పుస్తె, పూస పసుపు పుణ్యానికే
puste, pusa pasupu punyanike
The wedding locket, the beads, and the turmeric are all just for the sake of sanctity.
This expression is typically used to describe a situation where one performs duties or maintains appearances solely for the sake of tradition, honor, or sanctity, often implying that there is no deeper benefit or joy beyond fulfilling the basic requirements of a role or relationship. It highlights the sacrifices made to uphold the sacredness of a bond.
Related Phrases
రట్టు, రవ్వ రావిపాటి వారిది; పుస్తె, పూస పూసపాటి వారిది.
rattu, ravva ravipati varidi; puste, pusa pusapati varidi.
Scandal and noise belong to Ravipati family; the wedding disc and bead belong to Pusapati family.
This is a historical Telugu proverb used to describe the characteristics or reputations of specific lineages. It contrasts 'Ravipati' (noted for being loud or scandalous) with 'Pusapati' (noted for wealth and traditional status, symbolized by gold jewelry like the 'Pusthe'). In a broader sense, it is used to remark how different families or groups are known for distinct traits—some for notoriety and others for dignity or prosperity.
రట్టూ రవ్వా రావిపాటి వారిది, పుస్తే పూసా పూసపాటి వారిది.
rattu ravva ravipati varidi, puste pusa pusapati varidi.
The fame and the diamond belong to the Ravipati family; the wedding disc and the bead belong to the Pusapati family.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb (sameta) used to describe a perfect match or a balanced distribution of wealth, status, and responsibilities between two families or entities. It highlights how different families have their own unique symbols of prestige—one known for material brilliance and reputation (Ravipati), and the other for marital sanctity and lineage (Pusapati). It is often cited during matrimonial discussions or when comparing the distinct merits of two prominent groups.
ఆ ముఖానికి కేల అర్హశేరు పసుపు
a mukhaniki kela arhasheru pasupu
Why does that face need half a kilo of turmeric?
This proverb is used to criticize someone who makes excessive or unnecessary efforts to improve something that is fundamentally flawed or undeserving. It implies that a person's basic character or situation is so poor that outward adornments or expensive remedies are a waste of resources.
ఊట వేసిన ముడి, వాతవేసిన పసుపు
uta vesina mudi, vatavesina pasupu
A knot soaked in water, turmeric applied to a brand.
This expression is used to describe something that is fixed, permanent, or impossible to undo. Just as a wet knot becomes tighter and harder to untie, and turmeric applied to a cauterized wound stays fixed to the skin, this phrase refers to a decision or situation that is finalized and unchangeable.
సన్యాసి పెళ్ళాం అటు విధవ కాదు, ఇటు పుణ్యస్త్రీ కాదు
sanyasi pellam atu vidhava kadu, itu punyastri kadu
An ascetic's wife is neither a widow nor a married woman with a husband.
This expression refers to a person who is stuck in a state of limbo or an ambiguous situation where they cannot benefit from either side of a status. Just as a Sanyasi (ascetic) is alive but has renounced the world, his wife remains technically married but cannot enjoy the companionship or status of a normal married life, yet she isn't a widow either. It is used to describe situations where someone is neither here nor there, lacking a clear identity or benefit.
ఏకుదారము, ఏగాని పుస్తె.
ekudaramu, egani puste.
A thread of cotton and a cheap coin's worth of wedding locket.
This expression is used to describe a state of extreme poverty or a very minimalist, humble lifestyle. It literally refers to a marriage conducted with the barest of essentials—just a simple thread and the cheapest possible ornament—signifying someone who has no material wealth or possessions.
నల్ల పూసకు తెల్ల పూస లేదు, తెల్ల పూసకు నల్ల పూస లేదు
nalla pusaku tella pusa ledu, tella pusaku nalla pusa ledu
For the black bead there is no white bead, and for the white bead there is no black bead. Said by a wretchedly poor woman who could not afford to buy white beads when she had black, or black when she had white. The beads are strung alternately and used as a necklace by poor women who have not the means of getting gold or silver ornaments.—Hindu married women are not permitted to appear without some neck ornament however trifling the value of it may be.
This expression is used to describe a person who is completely alone, has no relatives, or no connections whatsoever. It signifies absolute isolation or the lack of any support system, often used when referring to a person who has no family to call their own.
* Trane, schau Wem! † Fidati era un buon uomo, Noutifdare era meglio.
ఈ మొహానికా సేరు పసుపు?
i mohanika seru pasupu?
A seer of turmeric for this face?
This expression is used to mock someone who has high or unreasonable demands that do not match their worth or status. It is a sarcastic remark used when someone asks for something far beyond what they deserve or when someone of low merit expects grand treatment.
కూసుముండ నోరు కుట్టుపెట్టితే, అయ్యవారా, ఏం టెంకాయకు పసుపు పూయ లేదు అన్నదట
kusumunda noru kuttupettite, ayyavara, em tenkayaku pasupu puya ledu annadata
When a talkative woman's mouth was sewn shut, she reportedly asked 'Sir, why haven't you applied turmeric to the coconut?'
This proverb is used to describe people who are incorrigibly talkative or habituated to interfering in everything. It suggests that even when someone tries to silence them or put them in a restrictive situation, they will find some trivial reason to speak or complain, often about things that are none of their business.
చింతలు పూస్తే సిరులు, మామిళ్ళు పూస్తే మరణాలు
chintalu puste sirulu, mamillu puste maranalu
If tamarind trees bloom, it leads to riches; if mango trees bloom, it leads to deaths.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to seasonal weather patterns. It suggests that a heavy tamarind bloom indicates a good harvest year (prosperity), whereas an excessive mango bloom often correlates with heatwaves or droughts, which historically led to famines or health issues.