పాము వడకకపోతే, దాని విషం వడకకపోతుందా?
pamu vadakakapote, dani visham vadakakapotunda?
If the snake does not crawl, does its venom also not crawl?
This proverb is used to describe people who may appear quiet, weak, or inactive on the outside, but still retain their inherent dangerous nature or harmful qualities. It implies that a person's core character or 'venom' doesn't disappear just because they are not currently acting out.
Related Phrases
చాలకపోతే బలాదూరు అన్నట్లు
chalakapote baladuru annatlu
Like saying if it is not enough, it is useless
This expression describes a dismissive attitude where someone devalues or discards something simply because it isn't sufficient for their specific needs, even if it has inherent value. It is often used to criticize people who make excuses or pretend that things they cannot fully attain are worthless.
మోహము లేకపోతే, మోదము లేదు.
mohamu lekapote, modamu ledu.
Where there is no love, there is no delight.
This proverb explains that without passion, attachment, or desire (Mohamu) for something, one cannot experience true happiness or delight (Modamu) in achieving or having it. It highlights that interest is the prerequisite for enjoyment.
అన్నము లేకపోతే వరి అన్నము, బట్ట లేకపోతే పట్టుబట్ట.
annamu lekapote vari annamu, batta lekapote pattubatta.
If you have no common food, [give me] the best; if you have no common cloth, [give me] a silk one.
This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.
Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.
కంచె చేను మేస్తే, కాపు ఎవరు కాస్తారు?
kanche chenu meste, kapu evaru kastaru?
If the fence itself eats the field, who will be the guard?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person in a position of trust or authority, whose job is to protect something, ends up being the one who exploits or destroys it. It is commonly applied to corruption in leadership or betrayal by a protector.
ఏమీ తోచకపోతే, ఎక్కిరించాడట
emi tochakapote, ekkirinchadata
Not knowing what to do, he began to mimic others.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone, out of boredom or a lack of productive tasks, engages in silly, annoying, or counterproductive behavior. It highlights how an idle mind often resorts to trivial or irritating actions just to pass the time.
అదే పథకమైతే మనము బ్రతకమా?
ade pathakamaite manamu bratakama?
If this were a brooch, might we not be made rich ? Patakam ( Sans. Padaka ) is a valuable ornament attached to the Kanthasara ( necklace ). The allusion is to one made of false gold, and set with false gems. Disappointment. The treasure turned out charcoal. (Latin.)?
This expression is used sarcastically or philosophically to point out that if things actually went according to a specific (often flawed or overly simple) plan, life would be much easier or different. It is often used to highlight the gap between ideal planning and reality, or to dismiss a suggestion that sounds good in theory but is impractical.
నేను పుట్టకపోతే నీకు పెండ్లామే లేకపోవునే అంటే, నీవు పుట్టకపోతే నీ తల్లినే పెళ్ళాడి ఉందునన్నాడట.
nenu puttakapote niku pendlame lekapovune ante, nivu puttakapote ni talline pelladi undunannadata.
When she said 'If I hadn't been born, you wouldn't have had a wife at all', he replied 'If you hadn't been born, I would have married your mother'.
This is a humorous and sarcastic Telugu proverb used to describe a witty or sharp-tongued retort to an arrogant or self-important claim. It highlights how someone's attempt to show their indispensability can be met with a crushing and absurd counter-argument, often used to silence someone who is bragging about their role in a situation.
పెడితే పెళ్ళి, పెట్టకపోతే పెటాకులు
pedite pelli, pettakapote petakulu
If given, it's a marriage; if not, it's shattered pieces.
This proverb describes a fickle or opportunistic person who is pleasant and supportive only as long as they receive favors or benefits. If their demands are met, everything is celebrated (like a wedding); if not, they turn hostile and create trouble (represented by the sound of crackers or destruction).
వట్టి విశ్వాసంతోనే ఏ పనీ కాకపోయినా, అది లేకపోతే మాత్రం ఏ పనీ కాదు.
vatti vishvasantone e pani kakapoyina, adi lekapote matram e pani kadu.
Even if no work is accomplished by mere faith alone, without it, nothing can be done at all.
This expression emphasizes the importance of faith as a prerequisite for success. While faith alone without effort or action might not yield results, it is the foundational motivation required to start or sustain any task. It is used to explain that self-belief or confidence is the starting point for any achievement.
సీత పుట్టకపోతే రామాయణం లేదు, కృష్ణుడు పుట్టకపోతే భారతం లేదు
sita puttakapote ramayanam ledu, krishnudu puttakapote bharatam ledu
If Sita was not born, there would be no Ramayana; if Krishna was not born, there would be no Mahabharata.
This expression highlights the significance of central characters or fundamental causes. It is used to explain that without a specific key person or event, a whole series of subsequent actions or a great story would never have unfolded. It emphasizes that certain individuals are the soul of the narratives they belong to.