పెట్టగతులు లేకున్న పుట్టగతులు ఉండవు.
pettagatulu lekunna puttagatulu undavu.
If one does not perform acts of giving, there will be no auspicious path after rebirth.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of charity and kindness during one's lifetime. It suggests that if a person is stingy or fails to help others (Pettagathulu), they will not have a good fate or salvation in their next life or after death (Puttagathulu). It is used to encourage generosity and moral living.
Related Phrases
కాల కర్మగతుల కనిపెట్టవలెనయా
kala karmagatula kanipettavalenaya
One must observe the movements of time and fate
This expression suggests that one should be mindful and perceptive of how time and destiny unfold. It is often used to imply that instead of rushing or forcing things, one should wait and understand the natural flow of life's events and the consequences of actions over time.
పువ్వు పుట్టగానే పరిమళిస్తుంది
puvvu puttagane parimalistundi
A flower gives off fragrance as soon as it is born.
This expression is used to describe a person who shows signs of greatness, talent, or intelligence from a very early age. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'The child is father of the man' or 'Genius manifests itself early'.
పంతులు పెళ్ళాం మెంతులు లేక గంతులు వేసిందట
pantulu pellam mentulu leka gantulu vesindata
The priest's wife supposedly jumped around because she didn't have fenugreek seeds.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes a huge fuss or throws a tantrum over a very trivial or minor issue. It highlights the absurdity of reacting dramatically to the lack of something insignificant.
బూతు లేనిదే నీతి లేదు
butu lenide niti ledu
There is no morality without profanity.
This expression suggests that to truly understand or highlight what is moral and righteous, one must also acknowledge or encounter the base, crude, or immoral aspects of life. It implies that wisdom often comes from experiencing or witnessing the 'raw' realities of the world, or that strict moral lessons often stem from instances of bad behavior.
తాతల నాటి నేతులు తాగాం, మూతులు వాసన చూడమన్నట్లు
tatala nati netulu tagam, mutulu vasana chudamannatlu
We drank ghee in our grandfathers' time, now smell our mouths.
This proverb is used to mock people who boast about their ancestors' past wealth or glory while currently living in poverty or insignificance. It highlights the absurdity of trying to claim status based on long-gone prosperity that has no practical value in the present.
పూవు పుట్టగానే వాసన
puvu puttagane vasana
The flower smells as soon as it is born
This expression is used to describe a person, usually a child, who shows signs of greatness or exceptional talent from a very young age. It implies that inherent qualities and potential are evident right from the beginning, much like a fragrant flower is aromatic from the moment it blooms.
పంతులు గింతులు పావుశేరు మెంతులు ఎగరేసి కొడితే ఏడు గంతులు
pantulu gintulu pavusheru mentulu egaresi kodite edu gantulu
Pundits and such are like a quarter seer of fenugreek seeds; if you toss them up and strike, they jump seven times.
This is a humorous and mocking rhyming chant or 'sameta' used to poke fun at teachers or scholars (Pantulu). It suggests that despite their status, they can be easily rattled or made to jump around. It is often used by children or in a lighthearted, albeit disrespectful, way to diminish the authority of a teacher.
పిల్ల పుట్టగానే పాలు పడ్డట్లు
pilla puttagane palu paddatlu
As if the milk arrived the moment the child was born
This expression is used to describe a situation where a necessary resource or solution becomes available exactly when it is needed, often by natural design or perfect timing. It highlights the providence of nature or a stroke of good luck where preparation meets a new requirement perfectly.
సుతులు లేని వారికి గతులు లేవు.
sutulu leni variki gatulu levu.
Those who do not have sons have no salvation.
Historically, this proverb reflects an old belief that a son is necessary to perform final rites for parents to attain 'Moksha' (salvation). In a modern context, it is often used to discuss traditional family values or the cultural importance placed on continuing the lineage.
ఏమీ లేనిమ్మకు పంతాలు లావు, ఉన్నమ్మకు ఆశలు లావు
emi lenimmaku pantalu lavu, unnammaku ashalu lavu
The woman who has nothing has great stubbornness, while the woman who has everything has great greed.
This proverb highlights a contrast in human behavior: those with no resources or status often resort to excessive pride or stubbornness to overcompensate, whereas those who are wealthy or successful are often driven by an insatiable desire for more. It is used to describe how ego and greed manifest differently based on one's circumstances.