నీటిలో కప్ప నీరు తాగకుండా ఉంటుందా?
nitilo kappa niru tagakunda untunda?
Will a frog in the water stay without drinking it?
This proverb is used to imply that it is natural and inevitable for someone to utilize the resources or opportunities available in their immediate environment. It is often used to suggest that a person in a position of power or proximity to wealth will likely take advantage of it, sometimes hinting at subtle corruption or inevitable influence.
Related Phrases
పండు వొలిచి చేతిలో పెట్టినట్లు
pandu volichi chetilo pettinatlu
Like peeling a fruit and placing it in the hand
This expression is used to describe a situation where something is explained so clearly and simply that it requires no effort to understand. It is similar to the English phrase 'making it crystal clear' or 'handing it on a silver platter.'
కుండలో కూడు కదలకుండా ఉండాలి, బిడ్డలు మాత్రం పెరగాలి.
kundalo kudu kadalakunda undali, biddalu matram peragali.
The food in the pot should remain untouched, but the children must grow.
This proverb describes a situation where someone wants to achieve a result without any expenditure or effort. It is used to criticize unrealistic expectations or stinginess, highlighting that you cannot expect growth or progress if you are unwilling to use the necessary resources.
ఇంటి దీపం గదా అని ముద్దాడితే మూతి కాలకుండా ఉంటుందా?
inti dipam gada ani muddadite muti kalakunda untunda?
If you kiss the house lamp just because it is yours, will your lips not get burnt?
Just because someone is close to you or related to you, it doesn't mean their harmful actions or nature won't hurt you. This expression is used to warn that one should maintain boundaries even with loved ones, as fire remains fire regardless of ownership.
కర్ర విరగకుండా, పాము చావకుండా కొట్టు
karra viragakunda, pamu chavakunda kottu
Hit in such a way that the stick doesn't break and the snake doesn't die.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a problem needs to be solved or a task accomplished without causing any damage or loss to the parties involved. It refers to finding a diplomatic or clever middle ground where the objective is achieved while maintaining perfect balance and avoiding negative consequences.
పాము పడగ కింద కప్ప ఉన్నట్లు
pamu padaga kinda kappa unnatlu
Like a frog sitting under a cobra's hood
This expression describes a situation where someone is unknowingly or helplessly living in extreme danger. Just as a frog under a snake's hood is oblivious to its imminent death, it refers to a person residing in a precarious position or under the shelter of an enemy who could destroy them at any moment.
పాము చావకూడదు, బడితె విరగకూడదు
pamu chavakudadu, badite viragakudadu
The snake should not die, and the stick should not break.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a problem needs to be solved or a task needs to be completed without causing any damage, loss, or negative consequences to either party involved. It refers to finding a perfect, diplomatic, or tactful middle ground where the objective is achieved with zero risk or collateral damage.
కుడితి మరుగు పట్టిన ఎద్దు విడినీరు తాగునా?
kuditi marugu pattina eddu vidiniru taguna?
Will an ox accustomed to nutritious wash-water drink plain water?
This proverb is used to describe a person who has experienced superior quality, luxury, or high standards and is no longer satisfied with ordinary or inferior alternatives. Just as an ox that enjoys protein-rich wash-water (kudithi) won't settle for plain water, a person who knows excellence will find it hard to go back to basic options.
కప్పి పెట్టేస్తే కంపుకొట్టకుండా ఉంటుందా?
kappi petteste kampukottakunda untunda?
If you cover it up, will it stop stinking?
This expression is used to highlight that merely hiding a problem, secret, or wrongdoing doesn't make it disappear. Eventually, the truth or the negative consequences will emerge, just as a bad smell permeates through a cover. It is often used when someone tries to suppress a scandal or ignore a glaring issue instead of resolving it.
తొడిమ ఊడిన పండు పడకుండా ఉంటుందా?
todima udina pandu padakunda untunda?
Will a fruit whose stalk is detached not fall?
This proverb implies that when the natural bond or support system of something is broken, its downfall or consequence is inevitable. It is used to describe situations where a result is certain to happen following a specific cause, such as someone losing their job after losing their protector, or an event occurring once its preparation is complete.
నీరుల్లి నీటిలో కడిగితే కంపేడ పోతుంది
nirulli nitilo kadigite kampeda potundi
If you wash an onion in water, how will the smell go away?
This proverb is used to describe an inherent nature or character trait that cannot be changed by superficial actions. Just as an onion's pungent smell is part of its nature and won't disappear simply by washing it with water, a person's deep-rooted flaws or habits cannot be hidden or removed through external changes.