రెప్పలార్పేవాళ్ళు కొంపలారుస్తారు
reppalarpevallu kompalarustaru
Those who blink their eyes can ruin households
This proverb is used to warn about people who appear extremely innocent, quiet, or soft-spoken on the outside but are secretly cunning and capable of causing significant damage or destruction. It suggests that one should not judge a person's character solely by their calm or docile demeanor.
Related Phrases
ఏటి వంకలెవరు తీరుస్తారు? కుక్క తోక ఎవరు చక్కజేస్తారు?
eti vankalevaru tirustaru? kukka toka evaru chakkajestaru?
Who can straighten the curves of a river? Who can straighten a dog's tail?
This expression is used to describe a situation or a person's character that is inherently flawed or crooked and cannot be changed despite any amount of effort. It highlights the futility of trying to reform someone who is naturally stubborn or habitually prone to bad behavior.
రెప్పలార్చేవారు కొంపలార్చుతారు, కళ్ళార్చే అమ్మ ఇల్లార్చుతుంది
reppalarchevaru kompalarchutaru, kallarche amma illarchutundi
Those who blink their eyelids ruin homes; a mother who blinks her eyes ruins the house.
This is an old Telugu proverb used to caution against people who blink excessively or have shifty eyes, as it was traditionally (and superstitiously) associated with deceit, untrustworthiness, or bringing bad luck to a household. It suggests that a person's physical mannerisms can reflect their character or impact the prosperity of a family.
ఆరితేరిన వారే గానీ తీర్చేవారు లేరు
ariterina vare gani tirchevaru leru
There are many who complain/shout, but none who solve the problem.
This expression is used to describe a situation where many people are ready to point out problems, criticize, or complain loudly, but nobody is willing to take responsibility or provide a constructive solution.
కోతి పంచాయతీ కొంపలారుస్తుంది
koti panchayati kompalarustundi
A monkey's mediation will ruin the homes.
This proverb is used to warn against seeking help or arbitration from foolish, unstable, or mischievous people. Just as a monkey might end up causing more damage while trying to 'solve' a problem (like the famous story of the monkey dividing bread between two cats), involving an incompetent or malicious mediator in a dispute will only lead to total loss for everyone involved.
ఒరుపు కోరుస్తారుగాని తడుపుకోర్వరు
orupu korustarugani tadupukorvaru
They desire the rub/polishing, but cannot bear the wetting.
This proverb is used to describe people who desire the end results, status, or benefits of a difficult process but are unwilling to endure the hard work, sacrifice, or struggles (the 'wetting') required to achieve them. It is often applied to those who want the glory without the grind.
దుత్తకు పాలరుచి తెలుసునా?
duttaku palaruchi telusuna?
Does the pot know the taste of the milk it carries?
This expression is used to describe someone who is constantly in the presence of greatness, knowledge, or luxury but remains ignorant of its true value or essence. Just as a vessel holds milk but cannot taste it, a person might handle or be near something valuable without ever understanding or appreciating it.
లంకంత కొంప
lankanta kompa
A house as big as Lanka
This expression is used to describe a very large, spacious, or sprawling house. It draws a comparison to the mythical city of Lanka from the Ramayana, which was known for its immense size and grandeur. It is often used to emphasize that a house is disproportionately large for the number of people living in it or simply to remark on its vastness.
తడిక కొంపలో దీపాలు వెలగవా?
tadika kompalo dipalu velagava?
Will lamps not burn in a thatched hut?
This proverb means that poverty does not hinder talent, virtue, or happiness. Just as a small hut can still be lit by a beautiful lamp, a person's humble origins or poor financial status do not prevent them from achieving greatness or possessing noble qualities. It is used to suggest that merit is independent of wealth.
ఒగిచేవారే కాని, ఓదార్చేవారుండరు.
ogichevare kani, odarchevarundaru.
There are plenty to make one cry, but none to console.
This expression is used to describe a situation where many people are ready to criticize, hurt, or cause trouble for a person, but very few or no one comes forward to offer comfort, empathy, or support during their distress.
అప్ప వాల్చింది కొంపలార్చింది
appa valchindi kompalarchindi
The sister leaned/rested and the houses were ruined
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person's arrival or their seemingly small actions lead to unintended disastrous consequences or total ruin for others. It often refers to a bad omen or someone who brings misfortune wherever they go.