సిగ్గుబోయే వేళ చేరలబ్బినట్టు.

sigguboye vela cheralabbinattu.

Translation

Like getting a handful of cloth when one's modesty is about to be lost.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where help or a resource arrives exactly at the most critical moment, saving someone from total embarrassment or disaster. It is used to express relief when something essential is obtained just in the nick of time.

Related Phrases

Even a handful of harvest from one's own field is enough.

This expression emphasizes the value of self-reliance and the satisfaction derived from one's own honest labor. It suggests that a small amount earned or produced through one's own effort is more gratifying and honorable than a large amount obtained through other means or dependency.

A spoilt monkey spoiling the whole garden.

This refers to one already spoilt spoiling all the others around. Generally, when one is in bad shape – especially, morally – one would spread one’s vice to others also. Such people should be avoided by all means.

Like being told to go to Chennai after being ruined.

This proverb suggests that when a person loses everything or fails in their hometown, they head to a big city (historically Chennai/Madras for Telugus) to start over or find new opportunities. It is used to describe a situation where someone seeks a fresh start in a distant place after a setback.

Like lifting a handful of flowers

This expression is used to describe doing a task with extreme ease, gentleness, or without any strain. It signifies handling a situation or performing an action so effortlessly that it feels as light as picking up a handful of flowers.

Saliva-touched food has no defect; a drunkard has no shame.

This proverb highlights two things: first, that for someone who is hungry or in certain casual contexts, the ritual impurity of saliva-touched food is often ignored. Second, and more primarily, it serves as a social commentary that a person under the influence of alcohol loses their sense of social dignity and moral inhibition.

Neither do I have shame, nor does the New Moon day (Amavasya) arriving tomorrow.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is utterly shameless and persistent in their behavior despite repeated criticism or humiliation. It suggests that just as the dark moon day inevitably occurs regardless of anything, the person will continue their shameless actions without any hesitation or remorse.

Burning and rubbing on the ground. Annoying and ill-treating another.

This expression describes someone who is extremely shy, hesitant, or feeling guilty. It refers to the physical habit of dragging or twisting one's toes on the ground when they are too embarrassed to speak or face someone directly.

When one says 'everything is lost, Hari Govinda', the other says 'a little is left, is it a dream or reality?'

This proverb describes a situation where there is a lack of coordination or common understanding between two people. When one person is mourning a total loss, the other is obsessing over a trivial remnant or irrelevant detail. It is used to highlight poor communication or the irony of someone not grasping the gravity of a situation.

As the Cassia blossoms. Rēla chettu is the Cassia ( Cathartocarpus ) Fistula.

This expression is used to describe something that appears in great abundance or looks exceptionally beautiful all at once. Just as the Rela tree bursts into vibrant yellow blossoms covering the entire tree during its season, this phrase refers to a sudden, striking, or grand display of beauty or prosperity.

* O dia de amanbā ninguem o vio.

A prostitute should have charm, and a housewife should have modesty.

This proverb highlights traditional societal expectations regarding behavior and presentation. It suggests that just as physical attractiveness and allure (niggu) are considered essential for a sex worker's profession, modesty and a sense of shame (siggu) are vital virtues for a woman leading a family life to maintain social respect and dignity.