ఒకనాటి పెళ్ళికి, ముఖమంతా కాటుక.
okanati pelliki, mukhamanta katuka.
For a one-day wedding, the whole face is covered in mascara.
This proverb describes a situation where someone puts in an excessive, disproportionate, or messy amount of effort for a very small or short-lived occasion. It is often used to mock someone who over-prepares or over-decorates to the point of looking ridiculous for a minor event.
Related Phrases
అంతా కంత
anta kanta
All of it is just a hole/gap
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a total loss, or when something is completely hollow, empty, or useless despite appearances. It implies that everything has gone down the drain or that the entirety of a matter results in nothingness.
ఊరంతా ఒక దారి, ఉలకపావనిది ఒక దారి (ఊరంతా ఊరిముఖం, దాసరి తాళ్ళముఖము)
uranta oka dari, ulakapavanidi oka dari (uranta urimukham, dasari tallamukhamu)
The whole village faces one way, while the Dasari faces the palm trees.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is eccentric or stubborn and refuses to conform to the group. When everyone is heading in one direction or agreeing on a common path, this person intentionally chooses a different, often illogical, direction or opinion.
కళ్లు ఉండగానే కాటుక
kallu undagane katuka
[ Apply ] collyrium to your eyes while you have them.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being cheated or robbed in broad daylight, or right in front of their eyes while they are fully aware. It signifies extreme audacity or boldness in deception, suggesting that the thief or deceiver is so daring that they act even when the victim is watching.
Make use of your opportunities before they pass from you.
వెళ్లిపొమ్మంటే, పెళ్లికి వెళ్దామన్నట్లు
vellipommante, pelliki veldamannatlu
When told to leave, acting as if invited to a wedding
This expression describes a person who thick-skinnedly ignores a clear rejection or an order to leave, instead pretending they were invited to stay for a celebration. It is used to mock someone who is unwelcome but refuses to take the hint or is intentionally being stubborn and naive to serve their own interest.
ఒకనాటి సుఖం ఒక ఏటి కష్టం
okanati sukham oka eti kashtam
One day's pleasure is a year's hardship
This proverb is used to warn someone that a brief moment of indulgence or a short-term reckless decision can lead to long-term suffering and difficulties. It emphasizes the importance of thinking about future consequences before acting.
నీ చంకలో పెట్టుకొని పెళ్ళికి వెళ్ళినట్లు
ni chankalo pettukoni pelliki vellinatlu
Like going to a wedding while carrying water (neeyi) in one's armpit.
This expression is used to describe a person who carries unnecessary baggage or clings to something burdensome while going to an important or celebratory event. It highlights the absurdity of holding onto something that hinders one's enjoyment or ease during a significant occasion.
వాననాటి వరద, పెళ్ళినాటి పప్పుకూడు.
vananati varada, pellinati pappukudu.
Flood on a rainy day, dal-rice on a wedding day.
This expression refers to things that are temporary or occur only on specific occasions. Just as a flood only lasts as long as the rain and special wedding food is only served during the ceremony, certain benefits or situations are transient and do not last forever.
వేసంగి పంట ఒకనాటి పంట.
vesangi panta okanati panta.
A summer crop is a one-day crop.
This proverb highlights the volatility and risk associated with summer farming. Due to extreme heat or water scarcity, a standing crop that looks healthy can perish or be harvested in a single day, implying that its success is highly uncertain compared to other seasons.
ఎట్టకేలకు పంటే ఒకనాటి వంటే.
ettakelaku pante okanati vante.
Finally, the harvest is but a single day's meal.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a lot of hard work or a long waiting period results in a very small or temporary benefit. It emphasizes that despite extensive efforts, the outcome may be fleeting or insufficient.
ఒకనాటి సుఖం ఆరునెలల కష్టం.
okanati sukham arunelala kashtam.
One day's pleasure is six months' hardship.
This proverb is used to warn someone against momentary indulgence or short-term gratification that leads to long-term suffering, debt, or negative consequences. It emphasizes the importance of foresight and self-control.