నీళ్ళు నీళ్ళ వంకను పారుతాయిగాని మిట్టలెక్కిపారతాయా?
nillu nilla vankanu parutayigani mittalekkiparataya?
Water flows towards water (downwards), does it flow uphill?
This proverb is used to illustrate that things naturally follow their inherent nature or predetermined path. It is often used in social contexts to suggest that people gravitate towards their own kind (wealthy towards wealthy, or relatives towards relatives) and that natural tendencies are difficult to reverse.
Related Phrases
నీరు పల్లమెరుగు, నిజం దేవుడెరుగు (నీరు నిల్లవ వంకనే పారుతుంది)
niru pallamerugu, nijam devuderugu (niru nillava vankane parutundi)
Water runs towards water. Men haste to help those of their own caste, &c.
This proverb is used to describe things that naturally follow a specific path or instinct. Just as water naturally flows toward lower ground (slopes), certain events or human tendencies are inevitable. It is often used to imply that truth will eventually come out or that people naturally gravitate towards their own kind or interests.
పచ్చగడ్డికి నీళ్ళు ఆగుతాయా?
pachchagaddiki nillu agutaya?
Does water stay on green grass?
This expression is used to describe two people who are extremely hostile toward each other. It implies that their relationship is so volatile or their hatred so intense that they cannot coexist peacefully even for a moment, much like water quickly sliding off blades of grass.
ఆడదాని మాట, నీళ్ల మూట
adadani mata, nilla muta
A woman’s word, a bundle of water. A woman's mind and winter wind change oft.
This is a traditional proverb used to suggest that a promise or statement made by a woman is unstable, unreliable, or impossible to hold onto, much like trying to tie water into a bundle. It is typically used to express skepticism regarding commitments or to highlight perceived inconsistency.
తలపాగా చుట్టలేక తల వంకర అన్నట్లు
talapaga chuttaleka tala vankara annatlu
Like saying the head is crooked because one doesn't know how to tie a turban
This expression describes a situation where someone blames external factors or others for their own lack of skill or failure. It is similar to the English proverb: 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'
నీరు పల్లమెరుగు, నిజం దేవుడెరుగు (నీరు పల్లపు వంకకే పారును గాని, మిట్టలకెక్కునా)
niru pallamerugu, nijam devuderugu (niru pallapu vankake parunu gani, mittalakekkuna)
Water only flows towards the slope; will it ever climb the heights?
This proverb signifies that just as water naturally flows to the lowest point, wealth or benefits naturally flow to those who are already influential or in a position of advantage. It is used to describe how resources often accumulate where they are already abundant, rather than reaching those in need or in difficult positions.
నీళ్లు పల్లం చూపుతాయి, కన్నీళ్లు బాధ చూపుతాయి
nillu pallam chuputayi, kannillu badha chuputayi
Water shows the slope, tears show the pain.
Just as water naturally flows towards low-lying areas or slopes, tears naturally reveal a person's underlying sorrow or distress. This expression is used to emphasize that emotions like grief cannot be hidden and will eventually manifest through tears, just as nature follows its own physical laws.
వంగితే తెలుస్తుందమ్మా వరిమడి కలుపు, నిలబడినవానికి నీళ్ళు కారుతాయా?
vangite telustundamma varimadi kalupu, nilabadinavaniki nillu karutaya?
You will only know the weeds in the paddy field if you bend down; does water flow for one who just stands?
This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and active involvement. It suggests that results or insights are only gained when one is willing to work hard (bend down), whereas someone who remains idle or disconnected from the task will gain nothing and understand nothing. It is used to criticize laziness or a lack of practical effort.
వేడి నీళ్ళ పక్కన చన్నీళ్ళు ఉండాలి.
vedi nilla pakkana channillu undali.
Cold water should be alongside hot water.
This expression suggests that opposites or different temperaments are needed to maintain balance. In a social or domestic context, it implies that if one person is hot-tempered (hot water), another person should be calm and patient (cold water) to prevent conflict and bring stability.
ముంతెడు నీళ్ళకు ఉలిక్కిపడితే, బానెడు నీళ్ళు నీ బావ పోసుకుంటాడా?
muntedu nillaku ulikkipadite, banedu nillu ni bava posukuntada?
If you get startled by a small pot of water, will your brother-in-law pour a large cauldron of water for you?
This proverb is used to criticize someone who overreacts to small challenges or trivial tasks while expecting to handle much larger responsibilities later. It highlights that if one cannot handle a minor difficulty, they are certainly not prepared for the bigger hardships or commitments that follow. It is often used to mock unnecessary hesitation or cowardice in the face of small obstacles.
మీగడ మీద మెతుకు పడితే మిట్టి మిట్టి పడ్డాడు
migada mida metuku padite mitti mitti paddadu
When a grain of rice fell on his foot, he started with conceit. It is only when a man has plenty to eat that he lets a grain fall.
This expression is used to describe someone who overreacts or creates a huge fuss over a very trivial, insignificant issue. It highlights the behavior of being overly sensitive or dramatic about minor inconveniences.