నోరు కలిగితే బ్రతుకుతాడు
noru kaligite bratukutadu
If he has a mouth he will live. The son of the minister of a king of Ayodhya (Oudh) was caught stealing the king's flowers.—As he was being taken to the palace, his father called out "It is of no consequence, if he has a mouth he will live" The son took the hint, ate up the flowers, denied the offence, and was believed by the king, who punished his accusers. (See Telugu Selections, 36th story.)
This expression is used to describe someone who is articulate, persuasive, or assertive in their speech. It implies that a person who knows how to speak up for themselves, communicate effectively, or negotiate will always find a way to succeed or survive in any situation, regardless of other challenges.
Related Phrases
ఏమిచేసి బ్రతుకుదునమ్మా అంటే, నోరుచేసుకు బ్రతుకుబిడ్డా అన్నదట
emichesi bratukudunamma ante, noruchesuku bratukubidda annadata
When asked 'Mother, how shall I survive?', the mother replied 'Survive by using your mouth (speech), my child'.
This expression highlights that communication skills and articulateness are essential for survival and success. It is used to describe situations where someone makes a living or gets things done through their power of speech, persuasion, or sometimes by being vocal and assertive about their needs.
దయ్యాల ముందర బిడ్డలు బ్రతుకుతారా?
dayyala mundara biddalu bratukutara?
Will children survive in front of demons?
This expression is used to describe a situation where innocent or vulnerable people cannot thrive or survive under the control of cruel, greedy, or evil individuals. It implies that being in a predatory environment inevitably leads to destruction.
ఉపాయమున్నవాడు ఊరిమీద బ్రతుకుతాడు
upayamunnavadu urimida bratukutadu
A person with resourcefulness lives off the village
This expression means that a clever or resourceful person can survive anywhere by using their intelligence. It highlights that wit and strategic thinking are more valuable than physical labor or inherited wealth for one's livelihood.
మెతుకుపోతే బ్రతుకు పోతుంది
metukupote bratuku potundi
If the grain of rice is lost, life is lost
This expression highlights the vital importance of food security and agriculture. It signifies that even a single grain of rice represents sustenance, and without food (the means of survival), one's very existence is at risk. It is often used to emphasize the value of hard work, the importance of not wasting food, or the critical nature of one's livelihood.
పాటు కలిగితే కూటికి కొదవా?
patu kaligite kutiki kodava?
If you get work, will food be wanting ?
This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and self-reliance. It means that as long as a person is willing to put in physical effort and work hard, they will never have to worry about basic necessities like food. It is used to encourage someone to be industrious rather than lazy or dependent on others.
బతికితే వైద్యుడు బతుకుతాడు, చస్తే బ్రాహ్మణుడు బతుకుతాడు
batikite vaidyudu batukutadu, chaste brahmanudu batukutadu
If the patient lives, the doctor survives; if the patient dies, the priest survives.
This proverb is a satirical take on professions that profit regardless of the outcome. It suggests that if a sick person recovers, the doctor earns money and fame, but if the person dies, the priest earns fees for performing the funeral rites. It is used to describe situations where certain parties benefit from both success and failure.
ఆడదాని బ్రతుకు అరిటాకు బ్రతుకు వంటిది.
adadani bratuku aritaku bratuku vantidi.
A woman's life is like a banana leaf.
This proverb highlights the perceived vulnerability and fragility of a woman's life in traditional society. Like a banana leaf, which gets damaged whether it falls on a thorn or a thorn falls on it, a woman's reputation or life is seen as being easily affected by circumstances regardless of who is at fault.
ఆడదాని బ్రతుకు అల్ప బ్రతుకు
adadani bratuku alpa bratuku
A woman's life is a fragile/humble life
This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.
కలకాలం బ్రతికే బ్రతుకులు, కుడికాలు పెట్టవే కూతురా అన్నట్లు
kalakalam bratike bratukulu, kudikalu pettave kutura annatlu
Like saying 'Step in with your right foot, daughter,' regarding lives that are supposed to last forever.
This expression is used sarcastically to describe people who make grand, long-term plans or worry about trivial ceremonies and traditions, despite the inherent transience and uncertainty of human life. It mocks the irony of treating temporary existence as if it were eternal.
పాటు కలిగితే కూటికి కొదువా
patu kaligite kutiki koduva
If there is hard work, will there be a shortage of food?
This proverb emphasizes the dignity and reward of labor. It means that as long as a person is willing to work hard and put in the effort, they will never have to worry about basic necessities like food. It is used to encourage industriousness and self-reliance.