నరునికి సుద్దంబద్దంలేదు, గుంజు గుంజు నడియేటిలోకి అన్నదట మొసలి
naruniki suddambaddamledu, gunju gunju nadiyetiloki annadata mosali
Man has no sense of truth or purity, pull him, pull him into the middle of the river - said the crocodile.
This proverb highlights the belief that humans can be ungrateful or deceitful despite being helped. It originates from a folktale where a crocodile helps a man, but the man tries to harm it later. It is used to describe situations where someone displays extreme ingratitude or when dealing with a person whose word cannot be trusted.
Related Phrases
గుడ్డు పెట్టలేక పెట్ట చస్తుంటే, తొక్కను పుంజు చూస్తుందట.
guddu pettaleka petta chastunte, tokkanu punju chustundata.
While the hen is dying because she cannot lay the egg, the rooster is busy staring at the eggshell.
This proverb describes a situation where one person is undergoing extreme suffering or a life-threatening struggle, while another person nearby is indifferent and only cares about a trivial or selfish detail. It is used to criticize lack of empathy and misplaced priorities during a crisis.
ఆడపిల్ల ఆశ, మూలవాసం గుంజుకపోయేవరకు తీరదు.
adapilla asha, mulavasam gunjukapoyevaraku tiradu.
A woman's desires do not end until the main wooden beam of the house is pulled away.
This proverb describes the deep emotional bond a woman maintains with her parents' home. It suggests that her longing for her childhood home and the family she grew up with lasts throughout her entire life, ending only with her death (symbolized by the destruction or dismantling of the family house).
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.
తన్ని తల్లే గుంజుకుపోతే, చెప్పుతో కొట్టి చిప్ప తెచ్చుకోవాలి
tanni talle gunjukupote, chepputo kotti chippa techchukovali
If one's own mother kicks and snatches it away, one must hit her with a slipper to get the bowl back.
This proverb is used to describe a situation of extreme desperation or a total breakdown of relationships and ethics. It implies that when your own protectors or family members turn against you and take away your means of survival, you have no choice but to resort to extreme, even disrespectful, measures to reclaim what is rightfully yours or to survive.
భూతాలకు బుద్దిలేదు, నరునకు భయం లేదు
bhutalaku buddiledu, narunaku bhayam ledu
Ghosts have no intellect, and humans have no fear.
This proverb describes a state of total chaos or lawlessness. It is used when neither the supernatural forces (or those in power) act with wisdom, nor do the common people show any discipline or restraint, leading to a situation where there is no order.
తీపుల మాటలకు వీపులు గుంజుతవి.
tipula matalaku vipulu gunjutavi.
Sweet words cause the back to be thrashed.
This proverb warns that sweet talk or flattery can often lead to trouble or physical punishment later. It is used to advise caution when someone is being overly complimentary or deceptive, as their words might lead one into a trap or a situation resulting in severe consequences.
తాడుకు పట్టలేదు, తలుగుకు పట్టలేదు, గుంజ కెందుకమ్మా గుంజలాట?
taduku pattaledu, taluguku pattaledu, gunja kendukamma gunjalata?
If it's not caught by the rope, and not caught by the halter, why bother with the peg?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the main components of a plan or system are missing or failing, making efforts on minor details completely useless. It highlights the absurdity of worrying about insignificant matters when the primary goal is already unachievable.
లేనిపోని పీకులాట, చావడిదాకా గుంజులాట.
leniponi pikulata, chavadidaka gunjulata.
Unnecessary bickering, dragging all the way to the public courtyard.
This proverb describes creating a major fuss over something trivial or nonexistent, often leading to a public spectacle or formal dispute. It is used when people escalate a minor issue into a large-scale conflict that involves others or requires mediation.
నాలుగేళ్ళు నంజుకొని, నడిమేలు గుంజుకో
nalugellu nanjukoni, nadimelu gunjuko
Lick your four fingers and tuck in your waist.
This proverb is an advice on frugality and self-reliance. It suggests that one should be content with a simple meal (represented by licking the four fingers used for eating) and then tighten one's belt (tucking the waist) to get back to work. It emphasizes living within one's means and the importance of hard work over indulgence.
పెట్ట కూస్తే పుంజు కేరుతున్నది
petta kuste punju kerutunnadi
When the hen clucks, the cock chucks.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes credit or celebrates for something done by another person. It can also refer to a scenario where a subordinate's action makes the superior feel overly proud or boastful without personal effort.