రాజు తలచుకుంటే దెబ్బలకు కొదువా? బ్రహ్మ తలిస్తే ఆయుష్షుకు కొరవా?
raju talachukunte debbalaku koduva? brahma taliste ayushshuku korava?
If the king decides, is there any shortage of beatings? If Brahma decides, is there any shortage of lifespan?
This proverb is used to describe the absolute power of authorities or fate. It implies that if a person in power (like a king) intends to punish, they can find endless ways to do so; conversely, if the creator (Brahma) intends to bless, resources like longevity are limitless. It is often used to highlight that everything depends on the will of those in control or divine destiny.
Related Phrases
మాలలకు మంచాలు, బ్రాహ్మణులకు పీటలు
malalaku manchalu, brahmanulaku pitalu
Cots for Pariahs, stools for Brahmans. Caste customs.
This proverb highlights the irony of social status versus necessity, or situations where resources are allocated based on tradition rather than practical need. It refers to a scenario where those who work hard and need rest (like laborers) are given comfort, while those of high spiritual status are given simple traditional seating, often used to describe misplaced priorities or unexpected role reversals.
బ్రహ్మ తలిస్తే ఆయుస్సుకు కొదువా, మొగుడు తలిస్తే దెబ్బలకు కొదువా?
brahma taliste ayussuku koduva, mogudu taliste debbalaku koduva?
If Brahma decides, is there a shortage of lifespan? If a husband decides, is there a shortage of beatings?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has absolute power or control over an outcome. Just as the Creator (Brahma) can grant a long life at will, someone in a position of authority or dominance can cause trouble or inflict hardship whenever they choose. It often highlights the helplessness of one party against the whims of a more powerful one.
నూరు కొరడా దెబ్బలైనా ఒక బొబ్బట్టుకు సరిరావు
nuru korada debbalaina oka bobbattuku sariravu
Even a hundred whip lashes are not equal to one Bobbattu (sweet flatbread).
This expression is used to describe a situation where one is willing to endure significant physical hardship or punishment if the reward is a delicious meal or something very desirable. It highlights how the craving for good food can sometimes outweigh the fear of pain.
రాజు తలిస్తే గజకంబాలకేమి కొదువ?
raju taliste gajakambalakemi koduva?
If the king desires, is there any shortage of elephant-sized blankets?
This proverb is used to indicate that when a person in power or with immense resources decides to do something, there are no obstacles or lack of resources to stop them. It implies that authority and wealth can make even the most difficult or expensive tasks possible instantly.
తానే తుమ్మి తానే శతాయుష్షు అనుకున్నాడట
tane tummi tane shatayushshu anukunnadata
He sneezed himself and blessed himself with a long life.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is self-centered or lacks external validation. It refers to someone who makes their own decisions, praises their own work, or validates their own actions without anyone else's input or approval. It is often used to mock someone who is being both the judge and the jury in their own case.
దినదిన గండం, నూరేళ్ళాయుష్షు
dinadina gandam, nurellayushshu
A daily danger, but a hundred-year lifespan.
This expression describes a situation where someone faces constant, life-threatening risks or severe challenges every single day, yet somehow manages to survive and continue living for a long time. It is used to characterize a life full of perpetual uncertainty or a job/situation that is dangerously unstable despite its longevity.
మెతుకులు చల్లితే కాకులకు కొదువా?
metukulu challite kakulaku koduva?
If you scatter cooked rice grains, will there be a shortage of crows?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where people flock to someone who has wealth, power, or resources. Just as crows gather wherever food is scattered, opportunistic people will always surround someone who is willing to spend money or offer favors. It implies that followers or sycophants are easy to find as long as there is a personal benefit involved.
బ్రహ్మ తలిస్తే ఆయుస్సుకు తక్కువా, మొగుడు తలిస్తే దెబ్బలకు తక్కువా?
brahma taliste ayussuku takkuva, mogudu taliste debbalaku takkuva?
If Brahmâ wishes, will there be any lack in the length of your days? If the husband wishes, will there be any lack of blows?
This is a sarcastic or cynical proverb used to describe a situation where someone has absolute power or authority to inflict something—either positive or negative. Just as Lord Brahma (the creator) can grant infinite life, a dominant or abusive person can provide an endless supply of trouble or punishment if they set their mind to it. It highlights the inevitability of consequences when someone in power is determined to act.
రాజు తలిస్తే దెబ్బలకు కొదవా?
raju taliste debbalaku kodava?
If the king decides, will there be a shortage of beatings?
This proverb implies that when a person in a position of high authority or power decides to cause harm or create trouble, they have endless means to do so. It is used to describe situations where someone powerful can easily punish or harass others at their whim.
దేవుడు తలిస్తే దెబ్బలకు కొదువా?
devudu taliste debbalaku koduva?
If God decides, will there be a shortage of blows?
This proverb is used to express that when one's luck is bad or when divine fate is against them, troubles and misfortunes come in quick succession from all directions. It is often used to lament a series of unexpected hardships or to suggest that one cannot escape destiny when it turns unfavorable.