రాయి రాయి రాసుకుంటే నిప్పురవ్వలు, కొమ్మ కొమ్మ రాసుకుంటే నిప్పు మంటలు.
rayi rayi rasukunte nippuravvalu, komma komma rasukunte nippu mantalu.
If a stone rubs against a stone, sparks appear; if a branch rubs against a branch, fire breaks out.
This proverb is used to describe how small disagreements or interactions between people can escalate into significant conflicts or major transformations. It highlights the principle of friction leading to energy, often applied in the context of human relationships or collective action.
Related Phrases
పట్టినది చింత కొమ్మ గాని ములగ కొమ్మ కాదు
pattinadi chinta komma gani mulaga komma kadu
What I am clinging to is a Tamarind bough, not a Mulaga. The tamarind wood is pliable, but the Mulaga ( Hyperanthera Moringa ) is brittle. Said by a parasite of his staunch protector.
This expression is used to describe someone who is firm, reliable, and strong. A tamarind branch is known for its extreme flexibility and strength (it doesn't break easily), whereas a drumstick branch is very brittle and snaps quickly. It is used to compliment someone's resilience or to indicate that a task or person is more formidable than they appear.
నిలవ నీడ, పట్టుకొమ్మ లేదు
nilava nida, pattukomma ledu
No shade to stand under, or branch to clutch. Helpless and forlorn.
This expression is used to describe a person who is completely destitute, homeless, or lacking any form of support system. It signifies a state of total helplessness where someone has no place to stay and no one to rely on for help.
కోడి పోయి కొమ్మ యెక్కినట్టు.
kodi poyi komma yekkinattu.
When the fowl flew, it only mounted a branch.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone moves from a low or humble position to a slightly higher one and behaves with excessive pride, or when a person reaches a level that is just barely above their previous status but acts as if they have achieved something monumental. It highlights the triviality of the achievement compared to the arrogance displayed.
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చూస్తే నీది, చూడకుంటే నాది
chuste nidi, chudakunte nadi
If seen it's yours, if not seen it's mine. The trick of a thief or a shoplifter who, if noticed, pretends that his intentions were not dishonest.
This expression is used to describe the mindset of a thief or someone dishonest. It implies that a person will claim ownership of something only as long as they aren't caught stealing it. It highlights a lack of integrity where honesty depends entirely on being observed by others.
పట్టిందల్లా బంగారమే
pattindalla bangarame
Whatever one touches becomes gold
This expression is used to describe a person who is currently experiencing a period of extreme good luck or success. Every venture they undertake or every decision they make leads to a positive outcome, similar to the legend of King Midas.
వానలుంటే పంటలు, లేకుంటే మంటలు
vanalunte pantalu, lekunte mantalu
If there are rains, there are crops; if not, there are fires.
This proverb highlights the critical importance of rainfall for agriculture. It signifies that timely rains lead to prosperity and food security (crops), whereas a lack of rain leads to drought, starvation, and economic devastation (metaphorically referred to as fires/suffering).
కొంప అంటుకుపోతుంటే, నీళ్ళబాన కోసం నిప్పు దగ్గరికి వెళ్ళాడట
kompa antukupotunte, nillabana kosam nippu daggariki velladata
When the house was on fire, he went to the fire to fetch a pot of water.
This proverb describes a person who lacks common sense or presence of mind during a crisis. It is used to mock someone who employs a counter-productive or foolish method to solve an urgent problem, essentially making the situation worse.
దాయాది ఉంటే నిప్పెందుకు
dayadi unte nippenduku
Why do you need fire when you have a relative?
This proverb is used to describe intense rivalry or enmity between paternal cousins or relatives (dayadi). It suggests that the jealousy or malice of a relative is as destructive and burning as a fire, capable of destroying one's house or life without needing an actual spark.
పట్టింది చింత కొమ్మ గాని ములగకొమ్మ కాదు
pattindi chinta komma gani mulagakomma kadu
What was grabbed is a tamarind branch, not a drumstick (moringa) branch.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is stubborn or persistent in their stance. Tamarind branches are strong and flexible, making them hard to break, whereas drumstick branches are brittle and break easily. It implies that the person has taken a firm hold of a situation or opinion and will not let go or be easily defeated.
ముదికొమ్మ వంగదు, ముది కొమ్మ కనదు
mudikomma vangadu, mudi komma kanadu
An old branch will not bend, an old branch will not bear fruit.
This proverb emphasizes that it is difficult to change one's habits, learn new skills, or be productive in a specific way once they have reached a certain age or stage in life. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.' It suggests that discipline and learning should happen while one is young and flexible.