నిప్పున కాలడు, నీళ్లను తడియడు
nippuna kaladu, nillanu tadiyadu
He won't be burnt with fire, he won't be wet with water. Said of an obstinate blockhead.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely clever, slippery, or resilient. It refers to someone who can navigate through any dangerous or difficult situation without being affected or caught, similar to someone who is 'untouchable' or 'invincible'.
Related Phrases
వండు సూడనీయదు, మండి మాననీయదు.
vandu sudaniyadu, mandi mananiyadu.
It doesn't let you cook and see, and it doesn't stop burning.
This expression is used to describe a problematic, irritable, or difficult person or situation that is constantly bothersome. It refers to a fire that is too smokey to allow cooking but too stubborn to go out, representing a state of constant annoyance that neither resolves nor allows progress.
వైద్యము నేరనివాడూ, వానకు తడియనివాడూ లేడు.
vaidyamu neranivadu, vanaku tadiyanivadu ledu.
There is not a man who knows not medicine, nor one who has not been wet by rain. Every man is a fool or a physician at forty.
This proverb highlights that basic medical knowledge (home remedies) is common among everyone, just as experiencing rain is universal. It is often used to suggest that everyone has some level of practical wisdom or that certain life experiences are unavoidable and shared by all.
సవతి సాగనీయదు, ఏరా లెచ్చనీయదు.
savati saganiyadu, era lechchaniyadu.
The co-wife doesn't let one thrive, and the fishhook doesn't let the bait rise.
This proverb describes a situation where a person is trapped between two obstructive or competing forces that prevent any progress. It is used to express how internal friction or constant interference from others can make it impossible for someone to succeed or move forward in their life or work.
చెట్టు నాటినవాడు నీళ్లు పోయడా?
chettu natinavadu nillu poyada?
Will the one who planted the tree not water it?
This proverb expresses faith and providence. It suggests that if a creator or initiator (often referring to God or a parent) brings something into existence, they will also take the responsibility to provide for its needs and ensure its survival. It is used to offer comfort during uncertain times.
కొండ కదలదు, కోననీరు నిలవదు.
konda kadaladu, konaniru nilavadu.
The mountain does not move, and the water in the valley does not stay.
This expression highlights the immutable truths of nature and life. It is used to describe a situation where certain things are permanent and unchangeable (like a mountain), while others are transient and constantly in flux (like flowing valley water). It suggests accepting the inherent nature of people or situations.
ఏనుగును ఎక్కినవాడు కుక్క కూతకు జడియడు.
enugunu ekkinavadu kukka kutaku jadiyadu.
One who is riding an elephant will not be scared by the barking of a dog.
This proverb describes a person of high status, great character, or strong resolve who remains unbothered by petty criticisms or the noise of insignificant detractors. It is used to encourage someone to stay focused on their large goals without worrying about small-minded opposition.
విదియనాడు రాని చంద్రుడు తదియనాడు తానే వస్తాడు
vidiyanadu rani chandrudu tadiyanadu tane vastadu
The moon which does not come ( i. e. cannot be seen ) on the second [ of the month ] will come himself on the third. Applied to the necessity of having patience.
This proverb emphasizes patience and the natural progression of time. It means that if something expected doesn't happen right away, it will eventually happen at its own destined time. It is used to advise someone not to worry or rush a process that is inevitable.
వైద్యం నేర్వనివాడు, వానకు తడియనివాడు లేడు.
vaidyam nervanivadu, vanaku tadiyanivadu ledu.
There is no one who has never learned medicine, and no one who has never been soaked in the rain.
This proverb highlights that in life, everyone eventually gains some practical knowledge about health and remedies through personal experience with ailments. Similarly, just as it is impossible to stay dry if one is out in the rain, it is impossible to live a life without encountering and learning how to treat common illnesses. It is used to suggest that everyone possesses a basic level of medical intuition or 'home remedy' knowledge.
నిప్పు ముట్టనిదీ చెయ్యి కాలదు.
nippu muttanidi cheyyi kaladu.
Don't touch fire, and your hand won't be burnt.
This expression is used to signify that every result has a cause, particularly regarding consequences for one's actions. It implies that a person doesn't get into trouble unless they have done something wrong, or that there is no smoke without fire.
Don't play with the bear if you don't want to be bit. (Italian.)† * Ayer vaquero, hoy caballero. † Non ischersar coll'orso, so non vnuol esser morso.
నిప్పు ముట్టనిదే చేయి కాలదు
nippu muttanide cheyi kaladu
Without touching, fire wouldn’t scorch.
If one does not make a mistake, the question of punishment does not arise. It is therefore necessary to avoid wrong conduct, in the first place.