ఒళ్ళారితే లేడివలె.
ollarite ledivale.
Once the body dries up, it's like a deer.
This proverb describes someone who is lazy or makes excuses while they are comfortable or sick, but becomes extremely active and agile once their needs are met or their health recovers. It is often used to criticize people who avoid work by acting frail but move swiftly like a deer when it suits their interests.
Related Phrases
ఇల్లరికం కన్నా మాలరికం మేలు
illarikam kanna malarikam melu
Working as a manual laborer is better than living as a resident son-in-law.
This proverb highlights the loss of self-respect and the social stigma traditionally associated with 'Illarikam' (the practice of a son-in-law living in his wife's parents' house). It suggests that even performing menial labor is more dignified than living on the mercy of in-laws, where one might be treated like a servant or face constant ridicule.
సాగితే ఇడవలె జారితే పడవలె.
sagite idavale jarite padavale.
If it stretches, one should leave it; if one slips, one should fall.
This proverb advises adaptability and acceptance of circumstances. It suggests that if something can be extended or managed, do so; but if a situation becomes uncontrollable or a failure is inevitable (like slipping), one should accept the outcome rather than struggling pointlessly. It is often used to describe going with the flow or being practical about one's limitations.
కండ్లేరు కారితే కరువు, పారితే పండుగ.
kandleru karite karuvu, parite panduga.
If the Kandleru flows like a trickle, it's a famine; if it flows fully, it's a festival.
This is a traditional agricultural saying from the Palnadu region of Andhra Pradesh regarding the Kandleru stream. It signifies that the prosperity of the farmers depends entirely on the water levels of the river. A small stream (trickle) indicates drought and crop failure, while a full flow ensures a bountiful harvest and celebration.
వేసరితే లేనిది విచారిస్తే వచ్చునా?
vesarite lenidi vichariste vachchuna?
Will what is not obtained through effort come by merely worrying?
This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance. It suggests that if something cannot be achieved through dedicated effort (vesarite), it certainly cannot be gained by simply overthinking, grieving, or worrying about it (vichariste). It is used to motivate someone to act rather than wallow in regret or anxiety.
సాగితే యడవాలి, జారితే పడవాలి
sagite yadavali, jarite padavali
If you can, you must give ; if you slip, you must fall.
This proverb advises adaptability and presence of mind based on the situation. It suggests that if things are going your way (stretching), you should make the most of it, but if a failure or slip-up is inevitable, one should accept it and fall gracefully rather than struggling fruitlessly. It is used to describe going with the flow of circumstances.
మాటే లేకుంటే చోటే లేదు
mate lekunte chote ledu
If there is no word, there is no place.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and social interaction. It suggests that if you do not speak or express yourself properly, you will not find a place for yourself in society or in a specific situation. It is often used to encourage people to speak up or to highlight that social status and inclusion are built through speech and reputation.
ఇంటివాడివలె చేసేవాడు లేడు, బయటివాడివలె తినేవాడూ లేడు.
intivadivale chesevadu ledu, bayativadivale tinevadu ledu.
There is no one who works like a family member, and no one who eats like an outsider.
This expression highlights the contrast between ownership and detachment. It implies that a person who has a stake in the house (the family member) works with utmost dedication and responsibility, whereas a guest or outsider enjoys the benefits (the meal) without the same burden of labor or long-term concern for the resources.
కూర్చుంటే కుంటి, లేస్తే లేడి
kurchunte kunti, leste ledi
Lame while sitting, a deer when standing.
This expression is used to describe a person who pretends to be lazy, weak, or incapable when asked to do work, but becomes extremely quick, active, and energetic when it comes to their own interests, food, or play.
కాలు కాలిన పిల్లిలా
kalu kalina pillila
Like a cat with a burnt foot
This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely restless, anxious, or unable to stay in one place. Just as a cat with a burnt paw would jump around in distress, it refers to a person moving about aimlessly or frantically due to tension or urgency.
ఇల్లరికముకన్నా మూలరికం మేలు
illarikamukanna mularikam melu
Remaining in a corner is better than living as a resident son-in-law.
This proverb highlights the loss of self-respect often experienced by a man who moves into his wife's parental home (Illarikam). It suggests that living in poverty or isolation (Mularikam) while maintaining one's dignity is far superior to the dependency and potential humiliation faced when living under the roof of in-laws.