నీరు పల్లమెరుగు, నిజం దేవుడెరుగు (నీరు పల్లపు వంకకే పారును గాని, మిట్టలకెక్కునా)

niru pallamerugu, nijam devuderugu (niru pallapu vankake parunu gani, mittalakekkuna)

Translation

Water only flows towards the slope; will it ever climb the heights?

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

Like water rising in a mirage?

This expression is used to describe pursuing something that is non-existent, illusory, or impossible to achieve. Just as one cannot find or fetch water from a mirage (optical illusion), it refers to wasted efforts on deceptive goals.

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.

Do water and oil ever mix?

This expression is used to describe two people, things, or ideologies that are fundamentally incompatible or different in nature. It highlights that no matter how much effort is put in, some entities will never blend or get along together, similar to the English idiom 'like oil and water'.

Tears flow downwards, while rose water is sprinkled upwards.

This expression is used to describe the irony of social status and emotions. It signifies that while sorrow and suffering (tears) are common, private, and flow naturally, luxury and celebration (rose water) are often displayed ostentatiously. It can also refer to the flow of resources or sympathy in society.

Like carrying water to the ocean

This expression is used to describe a redundant or futile effort where one provides something to someone who already possesses it in abundance. It is similar to the English idiom 'carrying coals to Newcastle'.

Even if the river flows full, a vessel will only get as much water as its capacity.

This proverb emphasizes that opportunities or resources may be abundant, but one can only benefit based on their own capacity, effort, or merit. It is used to describe situations where a person's limitations prevent them from taking full advantage of a grand situation.

Wherever water is, it eventually reaches the low-lying area.

This proverb suggests that things naturally gravitate toward their destined or logical conclusion. It is often used to imply that wealth, consequences, or results will eventually reach their rightful or inevitable destination regardless of the starting point.

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.

The new water came and washed away the old water. A little gain once was the cause of all being lost eventually.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where new people, ideas, or trends replace old ones completely. It is often used when a newcomer takes over the position or influence of someone who has been there for a long time, or when modern methods render traditional ones obsolete.

A crocodile out of water - a fish out of water

These two expressions describe loss of power and vulnerability. A crocodile out of water (నీరు విడిచిన మొసలి) refers to a powerful person who loses their strength and authority when removed from their natural environment or position. A fish out of water (నీరు విడిచిన చేప) refers to someone who is helpless, extremely uncomfortable, or unable to survive in an alien environment. Both are used to highlight how strength and survival are dependent on the right context or surroundings.