పప్పే పస బాపలకును, ఉప్పే వసరుచులకెల్ల ఉవిదలకెల్లన్ కొప్పె పస
pappe pasa bapalakunu, uppe vasaruchulakella uvidalakellan koppe pasa
Dal is the strength for brahmins, salt is the essence of all tastes, and the hair-bun is the beauty for women.
This is a traditional Telugu verse (padyam) that highlights essential attributes or sources of pride for specific subjects. It suggests that dal (lentils) is the primary delight or strength for the priestly class, salt is the fundamental ingredient that gives life to all flavors, and a well-decorated hair-bun (koppu) is the crowning jewel of a woman's beauty. It is often cited to emphasize how certain simple elements are foundational to identity and aesthetics.
Related Phrases
భోగములకెల్లను నెచ్చెలి జవ్వనంబు
bhogamulakellanu nechcheli javvanambu
Youth is the close companion to all pleasures.
This expression highlights that youth is the prime time for experiencing life's luxuries and joys. It implies that the capacity to enjoy sensory pleasures is at its peak during one's youth, making it the 'best friend' or 'companion' to a life of enjoyment.
పోతేపల్లివారికి పప్పే సంభావన
potepallivariki pappe sambhavana
To the men of Pôtêpalli, Dâl is the money present. Said of very poor Brahmans ready to rush to feasts for the sake only of the food, although they know that they will not receive a present in money. Pôtêpalli literally means "Going-village."
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is easily satisfied with very little or where the standard of hospitality/reward is consistently minimal. It refers to a specific group or person who expects or receives the same simple thing every time, regardless of the occasion.
కుక్కను పెంచితే గండాయె, కూటి కుండలకెల్లా చేటాయె
kukkanu penchite gandaye, kuti kundalakella chetaye
If you rear up a dog, when it becomes big it will empty all your dishes.
This proverb describes a situation where someone or something brought in for protection or help ends up causing more damage and trouble than the benefit they provide. It is used when a solution backfires or when a person one nurtures turns out to be a liability.
Put a snake into your bosom and when it is warm it will sting you.
వేసాలెల్లా గ్రాసాలకే
vesalella grasalake
Every garb ( i. e. occupation ) is for food.
This proverb suggests that all the hard work, various roles, or pretenses a person adopts are ultimately driven by the necessity of earning a livelihood. It is often used to remind someone that regardless of their status or the 'mask' they wear, the primary goal is survival and basic needs.
పసరం పంజైతే పసులకాపరి తప్పే
pasaram panjaite pasulakapari tappe
If the cattle become useless, it is the fault of the cowherd.
This proverb suggests that if subordinates or dependents fail or become unproductive, the blame lies with the leader or the person in charge. It highlights the importance of proper supervision, management, and leadership.
ఇయ్యగల ఇప్పించగల అయ్యలకేగాక మూతిమీసం అన్యులకేలా
iyyagala ippinchagala ayyalakegaka mutimisam anyulakela
Except for the gentlemen who can give or help to give, why should others have a mustache on their face?
This expression emphasizes that a true man is one who is generous or helps others obtain what they need. It suggests that if a person lacks the quality of charity or helpfulness, their outward signs of masculinity (like a mustache) are meaningless. It is used to criticize those who have the means to help but lack the will.
ఇష్టంలేని పెళ్ళాన్ని 'ఒసే' అన్నా తప్పే 'అమ్మా' అన్నా తప్పే
ishtamleni pellanni ose anna tappe amma anna tappe
If you don't like your wife, calling her 'Ose' is a mistake, and calling her 'Amma' is also a mistake.
This proverb describes a situation where someone is determined to find fault regardless of the actions taken. When a person is prejudiced or dislikes someone, even respectful or neutral behavior will be misinterpreted or criticized. It is used to highlight unfair bias and the impossibility of pleasing someone who has already made up their mind to be unhappy with you.
కుక్కను పెంచితే గండాయె, కూటికుండెలకెల్లా చేటాయె
kukkanu penchite gandaye, kutikundelakella chetaye
Raising a dog became a danger; it ruined all the food pots.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone or something intended for protection or assistance ends up causing more harm than good. It refers to a person who, instead of helping, becomes a burden or causes loss to those who support them.
అల్పనరులకెల్ల నతివలపై చింత
alpanarulakella nativalapai chinta
Low-minded men always worry about women
This expression suggests that petty or shallow-minded individuals are constantly preoccupied with thoughts of women or carnal desires rather than focusing on higher goals or noble pursuits. It is often used to criticize someone's lack of ambition or depth.
పేదవాని పెళ్ళాం ఊరందరికీ వదిన
pedavani pellam urandariki vadina
A poor man's wife is a sister-in-law to the whole village.
This proverb illustrates how people in power or those with higher social status often take liberties with or lack respect for those who are vulnerable or lack protection. It suggests that when someone is poor or weak, everyone feels entitled to treat them with over-familiarity or disregard their dignity.