సాగినప్పుడు పడుదునా? త్రాగినప్పుడు పడుదునా?
saginappudu paduduna? traginappudu paduduna?
Will I fall when things are going well? Will I fall when I am drunk?
This proverb is used to describe someone who makes excuses or tries to justify their mistakes with irrelevant reasoning. It highlights the behavior of people who refuse to admit their faults when things go wrong, often acting as if they are in control even when they are clearly failing or intoxicated.
Related Phrases
సొమ్ము పోయేటప్పుడు, తట్టు తగిలేటప్పుడు మతి ఉండదు.
sommu poyetappudu, tattu tagiletappudu mati undadu.
When money is leaving or when a physical blow hits, one's senses do not function.
This proverb highlights human nature's lack of foresight or awareness during critical moments. It suggests that people often fail to be careful or sensible when they are in the process of losing their wealth or when they are about to face a misfortune/accident. It is used to remark on how hindsight is always clearer than foresight.
పుట్టినప్పుడు పురుడు.
puttinappudu purudu.
Impurity (Purudu) at birth.
This phrase refers to the traditional period of ritual impurity observed by a family after a child is born. In a broader philosophical context, it is often paired with 'Chachinappudu sutakam' (ritual impurity at death) to signify that life is bookended by ceremonies and certain constraints, or to imply that every beginning has its own set of initial challenges or obligations.
గూనివాని ఒడుపు పడుకున్నప్పుడు చూడాలి.
gunivani odupu padukunnappudu chudali.
A hunchback's true shape/skill should be seen when they are lying down.
This proverb suggests that a person's true nature, hidden flaws, or secret skills are only revealed under specific circumstances or when they are in a certain position. Just as a hunchback's physical deformity is most apparent or uniquely positioned when they lie down, some things can only be judged or understood when the right situation arises.
ఒళ్ళో పెడుదునా దళ్ళో పెడుదునా అన్నట్లు
ollo peduduna dallo peduduna annatlu
Like asking whether to put it in the lap or in the basket.
This expression is used to describe a person who displays excessive, hypocritical, or artificial concern and affection. It depicts a situation where someone pretends to be overly helpful or caring through indecision, often while actually being unhelpful or annoying.
పడ్డకు పడుచుకు పలుపు కడితే వెంట పడతారు
paddaku paduchuku palupu kadite venta padataru
If you tie a halter to a young buffalo or a young girl, they will follow you.
This is a traditional saying used to describe how certain people or animals can be easily led or controlled if given the right incentive or restraint at the right time. It suggests that once a connection or bond (symbolized by the 'palupu' or halter) is established, they will follow along. It is often used in a humorous or colloquial context regarding the behavior of youth.
నలిగి ఉన్నప్పుడు తొలగి ఉండమన్నారు
naligi unnappudu tolagi undamannaru
When you are exhausted or worn out, stay away/rest.
This expression is used to advise someone that when they are tired, frustrated, or physically/mentally drained, it is best to distance themselves from tasks or social interactions to avoid errors or conflicts. It emphasizes the importance of taking a break and stepping back during difficult times.
ఉసురు తప్పదు, ఉండేలు దెబ్బ తప్పదు.
usuru tappadu, undelu debba tappadu.
A victim's curse will not fail, and the pellet bow's strike will not miss.
This proverb warns that the consequences of causing deep distress or grief to others are inevitable. Just as a pellet from a skilled archer's bow finds its mark, the 'usuru' (a sigh of grief or a curse from a victim) will eventually bring misfortune to the perpetrator. It is used to caution people against being cruel or unjust to the vulnerable.
చెప్పే మాటలకన్నా, తప్పని మాటలు నయం
cheppe matalakanna, tappani matalu nayam
Actions that don't fail are better than words that are merely spoken.
This expression emphasizes that keeping one's word or performing a duty reliably is far superior to making grand promises or giving empty advice. It highlights the importance of integrity and action over mere eloquence.
గాలి వచ్చినప్పుడే తూర్పారబట్టుకోవాలి
gali vachchinappude turparabattukovali
Winnow the grain while the wind blows.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of making the most of a favorable situation or opportunity while it lasts. It is equivalent to the English expression 'Make hay while the sun shines'.
దప్పిగొన్నప్పుడు బావి త్రవ్వినట్టు
dappigonnappudu bavi travvinattu
Like digging a well only when one is thirsty
This proverb refers to a lack of foresight or preparation. It is used to describe a situation where someone waits until a crisis or urgent need arises before starting to prepare the necessary resources, which is often too late to be effective.