పెక్కురేగుల్లో ఒక జిల్లేడు బ్రతుకునా?

pekkuregullo oka jilledu bratukuna?

Translation

Can a Jillêdu live in the midst of Rêgu bushes ? How can a good man live in the midst of the wicked ?

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a single gentle or weak person is surrounded by many harsh, wicked, or aggressive people. Just as a soft calotropis plant would be crushed or choked by thorny jujube trees, it is difficult for a good person to thrive or even survive in the company of the wicked.

Related Phrases

Will a Calotropis plant bear mangoes?

This expression is used to highlight that one's nature, quality, or output is determined by their origin or character. Just as a toxic or weed-like plant (Jilledu) cannot produce a sweet fruit (Mango), one cannot expect greatness, kindness, or high-quality results from a person or source that lacks those inherent qualities.

A man's life is a bowl full of grains; a woman's life is a grain in the gruel.

This traditional proverb reflects historical gender roles and social hierarchies. It suggests that a man's life or contribution is seen as substantial and central (a bowl full of food), while a woman's life is often perceived as supplementary or less significant (a single grain in liquid). It is used to describe the disparity in how society values the lives and roles of men and women.

When asked 'Mother, how shall I survive?', the mother replied 'Survive by using your mouth (speech), my child'.

This expression highlights that communication skills and articulateness are essential for survival and success. It is used to describe situations where someone makes a living or gets things done through their power of speech, persuasion, or sometimes by being vocal and assertive about their needs.

If the patient lives, the doctor survives; if the patient dies, the priest survives.

This proverb is a satirical take on professions that profit regardless of the outcome. It suggests that if a sick person recovers, the doctor earns money and fame, but if the person dies, the priest earns fees for performing the funeral rites. It is used to describe situations where certain parties benefit from both success and failure.

Could a child live in front of devils ?

This expression is used to describe a situation where something fragile, innocent, or valuable is placed in the hands of cruel and heartless people. Just as a child cannot survive amongst demons, a good person or a delicate task cannot thrive or succeed in an environment filled with wicked people or destructive forces.

Tie yourself to a hanging rope basket and go around the village.

A sarcastic expression used to mock someone who is overly proud or seeking excessive attention for a minor or insignificant achievement. It is used to tell someone that they are acting as if they have done something heroic when they haven't.

A woman's life is like a banana leaf.

This proverb highlights the perceived vulnerability and fragility of a woman's life in traditional society. Like a banana leaf, which gets damaged whether it falls on a thorn or a thorn falls on it, a woman's reputation or life is seen as being easily affected by circumstances regardless of who is at fault.

Lives last as long as there are provisions

This expression means that a person's existence or stay in a place is dependent on the resources or destiny (karma/provisions) allotted to them. It is often used to signify that life is temporary and will continue only as long as the 'rations' or 'sustenance' provided by fate last.

Wife's word is the path to life.

This expression suggests that listening to a wife's advice leads to a stable, prosperous, and successful life. It highlights the importance of a spouse's wisdom in maintaining a happy household.

A woman's life is a fragile/humble life

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.