నువ్వులకు తగిన నూనె
nuvvulaku tagina nune
Oil according to the [ quantity of ] Sesamum.
This expression is used to indicate that the result or output is directly proportional to the investment, effort, or resources put in. It is often used to tell someone that they get what they pay for, or that rewards are commensurate with the work performed.
Related Phrases
నువ్వుల నూనె ఒకటి, గాండ్లవాడు వేరు.
nuvvula nune okati, gandlavadu veru.
Oil seed and oil are one, the oil-crusher is another. Joining to oppose a common enemy.
This proverb is used to emphasize the distinction between a product and its creator, or the resource and the person who manages it. It suggests that while the essence of something (like the oil) remains the same, the individuals handling it (the oil-pressers) can have different characters, methods, or intentions.
తాగినవాడి తప్పకు తగవులేదు
taginavadi tappaku tagavuledu
There is no point in arguing about the mistake of a drunkard.
This proverb suggests that it is futile to engage in a dispute or hold a drunk person accountable for their actions while they are under the influence, as they lack sense and reasoning. It is used more broadly to advise against arguing with someone who is irrational or not in their right mind.
నువ్వులకు ఏడు దుక్కులు, ఉలవలకు ఒకే దుక్కి
nuvvulaku edu dukkulu, ulavalaku oke dukki
Seven plowings for sesame, one plowing for horsegram.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb indicating that different tasks require different levels of effort. Sesame (gingelly) seeds are tiny and delicate, needing highly refined soil prepared by multiple plowings to thrive. In contrast, horsegram is a hardy crop that grows even in rough, minimally tilled soil. It is used to suggest that one should apply effort proportional to the specific nature and needs of a project.
మన నువ్వులలో నూనె లేకపోతే గానుగవాణ్ణి అంటే ఏం లాభం?
mana nuvvulalo nune lekapote ganugavanni ante em labham?
If our sesame seeds do not have oil, what is the use of blaming the oil-presser?
This proverb highlights that if the flaw lies within our own resources or efforts, there is no point in blaming someone else for the poor outcome. It is used when a person tries to shift responsibility for their own failures onto others who are merely providing a service.
నువ్వులూ నూనె ఒకటి, నూనె గమళ్ళవాడే వేరు
nuvvulu nune okati, nune gamallavade veru
Sesame seeds and oil are one, but the oil extractor is different.
This expression is used to highlight the difference between an entity and the agent that processes it, or to show that while two things are intrinsically linked, the middleman or external factor is distinct. It is often used to describe situations where the source and result are essentially the same, yet someone else takes the credit or handles the transformation.
చెట్టుకు తగిన గాలి
chettuku tagina gali
The wind that is suitable for the tree.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gets exactly what they deserve, or when a consequence is perfectly matched to an action or a person's character. It is similar to the English proverb 'As you sow, so shall you reap' or 'To each according to their capacity.'
మునగకాయకు తగిన ముండ్లు, కాకరకాయకు తగిన కరకులు.
munagakayaku tagina mundlu, kakarakayaku tagina karakulu.
Thorns suited for the drumstick, and roughness suited for the bitter gourd.
This proverb implies that every individual or situation has its own unique set of flaws or characteristics that are inherent to their nature. It is often used to suggest that a person has found a match or a consequence that perfectly fits their specific temperament or behavior, similar to the English expression 'to each their own' or 'fitting for one's nature.'
ఫలానికి తగిన బీజము, నేలకు తగిన నీరు
phalaniki tagina bijamu, nelaku tagina niru
Seed suitable for the fruit, water suitable for the soil
This proverb suggests that results are dictated by the quality of inputs and the environment. Just as a specific seed determines the fruit and the soil type determines the water requirement, the outcome of any endeavor depends on using the right resources and adapting to the specific circumstances.
అంతకు తగిన గంత, గంతకు తగిన బొంత.
antaku tagina ganta, gantaku tagina bonta.
A pack-saddle fits the size, and a quilt fits the pack-saddle.
This proverb is used to describe a perfect match or a situation where things are suited to each other, often used in a sarcastic or humorous way to describe a couple or a pair of people who share the same (often negative) traits or habits. It implies that for every person or situation, there is a corresponding match that deserves them.
గంతకు తగిన బొంత
gantaku tagina bonta
Like packsaddle, like quilt.
This expression is used to describe two people or things that are a perfect match for each other, often in a sarcastic or negative sense (like two equally lazy or cunning people). It is the Telugu equivalent of the English phrase 'Like father, like son' or 'A chip off the old block', implying that the quality or nature of one thing matches the other perfectly.
Like pot, like cover. (Dutch.)*