నిప్పుకూ నీళ్లకూ ఉండే స్నేహం
nippuku nillaku unde sneham
The friendship existing between fire and water. They agree like cats and dogs.
This expression is used to describe a relationship between two people or entities that are fundamentally incompatible or are bitter enemies. Since fire and water cannot coexist without one destroying the other, it represents a state of constant conflict or an impossible alliance.
Related Phrases
పేదవాని స్నేహం, మహారాజు విరోధం సహింపరానివి
pedavani sneham, maharaju virodham sahimparanivi
The friendship of a poor man and the enmity of a king are both unbearable.
This proverb highlights the burdens of unbalanced relationships. A poor person's friendship may constantly require financial help you cannot provide, while a king's (or a powerful person's) enmity can lead to total destruction. It advises caution regarding the social and economic standing of those with whom we form deep bonds or conflicts.
గాడిదతో స్నేహం కాలి తన్నులకే
gadidato sneham kali tannulake
Friendship with a donkey leads to kicks to the legs
This proverb is used to warn that associating with foolish, uncivilized, or malicious people will only result in harm or insults. It implies that regardless of your kindness, a person with a bad nature will eventually hurt you, just as a donkey's nature is to kick.
దీపం ఉండగానే ఇల్లు చక్కబెట్టుకోవాలి
dipam undagane illu chakkabettukovali
When there is a lamp, why should you search for fire ?
This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Make hay while the sun shines.' It advises people to make the most of an opportunity while conditions are favorable or to complete tasks while they have the resources and health to do so.
ముక్కు ఉన్నంత వరకు పడిశం ఉంటుంది
mukku unnanta varaku padisham untundi
As long as you have a nose, you will have a running from it. Continual liability.
This proverb suggests that as long as a certain entity or situation exists, associated troubles or inherent problems will continue to occur. It is used to describe unavoidable or persistent issues that are tied to one's existence or circumstances.
పల్లము ఉన్న చోటనే నీళ్లు నిలుస్తాయి
pallamu unna chotane nillu nilustayi
Water lies in the low ground.
This proverb suggests that opportunities, wealth, or help naturally gravitate toward those who are humble or those who have a genuine need. It is often used to imply that benefits flow to the deserving and well-prepared, or that good things settle where there is a receptive and grounded environment.
Truth will out at last.
నిప్పు రగిలించి నీళ్ళకు వెతికినట్లు
nippu ragilinchi nillaku vetikinatlu
Like starting a fire and then searching for water
This proverb describes someone who creates a problem or conflict through their own actions and then acts as if they are trying to solve it or mitigate the consequences. It is used to point out the hypocrisy or lack of foresight in a person who causes trouble and then seeks a remedy for the very situation they intentionally started.
ఆ పప్పు ఈ నీళ్లకు ఉడకదు.
a pappu i nillaku udakadu.
That pulse cannot be cooked with this water. The pulse alluded to is the Cajanus Indicus commonly called Dâl (Hind.) It requires to be boiled in good sweet water to make it soft and fit for eating. A phrase similar to "That game won't pay," "That cock won't fight."
This expression is used to indicate that a certain trick, manipulation, or strategy will not work with a particular person or in a specific situation. It is often said when someone realizes another person's ulterior motives and refuses to be fooled by them.
మురదన్న సందేహము నిస్సందేహము
muradanna sandehamu nissandehamu
Muradanna's doubt is cleared. Said of a man who while wavering and doubting about some undertak- ing is forestalled by another.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is habitually skeptical or always raising doubts. It implies that if a specific person (metaphorically 'Muradanna') has a doubt, it is certain that they will find something to be suspicious about, regardless of the facts. It is used to mock chronic overthinking or unnecessary skepticism.
నిప్పుకు చెదలంటునా?
nippuku chedalantuna?
Will white ants attack fire?
This expression is used to state that someone with a pure, strong, or impeccable character cannot be corrupted or harmed by petty rumors or evil influences. Just as termites can destroy wood but are instantly consumed by fire, a person of integrity remains unaffected by baseless accusations.
నిప్పుల బుర్రకు నీళ్ల బుర్ర
nippula burraku nilla burra
A bowl of water to a bowl of fire. An answer to a threat.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a calm, cool-headed person acts as a counter-balance to someone who is extremely angry or hot-tempered. Just as water extinguishes fire, the calm person's presence or actions neutralize the other person's rage.