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.
Related Phrases
నారు పోసినవాడు నీరు పోయక మానడు
naru posinavadu niru poyaka manadu
The one who planted the seedling will not stop pouring water.
This proverb is an expression of faith and optimism. It suggests that the Creator who gave us life will surely provide the means for our survival. It is used to comfort someone facing hardships, implying that their basic needs will be met by a higher power or that the person responsible for a situation will eventually take care of its consequences.
కుక్కను కొట్టితే ఇల్లంతా పారుతున్నది
kukkanu kottite illanta parutunnadi
If you beat the dog, it fouls the whole house.
This expression is used when a small action or interference in a messy situation leads to more trouble or creates a larger nuisance. It highlights how certain interventions can backfire and spread a problem everywhere rather than solving it.
* Setz einen Frosch auf golden Stuhl, Er hupft doch wieder in den Pfuhl.
నీరు నూనె కలుస్తాయా?
niru nune kalustaya?
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'.
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.
కన్నీరు కిందికి కారుతుంది, పన్నీరు పైకి చిమ్ముతుంది
kanniru kindiki karutundi, panniru paiki chimmutundi
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.
నీరధికి నీరు మోసినట్లు
niradhiki niru mosinatlu
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'.
ఏరు నిండి పారినా పాత్రకు తగురీతి నీరు వచ్చు
eru nindi parina patraku taguriti niru vachchu
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.
ఎక్కడి నీరు పల్లానికే చేరుతుంది.
ekkadi niru pallanike cherutundi.
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.
కొత్త నీరు వచ్చి పాత నీరు కొట్టుకుపోయినట్లు
kotta niru vachchi pata niru kottukupoyinatlu
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.
నీరు విడిచిన మొసలి - నీరు విడిచిన చేప
niru vidichina mosali - niru vidichina chepa
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.