సముద్రానికి చెల్లెలికట్టే హద్దు
samudraniki chellelikatte haddu
The shore is the limit of the sea. The word Chellelikattā signifies 'sister bank.' The idea is that the shore is as inviolate as a sister. Used in cautioning others not to transgress due bounds.
This expression is used to describe an individual's integrity, self-restraint, or discipline. Just as the vast ocean stays within its shores and does not overflow despite its power, a person of character stays within their moral boundaries and principles regardless of circumstances.
Related Phrases
అక్కకుంటే అరితికిలేదు, చెల్లెలికుంటే చేతికిలేదు
akkakunte aritikiledu, chellelikunte chetikiledu
If the elder sister has it, it's not on the leaf; if the younger sister has it, it's not in the hand.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite having many relatives or resources, none are actually available to help when needed. It signifies being in a state of helplessness or lack of support even when one is surrounded by family or potential means.
సముద్రానికి లవణదర్శనమన్నట్లు
samudraniki lavanadarshanamannatlu
Like showing salt to the ocean.
This expression is used to describe a redundant or futile action. Just as the ocean is the source of all salt and already contains it in abundance, offering salt to it is pointless. It refers to situations where someone tries to give something to a person who already possesses it in vast quantities, or explains something to an absolute expert.
తోచీ తోచనమ్మ తోడికోడలు చెల్లెలి పెండ్లికి పోయిందట.
tochi tochanamma todikodalu chelleli pendliki poyindata.
A woman who didn't know what to do with her time went to her sister-in-law's sister's wedding.
This proverb is used to describe someone who involves themselves in unnecessary or irrelevant tasks just because they are bored or have nothing better to do. It highlights a person seeking distraction through distant connections or trivial activities.
సముద్రానికి ఏతము వేసినట్లు
samudraniki etamu vesinatlu
Like fixing a pump to the sea. For full description of the Etam, Etām or Yâtâm (the Indian swape called by the English Picota) see Buchanan's Mysore. He is building a bridge over the sea.
This expression describes a futile or insignificant effort. An 'Etamu' (picota) is a traditional tool used to draw water from small wells for irrigation; using such a small tool to try and empty or impact a vast ocean is pointless and ineffective. It is used when someone's efforts are grossly inadequate for the scale of the task at hand.
స్వాతి వానకు సముద్రాలు నిండును
svati vanaku samudralu nindunu
The oceans will be filled by the Swati rain.
This proverb refers to the 'Swati' nakshatram (star constellation). It signifies that during the auspicious Swati rain, even a small amount of rain is considered so potent and significant that it metaphorically fills the vast oceans. It is used to describe how a timely blessing or a single positive event can bring immense abundance and fulfillment.
చెల్లెలి మగని చూచుకొని చేయి వీటుగా బట్టెనట
chelleli magani chuchukoni cheyi vituga battenata
Relying on her younger sister's husband, she held her hand pompously.
This proverb is used to criticize someone who acts arrogantly, lives extravagantly, or shows false pride based on the wealth and status of a relative (specifically a brother-in-law) rather than their own capability. It implies that their confidence is misplaced and dependent on someone else.
నూతి కప్పకు సముద్రము తెలుసా?
nuti kappaku samudramu telusa?
Is the sea near to a frog in a well ? Applied to a clumsy fellow.
This proverb is used to describe a person with a narrow perspective or limited knowledge who thinks their small world is everything. It highlights how someone with restricted experience cannot comprehend the vastness or complexity of the real world, much like a frog that believes its well is the entire universe.
సముద్రం చంకలో పెట్టుకుని, చెలమకు చేయి చాచినట్లు.
samudram chankalo pettukuni, chelamaku cheyi chachinatlu.
Like having the ocean under one's arm, yet stretching out a hand for a small puddle.
This proverb is used to describe a person who possesses vast resources or great wealth but still begs or seeks help for something insignificant. It highlights the irony of not realizing or utilizing one's own immense potential and instead looking for petty external assistance.
అలిగి అత్తవారింటికి, చెడి చెల్లెలింటికి పోరాదు.
aligi attavarintiki, chedi chellelintiki poradu.
Do not go to your in-laws' house out of anger, and do not go to your sister's house when you are ruined.
This proverb advises maintaining self-respect and social dignity. Going to an in-law's house while angry (after a fight at home) diminishes one's respect there, and going to a sister's house after losing one's wealth or status can become a burden and strain relationships. It emphasizes that one should avoid seeking refuge in places where their presence might lead to humiliation or awkwardness during times of vulnerability.
సముద్రంలో వాన పడినట్లు
samudramlo vana padinatlu
Like rain falling into the ocean
This expression is used to describe an action that is redundant, useless, or has no significant impact because it is being added to something that is already vast or abundant. Just as rain does not change the level of the sea, a small contribution or help given to someone who already has everything is considered pointless.