నీవు తలచినప్పుడు బిడ్డ కనవలెను
nivu talachinappudu bidda kanavalenu
When you wish for it, I must bring forth a child. Said by a wife to an unreasonable, exacting husband.
This expression is used sarcastically to describe someone who expects instant results or immediate gratification without understanding that certain things take their own natural time. It is often said to people who are impatient and want complex tasks completed instantly.
Related Phrases
గొడ్డులేనివాడు బిడ్డలేనివాడు ఒకటి.
goddulenivadu biddalenivadu okati.
A person without cattle and a person without children are the same.
In traditional agrarian societies, cattle were considered as vital as family members for one's livelihood and legacy. This expression highlights the essential role of livestock in prosperity, implying that lacking them is as significant a loss as not having heirs to carry on the family name or support the household.
కన్న తల్లికయినా కనుమరుగుండవలెను
kanna tallikayina kanumarugundavalenu
Some things must be hidden even from the mother that bore you.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of maintaining certain boundaries, privacy, or modesty even with those closest to us. It suggests that complete exposure or lack of restraint, even in the most intimate relationships, can lead to a loss of respect or dignity.
* Ἀπέφαλος μῦθος.
అబ్బ పెంచిన బిడ్డ అయినా కావాలి, అమ్మ పెంచిన బిడ్డ అయినా కావాలి, ముండ పెంచిన బిడ్డ మండలాధిపతి అవుతాడా?
abba penchina bidda ayina kavali, amma penchina bidda ayina kavali, munda penchina bidda mandaladhipati avutada?
A child must be raised by a father or a mother; can a child raised by a mistress become a ruler?
This traditional proverb emphasizes the importance of a proper upbringing, parental guidance, and legitimate social standing in shaping a person's character and future success. It suggests that without the discipline and moral foundation provided by parents, one cannot achieve great heights or leadership roles. It is often used to highlight that a lack of proper mentorship leads to a lack of merit.
కొడుకు బిడ్డకు, కూతురు బిడ్డకు తాత ఒకడే
koduku biddaku, kuturu biddaku tata okade
For the son's child and the daughter's child, the grandfather is the same.
This proverb is used to emphasize impartiality and equality in family relationships. It points out that a grandfather shares the same biological bond with all his grandchildren, regardless of whether they are born to his son or his daughter, suggesting that one should not show favoritism based on lineage.
పుట్టినప్పుడు పురుడు.
puttinappudu purudu.
Impurity (Purudu) at birth.
This phrase refers to the traditional period of ritual impurity observed by a family after a child is born. In a broader philosophical context, it is often paired with 'Chachinappudu sutakam' (ritual impurity at death) to signify that life is bookended by ceremonies and certain constraints, or to imply that every beginning has its own set of initial challenges or obligations.
కలిగిన నాటి చుట్టాలు, కావాలన్నప్పుడు కనపడరు
kaligina nati chuttalu, kavalannappudu kanapadaru
Relatives from the days of prosperity are not to be found when needed.
This proverb describes 'fair-weather friends' or relatives who stay close only when you are wealthy or successful, but disappear or become unavailable when you fall on hard times or actually need their help.
గొడ్డుపోతును బిడ్డ కనమంటే, కంటుందా?
goddupotunu bidda kanamante, kantunda?
Will a barren woman bring forth a child at your bidding ?
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is asked to perform a task that is fundamentally beyond their capability or inherent nature. It highlights that expecting results from someone who lacks the necessary resources, skills, or capacity is futile.
గాలి వచ్చినప్పుడే గదా తూర్పార పట్టుకోవలెను
gali vachchinappude gada turpara pattukovalenu
Is it not when the wind blows that you must winnow ?
This is the Telugu equivalent of 'Make hay while the sun shines'. It advises people to seize opportunities when they arise and make the most of favorable circumstances while they last.
Strike while the iron is hot. Take time while time is, for time will away.
అడ్డాలనాడు బిడ్డలు కానీ గడ్డాలనాడు బిడ్డలా?
addalanadu biddalu kani gaddalanadu biddala?
Children when held in the arms (infancy) are children, but are they still (obedient) children when they grow beards?
This proverb highlights the changing nature of children as they grow up. It suggests that while children are easy to manage and dependent when they are infants (held in a cloth cradle or 'addalu'), they become independent, headstrong, or even ungrateful once they reach adulthood (represented by 'gaddalu' or beards). It is used to express a parent's frustration when adult children no longer listen or follow their guidance.
అవ్వా కావాలి, బువ్వా కావాలి
avva kavali, buvva kavali
I want grand-mother and I want food. Said by a child who did not wish to leave its grand-mother, but who had to do so to get its dinner. You cannot drink and whistle at the same time. (Danish.)
This proverb describes a situation where someone wants to have their cake and eat it too. It is used when a person tries to hold onto two mutually exclusive options or wants all the benefits of a situation without making any sacrifices or choices.
* Man kan ikke drikke og pibe paa eengang.