ప్రోలులోనే లేకపోతే, పొడుగునా ఉంటుందా?

prolulone lekapote, poduguna untunda?

Translation

If it is not present in the town itself, will it be found along the way?

Meaning

This proverb highlights that if something is not found at its primary source or origin (prolu/town), it is unlikely to be found in the outskirts or along the journey. It is used to express skepticism about finding a solution or resource in secondary places when it was absent at the main source.

Related Phrases

If a husband is not there, then the elder sister's husband; if a curry is not there, then dal.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone settles for a substitute or an alternative when the original or preferred choice is unavailable. It highlights the human tendency to find a replacement, sometimes even an inappropriate or simplified one, just to fill a void.

Where there is no love, there is no delight.

This proverb explains that without passion, attachment, or desire (Mohamu) for something, one cannot experience true happiness or delight (Modamu) in achieving or having it. It highlights that interest is the prerequisite for enjoyment.

When there is no substance, arrogance is high

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks genuine talent, knowledge, or wealth, but compensates for it with excessive pride or vanity. It is similar to the English proverb 'Empty vessels make the most noise.'

Like peeling a fruit and placing it in the hand

This expression is used to describe a situation where something is explained so clearly and simply that it requires no effort to understand. It is similar to the English phrase 'making it crystal clear' or 'handing it on a silver platter.'

If you have no common food, [give me] the best; if you have no common cloth, [give me] a silk one.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.

Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.

Short and strong, tall and weak. A short man needs no stool to give a great lubber a box on the car.

This proverb suggests that physical stature does not necessarily determine strength or capability. It implies that short people are often sturdy and resilient (tough), while tall people might be clumsy or lacking in stamina (hollow). It is used to caution against judging someone's ability based solely on their height.

If the mother has leukoderma, won't the child have at least a spot?

This proverb is used to describe how children often inherit the traits, habits, or characteristics of their parents (similar to 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree'). It suggests that a person's behavior or nature is naturally influenced by their lineage or upbringing.

There are sixty-six varieties of delicacies right inside the cow's udder.

This proverb highlights the immense value and versatility of milk provided by a cow. It implies that from a single source (milk), one can create a vast multitude of foods, sweets, and nutrients, emphasizing the cow's sacred and provider status in Indian culture.

When there isn't even oil for the son-in-law, the best man (companion) expects ghee.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the primary person or the main requirement is not being met, yet a secondary person or a minor requirement demands something even more expensive or luxurious. It highlights misplaced priorities or unrealistic expectations from subordinates/dependents when the leader/main person is struggling.

When she said 'If I hadn't been born, you wouldn't have had a wife at all', he replied 'If you hadn't been born, I would have married your mother'.

This is a humorous and sarcastic Telugu proverb used to describe a witty or sharp-tongued retort to an arrogant or self-important claim. It highlights how someone's attempt to show their indispensability can be met with a crushing and absurd counter-argument, often used to silence someone who is bragging about their role in a situation.