నీకు ఓపిక ఉండాలి గానీ, నేను కనలేకపోతానా?

niku opika undali gani, nenu kanalekapotana?

Translation

If you have the patience, wouldn't I be able to give birth?

Meaning

This is a sarcastic Telugu proverb used to mock someone who makes excuses for their own inability by putting the burden on someone else's endurance. It is often used when someone promises to perform a task repeatedly or excessively, provided the other person can tolerate the consequences, implying that the task itself is no trouble for the performer but rather a test for the receiver.

Related Phrases

If you have no common food, [give me] the best; if you have no common cloth, [give me] a silk one.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.

Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.

Unable to ask them to stay, one creates a suffocating stench; unable to ask them to leave, one uses smoke.

This proverb describes a passive-aggressive way of getting rid of someone. Instead of directly asking a person to leave, someone creates such uncomfortable or unbearable conditions that the person is forced to leave on their own. It is used in situations where social etiquette prevents directness, leading to subtle or harsh discouragement.

If so many great people don't die, shall I alone die? I don't want it.

This is a humorous proverb used to describe people who blindly follow others even in illogical situations, or those who display a 'sour grapes' attitude. In the story behind the proverb, a poor man thinks dying is a luxury or a requirement that even the rich aren't fulfilling, so he refuses to 'participate' in it. It highlights foolish competitiveness or a lack of understanding of natural laws.

Said by a man when unwillingly refusing to eat something because Velamas did the same. Never be ashamed to eat your meat. He that is ashamed to eat is ashamed to live. ( French. )*

When a wife said "If I had not been born, you would not have had a wife," the husband replied "If you had not been born, I should have married your mother." i. e. a better woman.

This is a witty and biting comeback used to silence someone who is being overly boastful or arrogant about their importance in a situation. It highlights that no one is indispensable and that there are always alternatives, even if the alternatives suggested are humorous or absurdly provocative.

She said she went to a wedding full of bickering and came back reduced to half her size

This proverb describes a situation where an event that was supposed to be joyful turns out to be extremely stressful or chaotic. It is used to mock someone who enters a situation expecting benefit or fun but ends up being physically or mentally exhausted due to unnecessary struggles, arguments, or poor management.

He said he doesn't have bread, but if there were ghee, he would dip it and eat.

This proverb is used to mock people who make grand plans or express desires for luxuries when they lack even the basic necessities. It describes a situation where someone is worrying about an accompaniment (ghee) while the main requirement (bread) is missing, highlighting a lack of practicality or a tendency to daydream beyond one's means.

If there are no alms for me, never mind, but tie up your dog.

This proverb is used to tell someone that if they cannot help or be generous, they should at least refrain from causing harm or creating obstacles. It is typically applied when someone's interference or negative attitude is more problematic than their lack of assistance.

Said by a beggar.

When she said 'If I hadn't been born, you wouldn't have had a wife at all', he replied 'If you hadn't been born, I would have married your mother'.

This is a humorous and sarcastic Telugu proverb used to describe a witty or sharp-tongued retort to an arrogant or self-important claim. It highlights how someone's attempt to show their indispensability can be met with a crushing and absurd counter-argument, often used to silence someone who is bragging about their role in a situation.

If he can't keep quiet, put him in the stocks.

This expression is used to describe someone who makes extreme, irrational, or self-destructive decisions when faced with minor discomfort or temporary problems. It highlights the tendency to overreact or choose a permanent 'solution' to a temporary situation.

Should I bring from my braid what is not in the pot? she said.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is asked to provide something that simply does not exist or is not available. It highlights the impossibility of fulfilling a request when the source itself is empty. It is often used sarcastically when people have unrealistic expectations of others' resources.