శని పడితే ఏడేళ్ళు, నేను పడితే పద్నాలుగేళ్ళు
shani padite edellu, nenu padite padnalugellu
If Shani (Saturn) catches you, it's seven years; if I catch you, it's fourteen years.
This expression is used to describe someone who is far more troublesome, persistent, or harmful than even the dreaded astrological period of Shani (Sade Sati). It is often said by a person asserting their dominance or capability to cause long-lasting trouble, or to describe a person who never lets go once they start bothering someone.
Related Phrases
వడగండ్లు పడితే వజపు.
vadagandlu padite vajapu.
If hailstones fall, step aside.
This expression advises that when a sudden, uncontrollable disaster or intense conflict arises, the wisest course of action is to temporarily withdraw or stay out of the way to protect oneself. It emphasizes self-preservation and common sense over trying to confront a force that is beyond one's control.
శని పట్టితే ఏడేళ్ళు, నేను పట్టితే పధ్నాలుగేళ్ళు
shani pattite edellu, nenu pattite padhnalugellu
If Shani catches you, it's seven years; if I catch you, it's fourteen years.
This expression is used to describe someone who is even more troublesome, persistent, or malicious than the astrological deity Shani (Saturn), who is traditionally associated with seven and a half years of hardship. It characterizes a person who refuses to leave someone alone and causes prolonged suffering or annoyance.
పాటు పడితే భాగ్యము కలుగును.
patu padite bhagyamu kalugunu.
If you are industrious, you will become rich.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence. It means that success, prosperity, and good fortune are the direct results of one's efforts and labor. It is used to encourage someone to persevere in their tasks to achieve a better life.
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.
గొడుగు పడితే పిడుగుకు అడ్డమా?
godugu padite piduguku addama?
If you hold an umbrella, can it stop a lightning strike?
This proverb is used to highlight the inadequacy of small or trivial efforts when facing a major disaster or an overwhelming force. It suggests that certain problems are so massive that common defensive measures are completely useless against them.
నేరేళ్ళు పండితే నేలలు పండును
nerellu pandite nelalu pandunu
If Java plums ripen, the lands will flourish.
This is a traditional agricultural observation. It implies that a bountiful harvest of Jamun (Java plum) fruits indicates favorable weather conditions and a good monsoon, which in turn leads to a successful agricultural season and fertile yields across the lands.
పైతళ్ళుక్కయితే పడరాని పాట్లు పడవచ్చునుగాని, మొగం ముడతలు పడితే చేసే దేమున్నది
paitallukkayite padarani patlu padavachchunugani, mogam mudatalu padite chese demunnadi
If it is just a loss of wealth, one can endure any hardships to earn it back, but if the face gets wrinkled, what can be done?
This proverb highlights the difference between material loss and the irreversible passage of time or aging. It implies that lost wealth can be regained through hard work and perseverance, but lost youth and the physical effects of aging are permanent and beyond human control. It is used to emphasize that some things in life are rectifiable while others are inevitable.
ఈతనీళ్ళు పడితే, పాతజోళ్ళు వెళ్ళుతవి, ఇప్పనీళ్ళు పడితే, ఎప్పటి జోళ్ళయినా వెళ్ళుతువి.
itanillu padite, patajollu vellutavi, ippanillu padite, eppati jollayina vellutuvi.
If toddy from the silver date palm falls, old shoes will go; if liquor from the mahua flower falls, any shoes from any time will go.
This is a rural Telugu proverb highlighting the different levels of intoxication. It suggests that a person who drinks fermented palm juice (Eethakallu) might lose their old shoes in their stupor, but someone who drinks mahua liquor (Ippasara) - which is much stronger - will lose their senses completely and might lose any footwear they possess, regardless of its value or age. It is used to describe how intoxication leads to negligence and loss of property.
నాలుగేళ్ళు నంజుకొని, నడిమేలు గుంజుకో
nalugellu nanjukoni, nadimelu gunjuko
Lick your four fingers and tuck in your waist.
This proverb is an advice on frugality and self-reliance. It suggests that one should be content with a simple meal (represented by licking the four fingers used for eating) and then tighten one's belt (tucking the waist) to get back to work. It emphasizes living within one's means and the importance of hard work over indulgence.
అడ్డం పడితే గడ్డం లోతే, బోర్లపడితే పుక్కిటిలోతే
addam padite gaddam lote, borlapadite pukkitilote
If falling on the back, the depth is up to the chin; if falling face down, the depth is up to the mouth.
This expression describes a situation where there is no escape or safe outcome regardless of how one approaches a problem. It is used to describe a 'no-win' scenario or extreme danger where even the smallest stumble leads to total disaster. It highlights a state of being completely surrounded by peril or being in very shallow water but still drowning.