శివార్చకుడు వెళ్ళి తంబళిని కొట్టాడట
shivarchakudu velli tambalini kottadata
The priest of Shiva went and hit the lower-ranked priest (Tambali).
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person tries to exert authority or vent their frustration on someone who is only slightly below them in status or similarly situated, often while both are in a struggling position. It highlights internal conflicts between people of similar circles instead of focusing on actual problems.
Related Phrases
నంబి వారికి, తంబళి వారికి ఒకటే కుంచకోల అన్నట్లు.
nambi variki, tambali variki okate kunchakola annatlu.
Like using the same measuring rod for both the Nambi and the Thambali.
This expression refers to treating different people or situations with a single, rigid standard without considering their specific differences or nuances. It highlights the error of a 'one size fits all' approach when individual circumstances should be taken into account.
శివరాత్రికి చలి శివశివా అని పోతుంది.
shivaratriki chali shivashiva ani potundi.
By Maha Shivaratri, the cold departs saying 'Shiva Shiva'.
This is a popular seasonal saying in Telugu culture indicating that the peak winter season ends with the Maha Shivaratri festival. It suggests that the intensity of the cold weather significantly diminishes after this day, marking the transition into spring and summer.
పెళ్ళికి వెళుతు పిల్లిని చంకన పెట్టుకు వెళ్ళినట్టు.
pelliki velutu pillini chankana pettuku vellinattu.
Taking a cat along while going to a wedding.
This refers to doing something inauspicious or undesirable. It is an unwanted burden and might lead to undesirable results.
శివరాత్రికి చలి శివ శివ అని పోతుంది
shivaratriki chali shiva shiva ani potundi
By Maha Shivaratri, the cold leaves saying 'Shiva Shiva'.
This is a popular Telugu saying indicating that the winter season officially ends and the weather starts warming up after the festival of Maha Shivaratri. It describes the seasonal transition from winter to spring.
ఆడపెత్తనము, తంబళి దొరతనము
adapettanamu, tambali doratanamu
Woman's rule, a Tambaḷi's government. A Tambaḷi is a Śaiva priest of low origin, who wears the sacred thread, and endeavours to observe Brahminical customs.
This proverb is used to criticize or mock ineffective or disorganized leadership. It suggests that just as a temple priest (Tambali) is not traditionally seen as a ruling authority, certain types of management might be weak, fussy, or lack real power, leading to chaos or poor results.
తనువు వెళ్ళినా దినము వెళ్ళదు
tanuvu vellina dinamu velladu
Even if the body leaves, the day does not pass.
This expression is used to describe a state of extreme suffering or boredom where time feels agonizingly slow. It suggests that while one's life or strength might be fading away, the day itself feels endless and difficult to get through.
అగసాలిని వెలయాలిని నమ్మకూడదు.
agasalini velayalini nammakudadu.
A goldsmith and a prostitute should not be trusted.
This proverb advises caution against trusting individuals whose professions were historically associated with deceit or transactional relationships. In a broader sense, it serves as a warning to be wary of those who might prioritize personal gain or craftiness over honesty in their dealings.
కోడల్ని కొట్టినవాడు అత్తని కొట్టలేడా?
kodalni kottinavadu attani kottaleda?
Can the one who hit the daughter-in-law not hit the mother-in-law?
This expression means that a person who is capable of committing a minor offense or mistreating a specific person is also capable of committing a bigger offense or attacking someone in a higher position. It is used to warn that once a person crosses a boundary of decency or law, no one is safe from their behavior.
మంగలి పాత, చాకలి కొత్త
mangali pata, chakali kotta
An old barber and a new washerman. An old physician, a young lawyer. A barber learns to shave by shaving fools.
This proverb refers to traditional preferences in village life: a barber's razor or tools are considered better when they are 'old' (well-seasoned/tested), whereas a washerman is judged by how 'new' (clean/fresh) the clothes look. It is used to describe how different professions or situations require different standards—some value experience and age, while others value freshness and appearance.
చాకలి కొత్త, మంగలి పాత
chakali kotta, mangali pata
A new washerman, but an old barber.
This proverb advises on how to choose service providers based on the nature of their work. A new washerman (Chakali) is preferred because he will be more diligent and wash clothes cleaner to prove his worth. Conversely, an old barber (Mangali) is preferred because his experienced hands are less likely to cause cuts and he understands the client's preferences better.