సమయం తప్పితే కాళ్ళు, సమయం వస్తే రాళ్ళు
samayam tappite kallu, samayam vaste rallu
Feet when time is unfavorable, stones when time is favorable.
This proverb describes opportunistic behavior or hypocrisy. It refers to a person who acts humble and bows to others' feet when they are in trouble or need help, but turns arrogant and throws stones (attacks or insults) once they are in a powerful position or the situation favors them.
Related Phrases
ఆయం తప్పితే గాయమంత సుఖము లేదు.
ayam tappite gayamanta sukhamu ledu.
If the vital parts escape, there is no comfort like that which follows a wound. An invalid receives every attention from his friends.
This proverb highlights a sense of relief when a major danger or a fatal blow is narrowly avoided, resulting only in a minor injury. It is used to express that a small loss or superficial damage is a blessing when compared to a potential life-threatening or catastrophic failure.
సమయం కాదనుట జెప్పనేర్చు.
samayam kadanuta jeppanerchu.
One knows how to say that it is not the right time.
This proverb is used to describe someone who makes excuses to avoid doing work or helping others by claiming the timing is inconvenient. It highlights the tendency of people to procrastinate or evade responsibility using time as a pretext.
అన్నమయం ప్రాణమయం
annamayam pranamayam
Sustained by food, dependent on life. Said of the body.
This expression highlights the fundamental importance of food for survival. It conveys that food is the essence of life and that all living beings depend on it to exist. It is often used to remind people of the sacredness of food and the necessity of basic sustenance before pursuing higher spiritual or intellectual goals.
మితం తప్పితే హితం తప్పుతుంది
mitam tappite hitam tapputundi
If moderation is missed, well-being is lost.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of life. It suggests that once a person exceeds limits—whether in food, speech, or behavior—the benefit or goodness associated with it disappears and leads to negative consequences.
పథ్యం చెడరాదు, సత్యం తప్పరాదు
pathyam chedaradu, satyam tapparadu
Dietary discipline should not be spoiled, truth should not be forsaken.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of discipline and integrity in one's life. It suggests that just as maintaining a strict diet is essential for physical health, adhering to the truth is essential for moral health. It is used to advise someone to remain committed to their principles and health habits regardless of temptations.
ఆయం తప్పితే గాయం అంత సుఖం లేదు.
ayam tappite gayam anta sukham ledu.
If the vital point is missed, there is no pleasure like a mere wound.
This proverb suggests that if a major danger or a fatal blow is avoided, even a minor injury or loss feels like a relief or a blessing in comparison. It is used when someone escapes a life-threatening situation with only minor consequences.
రాజు నీతి తప్పితే, నేల సారం తప్పుతుంది
raju niti tappite, nela saram tapputundi
If the king fails in righteousness, the land loses its fertility
This proverb emphasizes the impact of leadership on society. It suggests that when a leader lacks integrity or fails to govern justly, the entire region and its people suffer. In a modern context, it is used to describe how the lack of ethics in management or governance leads to the decline and ruin of an organization or a nation.
సత్యం తప్పినా పత్యం తప్పినా పాట్లు తప్పవు
satyam tappina patyam tappina patlu tappavu
Whether you deviate from the truth or deviate from a prescribed diet, troubles are inevitable.
This proverb highlights the importance of integrity and discipline. It suggests that just as ignoring medical dietary restrictions leads to physical suffering, abandoning truth and honesty leads to moral and social consequences. In both cases, the person must face the resulting hardships.
సరసానికైనా సమయం ఉండాలి.
sarasanikaina samayam undali.
There should be a proper time even for joking.
This proverb is used to advise someone that humor, teasing, or flirting should be done at the right time and place. It suggests that even harmless fun can be inappropriate or offensive if the situation is serious or the timing is wrong.
కాలం వస్తే గాడిద కాళ్ళు పట్టుకోవాలి
kalam vaste gadida kallu pattukovali
When time is bad, one must hold a donkey's feet.
This proverb suggests that when a person is in a difficult situation or facing bad times, they might have to humble themselves or seek help from someone they normally look down upon to get their work done. It emphasizes the importance of pragmatism and patience over pride during adversity.