రానివాడి మీద రాయి
ranivadi mida rayi
Throwing a stone at someone who doesn't come
This expression is used when someone is absent or not responding, and others take advantage of the situation by blaming them or making decisions in their absence. It implies that since the person isn't there to defend themselves, they are an easy target for criticism or accusations.
Related Phrases
వైద్యము నేరనివాడూ, వానకు తడియనివాడూ లేడు.
vaidyamu neranivadu, vanaku tadiyanivadu ledu.
There is not a man who knows not medicine, nor one who has not been wet by rain. Every man is a fool or a physician at forty.
This proverb highlights that basic medical knowledge (home remedies) is common among everyone, just as experiencing rain is universal. It is often used to suggest that everyone has some level of practical wisdom or that certain life experiences are unavoidable and shared by all.
ఓపనివాడు కోరనిదీ, ఓల్లనివాడు ఆడనిదీ లేదు.
opanivadu koranidi, ollanivadu adanidi ledu.
There is nothing a lazy person doesn't wish for, and nothing a hater doesn't say.
This proverb describes two types of people: a lazy person (opani vaadu) who desires everything without wanting to work for it, and a spiteful person (ollani vaadu) who will resort to any lie or criticism against someone they dislike. It is used to highlight the hypocrisy of wanting results without effort or the tendency of people to badmouth those they are biased against.
కట్టుకున్న వాడి మీదకంటే పెట్టుకున్న వాడి మీదనే ప్రేమ
kattukunna vadi midakante pettukunna vadi midane prema
There is more love for the one who provides ornaments than for the one who provides the wedding knot.
This proverb is used to criticize people who value material wealth, gifts, or superficial displays of affection over the person who actually provides stability, commitment, and true companionship (like a husband). It highlights human greed or the tendency to favor those who offer temporary luxuries over those who fulfill lifelong responsibilities.
ఓపనివాడు కోరనిదీ, ఒంటనివాడు ఆడనిదీ లేదు.
opanivadu koranidi, ontanivadu adanidi ledu.
There is nothing which an invalid will not ask for; and there is nothing which an envious man will not say.
This proverb describes human nature regarding laziness and jealousy. It implies that a person who is unable or unwilling to work (incapable) often makes grand demands or wishes for things without effort, while a person who cannot tolerate others' success (envious) will spread rumors or say anything to belittle them. It is used to criticize those who talk big but do nothing, or those who gossip out of spite.
కానివాడు లేనివాడితో జత
kanivadu lenivadito jata
An unfriendly person is equal to one that is not.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two people who are equally useless, incapable, or lacking resources join forces. It implies that their partnership will be unproductive because neither has the means or character to succeed or help the other. It is often used to mock an alliance that is destined for failure.
రానివాడి మీద రాయి.
ranivadi mida rayi.
A stone on him who won't come! An imprecation used with reference to a man who refuses an invitation.
This expression is used to describe an attempt or a guess made when there is nothing to lose. It implies taking a chance or a 'shot in the dark' where if it succeeds, it's a gain, and if it fails, there is no loss since the outcome was already uncertain or unlikely.
కత్తి మీద సాము
katti mida samu
Sword fighting on the edge of a blade
This expression describes a situation that is extremely precarious, delicate, or risky. It is used when a task requires immense skill, balance, or caution because even a small mistake could lead to disastrous consequences. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'walking on a tightrope' or 'walking on eggshells'.
పేరు పల్లకీ మీద, కాలు నేల మీద.
peru pallaki mida, kalu nela mida.
His name is in the palankin, and his legs on the ground. i. e. he once rode, but now walks.
This proverb refers to a situation where someone has a high reputation or social status (palanquin), but their actual living conditions or current situation remain humble or poor (foot on the ground). It is used to describe people who possess a famous name but lack the wealth or facilities to match that status.
అంగడి మీద చేతులు, అత్తమీద కన్ను.
angadi mida chetulu, attamida kannu.
Hands on the shop, eyes on the mother-in-law.
This proverb describes someone who is physically performing a task in one place (like working in a shop) but is mentally preoccupied or keeping a suspicious eye on someone else (the mother-in-law) to ensure they aren't being cheated or monitored. It is used to describe a person who lacks focus or is overly suspicious of others while working.
ఆశ ఆలి మీద, పడక చాప మీద
asha ali mida, padaka chapa mida
Desire for the wife, but the bed is on a mat.
This expression is used to describe a person who has high desires or grand ambitions but lacks the basic resources or means to fulfill them. It highlights the gap between one's wants and their actual capabilities or reality.