నీరుండేదాకా మీను మిట్టిపడుతుంది
nirundedaka minu mittipadutundi
As long as there is water, the fish will leap and jump about.
This proverb describes someone who acts arrogant, bold, or powerful only because they have support or favorable circumstances. Just as a fish loses its ability to jump once the water is gone, such people lose their influence and become helpless once their support system or resources are removed. It is used to remind someone that their current pride is temporary and dependent on their environment.
Related Phrases
గుడ్డివాడి చేతి నూలు కదుట్లో పడుతుందో దిండులో పడుతుందో.
guddivadi cheti nulu kadutlo padutundo dindulo padutundo.
Whether the thread in a blind man's hand falls on the spindle or on the pillow.
This expression is used to describe a situation where the outcome is purely a matter of chance or luck rather than skill or certainty. It refers to an unpredictable result where one cannot be sure if an effort will hit the target or miss it completely.
ఎండబడితే ఉండబడుతుంది, ఉండబడితే వండబడుతుంది, వండబడితే తిండి పడుతుంది, తిండిబడితే పండపడుతుంది
endabadite undabadutundi, undabadite vandabadutundi, vandabadite tindi padutundi, tindibadite pandapadutundi
If there is sunlight there is life, if there is life there is cooking, if there is cooking there is food, and if there is food there is sleep.
This traditional proverb highlights the interconnectedness of nature and human survival. It emphasizes that the sun is the primary source of life (agriculture/sustenance), which leads to domestic stability, the ability to prepare meals, nourishment, and ultimately, the comfort of rest. It is used to describe the natural order of life and the importance of favorable conditions for prosperity.
ముందర పల్లం, వెనక మిట్ట
mundara pallam, venaka mitta
In front a ditch, behind a mound.
This expression describes a situation where one is trapped between two difficult choices or obstacles, similar to the English phrase 'between a rock and a hard place'. It is used when every direction or option available leads to a problem or difficulty.
A precipice ahead, wolves behind. (Latin.)† To be between the horns of a dilemma.
గంగలో పడ్డ కాపురం గట్టున పడుతుందా?
gangalo padda kapuram gattuna padutunda?
Will a household that fell into the Ganges ever reach the shore?
This proverb is used to describe a situation or life that has been completely ruined or devastated beyond recovery. Just as something swept away by a powerful river like the Ganges is unlikely to be recovered, a family or business that has faced total downfall due to bad habits or extreme misfortune rarely returns to its former glory.
కాలితే మచ్చపడుతుంది, కాచితే మెత్తపడుతుంది
kalite machchapadutundi, kachite mettapadutundi
If burnt, it leaves a scar; if heated/tempered, it becomes soft.
This proverb highlights the difference between harshness and patience. It suggests that reacting with extreme anger (burning) causes permanent damage or scars in relationships, whereas treating a situation with controlled, gentle persistence (tempering/heating) makes things pliable and manageable.
తేరుండేదాకానే తిరునాళ్లు.
terundedakane tirunallu.
The festival lasts only as long as the chariot is there.
This proverb suggests that certain opportunities, privileges, or attention are temporary and only last as long as the main attraction or source of power remains. It is used to remind someone that their current influence or the celebrations around them will end once the central figure or cause departs.
ఇంత మీను వచ్చి అంత మీనును మింగెనట
inta minu vachchi anta minunu mingenata
A fish of this size came and swallowed a fish of that size.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a smaller or seemingly insignificant entity unexpectedly overcomes or takes over a much larger and more powerful one. It is often applied to business takeovers, political upsets, or surprising victories of an underdog.
ముందు పల్లం, వెనుక మిట్ట
mundu pallam, venuka mitta
A pit in front and a mound behind.
This expression describes a situation where there are obstacles or dangers on all sides, leaving no easy way forward or backward. It is similar to the English idiom 'between a rock and a hard place' or 'between the devil and the deep blue sea'. It is used when a person is caught in a dilemma with equally difficult alternatives.
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.
మీను మ్రింగిన గ్రుక్కెడుతో మున్నీటికి కొరత ఏర్పడుతుందా?
minu mringina grukkeduto munnitiki korata erpadutunda?
Will the ocean face a shortage just because a fish swallowed a gulp of water?
This expression is used to describe a situation where a small loss or a minor consumption does not affect a vast resource or a wealthy person. It signifies that the actions of an insignificant individual cannot diminish the greatness or abundance of something immense. It is often used to dismiss petty thefts or minor expenses in the context of large organizations or very rich individuals.