సంపదలున్ననాడే బంధువుల రాక, చెరువు నిండిననాడే కప్పల చేరిక.
sampadalunnanade bandhuvula raka, cheruvu nindinanade kappala cherika.
Relatives arrive only when there is wealth, just as frogs gather only when the pond is full.
This proverb describes the nature of fair-weather friends and opportunistic relatives. Just as frogs flock to a pond only when it is filled with water and disappear when it dries up, people tend to surround you and claim relationship only when you are wealthy or successful, abandoning you during hard times.
Related Phrases
అది కడుపా, చెరువా?
adi kadupa, cheruva?
Is that a stomach or a lake?
This expression is used to describe someone who eats excessively or has an insatiable appetite. It compares the capacity of their stomach to that of a lake, implying it is unusually large or bottomless.
చెరువు నిండితే కప్పలు చేరవా
cheruvu nindite kappalu cherava
When the tank fills, the frogs assemble.
This proverb is used to describe how people naturally flock to someone who is wealthy, powerful, or successful. Just as frogs gather at a filled pond without an invitation, opportunists and fair-weather friends appear when one has resources or prosperity.
నాళ్లల్లోకెల్లా చిన్ననాడే మేలు.
nallallokella chinnanade melu.
Of all times, childhood is the best, or Of all sects, the little sect is the best. Nâdu signifies a sect, it also means time. When Appâji the minister was asked by the king which sect was superior to the others, he cleverly evaded the question, by making a pun on the word.
This proverb expresses nostalgia for the innocence and carefree nature of childhood. It is used to suggest that despite the responsibilities and luxuries of adulthood, the time spent as a child is the happiest and most superior period of one's life.
ఇంటి చెరువు చేపలకు కొంగను కాపలా ఉంచినట్లు
inti cheruvu chepalaku konganu kapala unchinatlu
Like appointing a crane to guard the fish in one's own pond
This proverb is used to describe an extremely foolish or self-destructive decision. Since a crane's natural instinct is to eat fish, appointing it as a guard guarantees the loss of the fish. It refers to entrusting something valuable to someone who is most likely to steal or exploit it.
ఎరువుల సొమ్ము బరువుల చేటు, తీయ పెట్ట తీపుల చేటు, అందులో ఒకటి పోతే అప్పుల చేటు
eruvula sommu baruvula chetu, tiya petta tipula chetu, andulo okati pote appula chetu
Borrowed wealth is a burden, eating sweets brings harm, and if any of it is lost, it leads to debt.
This proverb warns about the dangers of borrowing and the consequences of careless living. It highlights that borrowed money or items are never truly yours and create a psychological or financial burden. Similarly, overindulgence (sweets) leads to health issues. Ultimately, it emphasizes that if borrowed assets are lost or wasted, it results in a cycle of debt and ruin.
చినుకులకు చెరువులు నిండుతాయా?
chinukulaku cheruvulu nindutaya?
Will the tanks be filled by drizzling rain ?
This proverb is used to indicate that small, insignificant efforts or resources are insufficient to achieve a large or monumental task. It suggests that major goals require substantial action rather than just minor attempts.
బంధువులకు దూరం బావికి చేరువ
bandhuvulaku duram baviki cheruva
Far from relatives, near to a well
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone moves away from their family and relatives to live in a solitary or secluded place, or when someone prefers peace and basic necessities over the complications of social circles. It highlights the choice of isolation or self-sufficiency over family ties.
పెట్టినపోసిననాడే చుట్టాల రాకడ, కలిమిగలనాడె వారకాంత వలపు.
pettinaposinanade chuttala rakada, kalimigalanade varakanta valapu.
Relatives arrive only on the days you serve food and drinks, and a courtesan's love lasts only as long as you have wealth.
This proverb highlights the fickle and opportunistic nature of certain relationships. It suggests that many people are attracted to you only for your resources or prosperity. Relatives might visit when they expect a feast or favor, and a mistress or fair-weather friend shows affection only when you are wealthy. It serves as a warning to distinguish between true well-wishers and those who are purely transactional.
నాళ్ళలో కెల్లా చిన్ననాడే మేలు
nallalo kella chinnanade melu
Of all the days, childhood days are the best.
This expression highlights that childhood is the most carefree, happy, and golden period of a person's life compared to adulthood or old age. It is used when reminiscing about the simplicity and joy of one's early years, often implying that as we grow older, responsibilities and worries increase.
చేతిలోని అన్నం చెరువులోకి విసిరి, చేయినాకి చెరువునీళ్లు తాగినట్లు.
chetiloni annam cheruvuloki visiri, cheyinaki cheruvunillu taginatlu.
Throwing the food from one's hand into the lake, then licking the hand and drinking the lake water.
This expression describes a person who foolishly discards a valuable resource or opportunity already in their possession, only to later struggle and settle for meager leftovers or inferior alternatives. It is used to mock short-sightedness and the lack of appreciation for what one already has.