పొట్టిదాని గట్టితనం పట్టెమంచం ఎక్కినప్పుడు చూడు
pottidani gattitanam pattemancham ekkinappudu chudu
Observe a short woman's strength when she gets onto the woven bed.
This proverb suggests that one's true capability or talent is only revealed during action or when the appropriate opportunity arises, rather than by judging based on physical appearance or stature.
Related Phrases
ఇల్లు కట్టి చూడు, పెళ్ళి చేసి చూడు.
illu katti chudu, pelli chesi chudu.
Try building a house, try performing a wedding.
This proverb highlights the two most challenging, resource-intensive, and complex tasks in a person's life: constructing a home and organizing a marriage. It suggests that one only understands the true extent of the effort, patience, and financial strain involved once they personally undertake these responsibilities.
బోదనం కొట్టితే రాజనం పండును
bodanam kottite rajanam pandunu
If you strike the 'Bodanam' weed, the 'Rajanam' rice will grow.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and timely weeding in agriculture. 'Bodanam' is a weed that mimics the appearance of rice plants; if a farmer identifies and removes it diligently, they will yield high-quality 'Rajanam' rice (a superior variety). It is used to suggest that eliminating negative elements or putting in specific effort leads to excellent results.
పుట్టినప్పుడు పురుడు.
puttinappudu purudu.
Impurity (Purudu) at birth.
This phrase refers to the traditional period of ritual impurity observed by a family after a child is born. In a broader philosophical context, it is often paired with 'Chachinappudu sutakam' (ritual impurity at death) to signify that life is bookended by ceremonies and certain constraints, or to imply that every beginning has its own set of initial challenges or obligations.
కంచం పొత్తేగాని, మంచం పొత్తులేదు
kancham pottegani, mancham pottuledu
Dining plates may be shared, but the bed is not shared.
This expression is used to describe a relationship between people (often relatives or friends) who are close enough to eat together or share a meal, but are not close enough to share a household, intimate secrets, or a marital bond. It highlights the boundaries of social intimacy and the distinction between formal friendship and private life.
ఇల్లు కట్టి చూడు, పెళ్లి చేసి చూడు
illu katti chudu, pelli chesi chudu
Try building a house, try making a marriage. An expense greater than contemplated. Building and the marrying of children are great wasters.
This proverb highlights that building a home and organizing a marriage are the two most challenging and resource-intensive tasks in a person's life. It suggests that one only understands the true extent of the effort, financial strain, and unforeseen difficulties involved once they actually undertake these responsibilities.
దాసిదాని కొడుకు అప్పుడు - దానకర్ణుడు ఇప్పుడు
dasidani koduku appudu - danakarnudu ippudu
A servant's son then - Danakarna now
This expression is used to describe someone who, after gaining wealth or power, forgets their humble beginnings and acts overly generous or boastful to improve their social status. It highlights the contrast between a person's lowly past and their current pretentious behavior.
ఏటిదరి మానికి ఎప్పుడూ చలనము
etidari maniki eppudu chalanamu
A tree on the river bank always totters.
This proverb describes a state of constant insecurity or precariousness. Just as a tree on a river bank is at constant risk of being uprooted by erosion or floods, it refers to a person or a situation that lacks stability and is always under threat of downfall.
Said of a man in an insecure position.
కంచం పొత్తేగాని మంచం పొత్తు లేదు
kancham pottegani mancham pottu ledu
Shared plate but not a shared bed.
This expression describes a relationship where people are close enough to eat together or share social meals, but do not share a deep, private, or familial intimacy. It is often used to define the boundaries of a friendship or a formal association where one's private life remains separate.
అత్తిపత్తి
attipatti
Touch-me-not plant
Literally referring to the Mimosa pudica plant, this expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, shy, or gets easily offended or hurt by even the slightest comment or touch.
వనిత లేనప్పుడు విరక్తి మంచిదన్నట్లు
vanita lenappudu virakti manchidannatlu
Like saying detachment is good when a woman is not around.
This proverb describes people who claim to have high moral values or a lack of desire only because they lack the opportunity to indulge. It mocks temporary or hypocritical renunciation that arises from necessity rather than genuine conviction.