantages. It is used to highlight how extreme stinginess can backfire, leading to poor quality of life, loss of reputation, and eventual financial or material waste.
అదృష్టవంతునికి ఆశపెట్టరాదు, బలవంతునికి చోటివ్వరాదు.
adrishtavantuniki ashapettaradu, balavantuniki chotivvaradu.
You should not encourage vain hopes in a helpless dependant, nor give place to a powerful man.
This proverb warns against unnecessary interference with powerful or exceptionally lucky individuals. Giving hope to a lucky person is futile because their fortune already favors them, and allowing a strong or influential person to gain a foothold in your affairs can lead to them eventually dominating or displacing you.
మేఘాలు నలుపైతే వాననీళ్ళు నలుపగునా?
meghalu nalupaite vananillu nalupaguna?
If the clouds are black, will the rainwater be black?
This proverb is used to illustrate that the source or external appearance of something does not necessarily define the quality or essence of the outcome. Just as dark clouds produce clear water, a person's humble origins or outward appearance do not dictate their character or the value of their work.
కాకి పుట్టి నలుపే పెరిగి నలుపే
kaki putti nalupe perigi nalupe
The crow is black when it is born, and black when it is grown.
This expression is used to describe something or someone that remains unchanged regardless of time or circumstances. It implies that certain inherent traits, habits, or characters are permanent and will not change as one grows or matures. It is often used to refer to people who do not learn from experience or who maintain their original nature (often a negative one) forever.
What's bred in the bone will never be out of the flesh. The wolf changes his hair but not his nature. (Latina.)!
నెలబాలునికో నూలుపోగు, పూర్ణచంద్రునికి నమస్కారం
nelabaluniko nulupogu, purnachandruniki namaskaram
A thread for the crescent moon, a salutation for the full moon.
This expression describes how people's attitudes change based on a person's status or fortune. Just as people offer a small thread to the waxing crescent moon (hoping it grows) but offer full respectful salutations to the majestic full moon, people tend to give minimal attention to those starting out or in need, while showering great respect and honor upon those who are already successful, wealthy, or powerful.
లోభికి నాలుగందాలా నష్టము
lobhiki nalugandala nashtamu
A miser suffers loss on all sides. False economy. A stingy man is always poor. (French.)
This proverb highlights that a greedy or stingy person often ends up losing more than they save. Due to their excessive desire to save money, they might compromise on quality, health, or relationships, eventually leading to bigger financial or personal losses from multiple directions.
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.