శంఖం ఊదేది శంఖుపాత్తే
shankham udedi shankhupatte
The one who blows the conch is the one who bears the conch holder.
This expression refers to a person who has to handle multiple responsibilities or perform all the tasks in a specific process by themselves. It is used to describe a situation where there is no one else to assist, and a single individual must manage both the main action and the supporting duties.
Related Phrases
చెవిటి వాడి ముందు శంఖం ఊదితే, అది కొరకడానికి నీ తండ్రి తాతల తరం కాదన్నాడట
cheviti vadi mundu shankham udite, adi korakadaniki ni tandri tatala taram kadannadata
When a horn was sounded in the ears of a deaf man, he said "to bite that is more than your fathers before you could do."
This proverb describes a situation where someone completely fails to understand the purpose or value of something, often due to their own limitations. Instead of realizing the conch is for sound, the deaf man assumes it is a hard object meant to be eaten/bitten. It is used to mock people who give irrelevant or foolish responses to things they don't comprehend.
Applied to a stubborn person.
తప్పెట కొట్టిన వాడు దాసరి, శంఖం వూదినవాడు జంగము.
tappeta kottina vadu dasari, shankham vudinavadu jangamu.
He who beats a drum is a Dâsari, he who sounds a conch is a Jangam.
This proverb highlights that individuals are identified and categorized by the specific duties or professions they perform. Just as a Dasari is known for his drum and a Jangamu for his conch, a person's identity and reputation in society are shaped by their actions and the nature of their work.
అయ్యేపూజ అవుతూ ఉండనీ, ఊదే శంఖం ఊదేస్తాం
ayyepuja avutu undani, ude shankham udestam
Let the puja that is happening continue, we will blow the conch anyway.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs their duty or a routine action mechanically, regardless of whether it is appropriate for the current circumstances or whether the main task is actually completed. It highlights indifference or the habit of following a ritual without concern for the outcome.
చెవిటివాని ముందు శంఖం ఊదినట్లు
chevitivani mundu shankham udinatlu
Like blowing a conch shell in front of a deaf person.
This expression is used to describe a situation where advice, information, or effort is wasted on someone who is incapable of understanding or unwilling to listen. Just as a deaf person cannot hear the loud sound of a conch, some people are indifferent to even the most important messages.
చచ్చేటప్పుడు శంకరా శంకరా అన్నాడట
chachchetappudu shankara shankara annadata
When he was at the point of death he cried "Śankara! Śankara!" (Siva.) Deathbed repentance.
This proverb is used to describe someone who waits until the very last moment or a crisis to seek help, turn to God, or do the right thing. It refers to a person who ignores their duties or avoids spiritual/ethical paths throughout their life, only to become desperately 'pious' or 'diligent' when they realize time has run out.
శంకరా శంకరా అంటే మూతి వంకర పోతుందాన్నట్లు
shankara shankara ante muti vankara potundannatlu
Just because you say 'Shankara Shankara', will your mouth become crooked?
This proverb is used to mock someone's irrational fear or superstition that performing a simple, good, or harmless act will lead to a ridiculous physical deformity or negative consequence. It is often used to encourage someone to stop making excuses and just do what is necessary.
శంఖంలో పోస్తేగాని తీర్థం కాదు
shankhamlo postegani tirtham kadu
The water is not holy, unless it be poured into the shell.
This proverb signifies that certain actions or words gain value, legitimacy, or recognition only when they come from an authoritative source or a person of high stature. It is often used to describe situations where a valid point is ignored until an important person validates it.
చెవిటి వాడి ముందు శంఖం ఊదినట్టు
cheviti vadi mundu shankham udinattu
Like blowing a conch in front of a deaf person.
This expression is used to describe a situation where advice, information, or efforts are completely wasted on someone who is unwilling or unable to listen or understand. It signifies a futile action that yields no response or impact.
చెవిటి వాడి చెవీలో శంఖం ఊదినట్లు.
cheviti vadi chevilo shankham udinatlu.
Like blowing a conch in the ears of the deaf.
It refers to making a complaint to someone, who does not even pay attention to the complaint – much less, act on it; it does not serve any purpose.
శంఖంలో పోస్తేకాని తీర్థం కాదు
shankhamlo postekani tirtham kadu
It does not become holy water unless it is poured through a conch shell.
This expression is used to signify that certain actions or words gain value, legitimacy, or official status only when they come from an authoritative source or a person of high stature. Just as ordinary water is considered 'Teertham' (sacred) only after being sanctified through a conch, an idea or task is often only respected when endorsed by the right person.