రాముని పాదాలు తగిలితే, రాళ్ళు రమణులవుతవి.

ramuni padalu tagilite, rallu ramanulavutavi.

Translation

If Rama's feet touch them, stones turn into beautiful women.

Meaning

This expression originates from the Ramayana (Ahalya's story). It is used to signify the transformative power of a great person's presence or grace, suggesting that even the most hardened or hopeless situations can be redeemed and beautified by the touch of divinity or noble leadership.

Related Phrases

Ships become carts, and carts become ships.

This proverb highlights the unpredictable and cyclical nature of life and fortune. It signifies that someone who is wealthy or powerful today might face hardship tomorrow, and vice versa. It is used to advise humility during success and hope during failure, reminding us that time can change anyone's circumstances.

The trouble that befell the iron has now befallen the charcoal.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent associate or a bystander suffers the same harsh punishment or hardship as the main culprit. Just as charcoal is burnt and exhausted while heating iron in a forge, an innocent person often gets caught up and destroyed in the process of dealing with a problematic person or situation.

When Rama's foot touched a stone, it became a woman (Ahalya); when my foot touched a stone, I became a monkey.

This expression is used to highlight the difference in luck, merit, or capability between two people. While one person's touch can create miracles or success, another person's attempt at the same action results in a mess or misfortune. It is often used humorously to describe one's own bad luck or lack of skill compared to a legendary or highly successful figure.

They say the syrup melts when it feels the heat

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is stubborn, cold, or unresponsive finally starts to yield or change their attitude when they face pressure, difficulty, or a direct consequence (the 'heat'). It implies that everyone has a breaking point or a point of vulnerability.

The tree's fruits fall below the tree.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree'. It is used to describe how children often inherit the characteristics, behaviors, or qualities of their parents or family environment.

What is in your lot, that you will have. Every man hath his own planet.

If Rama's foot touches, even stones become beautiful women

This expression refers to the mythological story of Ahalya, who was turned into a stone by a curse and regained her human form when Lord Rama's feet touched her. It is used to describe the transformative power of a great person's presence or the idea that even the most lifeless or difficult situations can be sanctified and improved by a noble touch or divine grace.

If the crop-wind hits, the harvest will be abundant.

This proverb highlights the importance of favorable weather conditions, specifically the cooling breeze known as 'pairugali', for a successful agricultural yield. It is used to express that when the right environment or support is present, success and prosperity are guaranteed.

He eats stones and even digests stones.

This expression is used to describe a person with an incredibly strong digestive system or a very young, energetic individual capable of eating and digesting anything. It is often said of youth to highlight their physical vigor and high metabolism.

If you touch the bullock, you must touch the soil.

This proverb emphasizes the necessity of hard work and physical labor to achieve results. It implies that if one engages in agriculture or any significant task (symbolized by the bullock), they must be prepared to get their hands dirty and work the land (the soil) to see success.

If the God of food (appetite) diminishes, all tasks/troubles will come to an end.

This proverb is a philosophical take on mortality and old age. It suggests that when a person loses their appetite or the ability to eat, it is a sign that their life is nearing its end, thereby 'finishing' all their worldly duties and struggles. It is often used to describe the final stages of life where physical needs fade away.