సాగితే యడవాలి, జారితే పడవాలి
sagite yadavali, jarite padavali
If you can, you must give ; if you slip, you must fall.
This proverb advises adaptability and presence of mind based on the situation. It suggests that if things are going your way (stretching), you should make the most of it, but if a failure or slip-up is inevitable, one should accept it and fall gracefully rather than struggling fruitlessly. It is used to describe going with the flow of circumstances.
Related Phrases
కంసాలి వద్ద ఉండవలె, కుంపట్లో ఉండవలె.
kamsali vadda undavale, kumpatlo undavale.
It must be with the goldsmith, or in the chafing-dish. Said of gold made away with by a swindling goldsmith.
This proverb is used to describe things or situations that have no middle ground or compromise. It refers to gold, which must either be in the hands of the goldsmith to be shaped or in the furnace (brazier) to be purified. It implies that a person or a task should either be completely involved in the process or undergoing transformation, leaving no room for being idle or halfway done.
సాగితే ఇడవలె జారితే పడవలె.
sagite idavale jarite padavale.
If it stretches, one should leave it; if one slips, one should fall.
This proverb advises adaptability and acceptance of circumstances. It suggests that if something can be extended or managed, do so; but if a situation becomes uncontrollable or a failure is inevitable (like slipping), one should accept the outcome rather than struggling pointlessly. It is often used to describe going with the flow or being practical about one's limitations.
జారితే పడమన్నారు కానీ, జరిగితే పడమన్నారా?
jarite padamannaru kani, jarigite padamannara?
They said to fall if you slip, but did they say to fall if you move?
This expression is used to mock someone who makes excuses for their failures or mistakes. It highlights the difference between an accidental mishap (slipping) and a deliberate or avoidable action (moving/shifting), suggesting that while some mistakes are inevitable, one shouldn't intentionally fail or blame circumstances for their own lack of effort.
మాలిస్తు చేసినట్టే ఉండవలె, కాపు చెడ్డట్టే ఉండవలె
malistu chesinatte undavale, kapu cheddatte undavale
One must be threshing, and the master must be cheated. Said by a dishonest servant.
This expression describes a deceptive or hypocritical way of working where one pretends to put in effort (maintenance) while secretly ensuring the outcome is poor or the resources are drained. It is used to mock people who act like they are helping or working hard, but their actions actually lead to failure or loss for the owner/employer.
పాడి దాచవలె, పంట పొగడవలె
padi dachavale, panta pogadavale
Milk production should be kept secret, while the crop should be praised.
This proverb suggests that one should be humble and discreet about their steady income or wealth (metaphorically the milk from cattle), while expressing pride and gratitude for their hard-earned achievements and successes (the harvest/crop). It emphasizes the wisdom in not flaunting daily prosperity to avoid jealousy, but celebrating general success.
చిన్నమూ కావలె, చిదరా కావలె, మేలిమీ కావలె, మెడ తిరగవలె.
chinnamu kavale, chidara kavale, melimi kavale, meda tiragavale.
The ornament must be one Chinnam or less in weight, of pure gold, and must go round the neck. A Chinnam is a weight equal to the ninth part of a pagoda ( No. 614 ). Wishing to get a good thing and to pay little for it.
This proverb describes a person who is extremely greedy and wants everything for themselves. It refers to someone who wants the big profits (pure gold), the small gains (loose change), and also wants to show off their wealth (turning the neck to display heavy jewelry). It is used to mock people who are never satisfied and try to grab every possible benefit in a situation.
కుండలో కూడు కూడుగానే ఉండవలె, పిల్లలు మొద్దుల్లాగా ఉండవలె.
kundalo kudu kudugane undavale, pillalu moddullaga undavale.
The food in the pot should remain as it is, and the children should remain like logs.
This expression is used to describe an impossible or highly selfish desire where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of something without any of the associated costs or natural consequences. In this context, it refers to wanting children to be healthy and grow (like sturdy logs) while simultaneously wishing that they never consume the food in the house. It highlights a paradoxical or stingy mindset.
సాగితే సాగించుకోమన్నారు, జారితే పడమన్నారు.
sagite saginchukomannaru, jarite padamannaru.
If it stretches, they say to stretch it; if it slips, they say to fall.
This expression refers to fair-weather friends or opportunistic people who do not offer genuine help. It describes a situation where people encourage you as long as things are going well (keep stretching), but as soon as you stumble or face a setback (slip), they indifferently tell you to just fall down instead of helping you up.
ఒళ్ళారితే లేడివలె.
ollarite ledivale.
Once the body dries up, it's like a deer.
This proverb describes someone who is lazy or makes excuses while they are comfortable or sick, but becomes extremely active and agile once their needs are met or their health recovers. It is often used to criticize people who avoid work by acting frail but move swiftly like a deer when it suits their interests.
వగచినట్టూ ఉండవలె, వాత పెట్టినట్టూ ఉండవలె.
vagachinattu undavale, vata pettinattu undavale.
Pretend to condole when you cauterize.
This proverb describes a situation where someone pretends to be sympathetic or helpful while actually causing harm or dealing a severe blow. It is used to describe a calculated action that appears kind on the surface but is intended to teach a painful lesson or inflict damage, or to describe someone who acts with duplicity.