పోతురాజు ఇష్టమా? పొట్టేలు ఇష్టమా?
poturaju ishtama? pottelu ishtama?
Do you like Pothuraju or do you like the ram?
This expression is used when someone is presented with two options that lead to the same result, or when someone is trying to act like they are giving a choice when they actually are not. In village rituals, Pothuraju is the deity to whom a ram (pottelu) is sacrificed. Whether one chooses the deity or the sacrifice, the ram's fate remains the same. It is used to describe a 'no-win' situation or a choice between two equally difficult or identical outcomes.
Related Phrases
కష్ట సంపాదనము, ఇష్టభోజనము.
kashta sampadanamu, ishtabhojanamu.
Hard-earned income, favorite food.
This proverb emphasizes that wealth earned through hard work brings true satisfaction and the right to enjoy one's favorite comforts. It suggests that when you work hard for your money, the pleasure derived from spending it, particularly on good food, is much more fulfilling and honorable.
ఒకనికి ఇగురుకూర ఇష్టం, ఇంకొకనికి పులుసుకూర ఇష్టం.
okaniki igurukura ishtam, inkokaniki pulusukura ishtam.
One likes a dry curry, while another likes a tangy stew.
This proverb is used to express that tastes and preferences are subjective and vary from person to person. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'To each their own' or 'Different strokes for different folks.' It highlights that there is no single right choice when it comes to personal preference.
ఇష్టమైన వస్తువు ఇంగువతో సమానం
ishtamaina vastuvu inguvato samanam
A favorite thing is equal to asafoetida.
This proverb suggests that things we love or value are like asafoetida—even in small quantities or even after the physical object is gone, its impact and 'fragrance' (memory/value) linger on. It is used to describe the lasting impression or the high value placed on cherished possessions or people.
ఒకరికి ఇగురుకూర ఇష్టం, ఒకరికి పులుసుకూర ఇష్టం.
okariki igurukura ishtam, okariki pulusukura ishtam.
One likes stir-fry curry, another likes stew curry.
This expression is used to highlight that tastes and preferences differ from person to person. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'To each their own' or 'Different strokes for different folks.' It suggests that one should respect individual choices because everyone has their own unique likes and dislikes.
ఇష్టమైతే ఈపరాలు, కష్టమైతే కంపరాలు
ishtamaite iparalu, kashtamaite kamparalu
If liked, they are flower garlands; if disliked, they are thorny bushes.
This proverb describes a fickle mindset where a person's perception of someone or something changes based on their current mood or interest. When they like a person, everything about them seems wonderful and soft like flowers (eeparalu), but once the interest fades or a conflict arises, the same person or thing seems irritating and painful like thorns (kamparalu). It is used to mock hypocritical or inconsistent behavior in relationships.
వాది నాశనం, ప్రతివాది ముదనష్టం, ప్లీడర్ల అదృష్టం, కోర్టు వారి ఇష్టం.
vadi nashanam, prativadi mudanashtam, plidarla adrishtam, kortu vari ishtam.
Plaintiff's destruction, defendant's total loss, lawyer's fortune, and the court's whim.
This proverb satirizes the legal system. It implies that in a legal battle, both the plaintiff and the defendant end up losing their wealth and peace of mind, while only the lawyers benefit financially. The final outcome remains unpredictable as it depends entirely on the court's discretion. It is used to advise people to settle disputes outside of court.
అదృష్టం చెప్పి రాదు, దురదృష్టం చెప్పి పోదు.
adrishtam cheppi radu, duradrishtam cheppi podu.
Good luck doesn't come by informing, bad luck doesn't leave by informing.
This proverb highlights the unpredictable nature of fate. It means that good fortune often arrives unexpectedly without prior notice, and similarly, misfortune or bad times do not give a warning before they depart or arrive. It is used to suggest that one should remain humble during success and hopeful during hard times.
ప్రసాదానికి బలిష్టం, పనికి మీ అదృష్టం
prasadaniki balishtam, paniki mi adrishtam
Strong for the offering, luck for the work.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and first in line when it comes to eating or receiving benefits, but makes excuses or relies on 'luck' and laziness when it is time to work. It highlights the hypocrisy of a person who consumes resources greedily but contributes nothing.
నష్టకష్టము
nashtakashtamu
Loss and hardship
This expression is used to describe a situation involving significant trouble, loss, and suffering. It is often used when someone explains the various difficulties or 'trials and tribulations' they have endured to achieve something or during a bad phase in life.
వాది నాశం, ప్రతివాది మృతనష్టం, ప్లీడర్ల అదృష్టం, కోర్టువారి ఇష్టం.
vadi nasham, prativadi mritanashtam, plidarla adrishtam, kortuvari ishtam.
Plaintiff's ruin, defendant's dead loss, lawyer's fortune, and court's whim.
This saying highlights the cynical reality of prolonged legal battles. It implies that while the plaintiff and defendant lose their wealth and peace of mind in litigation, the lawyers profit from the fees, and the final outcome remains at the discretion of the court. It is used to advise people to settle disputes amicably rather than approaching the court.