పచ్చి గడ్డి వేస్తే భగ్గుమంటుంది
pachchi gaddi veste bhaggumantundi
Put green grass [ between two rivals ], and it will blaze up.
This expression is used to describe an extreme state of animosity or intense rivalry between two people. Since green grass is naturally damp and shouldn't burn easily, the metaphor suggests that the hatred is so volatile and fiery that even non-flammable things would ignite immediately upon contact. It describes a situation where two parties are ready to fight at the slightest provocation.
Related Phrases
ఉండనిస్తే పండుతుంది, ఊడదీస్తే ఎండుతుంది
undaniste pandutundi, udadiste endutundi
If left alone it ripens, if plucked out it withers.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of patience and letting things take their natural course. Just as a fruit needs time on the tree to ripen and will wither if picked too early, certain situations or relationships require time and space to mature. It is used to advise against being impulsive or forceful.
నవ్విన నాపచేనే పండుతుంది
navvina napachene pandutundi
The field of young millet which is laughed at will be fruitful. Hindu cultivators assemble round a field which is in want of rain and laugh at it, taunting it with its unfruitfulness. By this means they believe that rain is brought down.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who was initially ridiculed, underestimated, or doubted ends up achieving great success. It teaches that one should not judge by initial appearances or temporary failures, as persistence can lead to unexpected prosperity.
కుక్క పని గాడిద చేస్తే నడ్డి విరిగిందట
kukka pani gadida cheste naddi virigindata
When the donkey tried to do the dog's job, its back broke.
This proverb is used to illustrate the consequences of interfering in someone else's business or trying to perform a task for which one is not suited or trained. It highlights that everyone has their own specific roles and responsibilities, and stepping out of one's domain can lead to failure or self-harm.
వేలికి వేస్తే మెలిక, కాలికి వేస్తే బంధం
veliki veste melika, kaliki veste bandham
If put on the finger it's a twist, if put on the leg it's a shackle.
This proverb describes someone who is extremely cunning, manipulative, or versatile in making excuses. It refers to a person who can adapt their behavior or arguments to any situation just to get their way—if you try to catch them one way, they twist out of it; if you try another, they bind you instead.
అగ్గువ అయితే అంగడికి వస్తున్నది
agguva ayite angadiki vastunnadi
When it is cheap, it comes to the bazar.
This proverb is used to criticize something of poor quality or low value. It implies that items are only readily available or brought to the market in abundance when they are cheap or inferior. It can also be applied to people or situations where someone shows up only when there is an easy benefit or no effort required.
వేలుకు వేస్తే కాలికి, కాలికి వేస్తే వేలికి.
veluku veste kaliki, kaliki veste veliki.
If put on the finger it goes to the toe, and if put on the toe it goes to the finger.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely manipulative, inconsistent, or shifty in their speech. It refers to someone who changes their story or logic constantly to suit their convenience, making it impossible to pin them down to a single fact or commitment.
అన్నం ఉడికినాక పొయ్యి మండుతుంది.
annam udikinaka poyyi mandutundi.
The stove burns brightly after the rice is cooked.
This proverb describes a situation where help, resources, or solutions arrive too late to be of any use. It is used to remark on wasted efforts or delayed timing that misses the window of opportunity.
ఉండనిస్తే పండుతుంది, ఊడదీస్తే ఎండుతుంది.
undaniste pandutundi, udadiste endutundi.
If you leave it alone, it will bear fruit; if you pull it up, it will wither away.
This proverb highlights the importance of patience and allowing things to take their natural course. It is often used to advise someone not to rush a process or interfere prematurely, as doing so might spoil the end result, just as a fruit needs time on the tree to ripen but will dry up if picked too early.
మానింది మందు
manindi mandu
That which heals is the medicine
This expression is used to convey that the effectiveness of a remedy or solution is what truly matters, regardless of its cost, origin, or reputation. If a treatment works and the ailment is cured, it is considered the right 'medicine'. It is often applied to situations where practical results are valued over theoretical perfection.
ధూపం వేస్తే పాపం పోతుందా?
dhupam veste papam potunda?
If you offer incense, sin will be removed.
This expression is used to highlight hypocrisy or the futility of performing outward religious rituals while harboring bad intentions or having committed serious wrongs. It suggests that a small ritual cannot wash away the consequences of one's misdeeds.