పప్పుకూటికి పది ఆమడలైనా వెళ్ళమన్నారు
pappukutiki padi amadalaina vellamannaru
They say one should travel even ten amadas (distance) for a meal with dal.
This proverb highlights the high value placed on 'Pappu' (dal/lentils) in Telugu culture. It suggests that a simple, nutritious, and satisfying meal is worth any amount of effort or travel. It is used to describe something so desirable or beneficial that the distance or struggle to obtain it becomes irrelevant.
Related Phrases
చెడదున్ని సెనగలు చల్లమన్నారు.
chedadunni senagalu challamannaru.
They said to plow poorly and sow chickpeas.
This proverb highlights agricultural wisdom specifically for chickpea (Bengal gram) cultivation. Unlike other crops that require finely tilled soil, chickpeas thrive in soil with large clods (rough plowing) because it helps maintain moisture and allows for better aeration. It is used to suggest that sometimes unconventional or seemingly 'messy' methods are the most effective for specific tasks.
మూడు మనువులు వెళ్ళినా, పొయ్యి ఊదమన్నారు
mudu manuvulu vellina, poyyi udamannaru
Even after going through three marriages, they told her to blow the stove.
This expression highlights that no matter how much experience or seniority one gains, they cannot escape basic chores or fundamental responsibilities. It is often used to describe situations where a person's status or age doesn't exempt them from hard work or routine tasks.
పప్పన్నమంటే పది ఆమడలైనా పరుగెత్తవలెను
pappannamante padi amadalaina parugettavalenu
When we hear of Dâl and rice we should run for it, even though it be hundred miles off. Said of a greedy Brahman.
This proverb highlights the immense value and comfort of a simple, wholesome meal like dal-rice (pappannam). It is used to describe how someone is willing to go to great lengths or travel long distances for something they truly cherish or find satisfying, often used in the context of food or simple pleasures.
జారితే పడమన్నారు కానీ, జరిగితే పడమన్నారా?
jarite padamannaru kani, jarigite padamannara?
They said to fall if you slip, but did they say to fall if you move?
This expression is used to mock someone who makes excuses for their failures or mistakes. It highlights the difference between an accidental mishap (slipping) and a deliberate or avoidable action (moving/shifting), suggesting that while some mistakes are inevitable, one shouldn't intentionally fail or blame circumstances for their own lack of effort.
పది ఆమడల వర్షంతో పరగడ గుట్టం పరుగెత్తలేదు
padi amadala varshanto paragada guttam parugettaledu
Even with ten leagues of rain, the dry hillock cannot run away.
This proverb is used to describe an extremely lazy, sluggish, or unresponsive person. Just as a heavy rainfall cannot move a massive, stationary hill, no amount of motivation, pressure, or change in circumstances can make a fundamentally idle person act or change their ways.
అప్పు చేసి పప్పు కూడు
appu chesi pappu kudu
Eating lentil rice by taking a loan.
This proverb describes a person who lives a lavish or comfortable lifestyle beyond their means by borrowing money. It refers to the habit of prioritizing immediate luxury or indulgence without worrying about future debt or financial consequences.
ఆపదలైనా, సంపదలైనా ఒంటరిగా రావు.
apadalaina, sampadalaina ontariga ravu.
Be it calamities or wealth, they do not come alone.
This expression suggests that both misfortunes and fortunes tend to arrive in series or clusters rather than as isolated incidents. It is used to describe situations where multiple problems occur at once (misfortunes never come singly) or when a stroke of luck leads to multiple benefits.
ఇంటి కూటికి, దోవ కూటికి రెంటికీ చెడినట్లు
inti kutiki, dova kutiki rentiki chedinatlu
Like losing both the meal at home and the meal for the journey.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to gain from two different options but ends up losing both due to indecision, poor planning, or greed. It is similar to the English idiom 'falling between two stools.'
పప్పుకూటికి ముందు, వెట్టిమూటకు వెనక ఉండాలి
pappukutiki mundu, vettimutaku venaka undali
Be first for the dal meal and last for the forced labor bundle.
This proverb highlights human nature regarding self-interest and survival. It suggests that one should be quick to participate in rewarding or beneficial situations (like a meal) but should be slow or hesitant to volunteer for difficult, unpaid, or heavy manual labor (vetti).
కష్టపడి సుఖపడమన్నారు
kashtapadi sukhapadamannaru
They said to work hard and then enjoy the happiness
This expression emphasizes the value of hard work as a prerequisite for success and comfort. It is used to motivate someone to put in effort now so they can reap the rewards and live peacefully later in life. It reflects the philosophy that true happiness is earned through diligence.