పుతపుతల మారెమ్మకు పొడి కూడే గాని, గడ్డ కూడు రాదు
putaputala maremmaku podi kude gani, gadda kudu radu
For the goddess Maremma who constantly moves, only powdered food is possible, not a solid lump of rice.
This expression refers to people who are constantly wandering or never staying in one place. Just as a restless person cannot enjoy a steady, hearty meal (solid rice) because they are always on the move, they must settle for quick, powdered snacks. It is used to describe someone whose lack of stability prevents them from achieving substantial results or finding true peace.
Related Phrases
చద్దికూడు తిన్నమ్మకు మొగుడి ఆకలి తెలియదు
chaddikudu tinnammaku mogudi akali teliyadu
A woman who has already eaten cold leftovers cannot understand her husband's hunger.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is already comfortable, satisfied, or has their needs met fails to empathize with the struggles or urgency of others. It highlights a lack of empathy or perspective when one is in a privileged or secure position compared to those around them.
ప్రియములేని కూడు పిండముతో సమానము
priyamuleni kudu pindamuto samanamu
Food served without affection is equal to funeral offerings.
This expression highlights that the hospitality and love with which food is served are more important than the food itself. Food served by someone who does not like you or without genuine warmth is compared to 'Pindam' (food offered to the deceased), implying it is soul-less or insulting to consume.
దారినపోయే మారెమ్మా! మా ఇంటిదాకా వచ్చిపో అన్నట్లు.
darinapoye maremma! ma intidaka vachchipo annatlu.
Like inviting a passing Goddess of pestilence to visit one's home.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily invites trouble or a nuisance into their life when it could have been easily avoided. It refers to the act of calling upon a problem that was simply passing by, leading to self-inflicted misery.
విందూ మందూ మూడు పూటలు.
vindu mandu mudu putalu.
For feasting or for medicine, three times. A man will not be treated as a guest for more than three meals and he is not expected to stay longer.—The effect of medicine should be tried by three doses after which, if it fail, it should be given up.
This proverb suggests that both hospitality (visiting/hosting) and medicinal treatments have a limit to their effectiveness and welcome. Just as one should not overstay their welcome as a guest, one should not overindulge or rely on medicine for too long. It is used to emphasize that some things are only good in moderation and for a short duration.
కంచంలో కూడు కుడువనే గాని కాలదన్నను గాదు
kanchamlo kudu kuduvane gani kaladannanu gadu
I am here to eat the food from the plate, not to kick it away.
This proverb is used to express loyalty or gratitude towards someone who provides sustenance or support. It implies that one should never be ungrateful or harm the source of their livelihood or the person who helps them survive.
ప్రీతిలేని కూడు పిండాకూడు
pritileni kudu pindakudu
Food served without affection is like funeral offerings.
This expression emphasizes that the hospitality and love behind a meal are more important than the food itself. Food served grudgingly or without warmth is compared to 'Pinda', the ritual food offered to the deceased, which is considered uninviting and devoid of the joy of living hospitality. It is used to highlight that one should not accept or offer food where there is no mutual respect or affection.
ఇల్లిటపుటల్లుడు ఇల్లెలపాదికి మొగుడు
illitaputalludu illelapadiki mogudu
The live-in son-in-law is the master of the entire household.
This proverb describes a situation where a son-in-law who moves into his wife's parental home (Illarikam) eventually starts dominating or controlling the entire family. It is often used to remark on someone who enters a group or family in a subordinate position but eventually takes over or causes trouble for everyone involved.
ఒక పూట తినేవాడు యోగి, రెండు పూటలు తినేవాడు భోగి, మూడు పూటలా తినేవాడు రోగి
oka puta tinevadu yogi, rendu putalu tinevadu bhogi, mudu putala tinevadu rogi
One who eats once a day is a Yogi, one who eats twice a day is a Bhogi, one who eats thrice a day is a Rogi
This traditional Telugu proverb highlights the health benefits of moderation in eating. It suggests that eating once a day leads to spiritual and physical discipline (Yogi), eating twice a day is for those enjoying a worldly life (Bhogi), while eating three or more times a day leads to sickness or a diseased state (Rogi).
రాలిన పూవు రెమ్మకు అతుకుకొంటుందా?
ralina puvu remmaku atukukontunda?
Will a fallen flower stick back to the branch?
This expression is used to convey that once something is lost, broken, or passed, it cannot be restored to its original state. It is often used in contexts regarding lost time, broken relationships, or death, emphasizing that some things in life are irreversible.
పూట గడుస్తుంది గాని, మాట నిలిచిపోతుంది.
puta gadustundi gani, mata nilichipotundi.
The time of the day passes, but the word spoken remains.
This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words compared to the temporary nature of time. While moments pass and hardships are forgotten, a promise made or a hurtful word spoken stays in people's memories forever. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their speech and to honor their commitments.