సీలమండలం వరకు చీర కడితేగాని, సాలెమిండని కెక్కడ తెచ్చి యిచ్చేది?
silamandalam varaku chira kaditegani, salemindani kekkada techchi yichchedi?
Unless the saree is worn down to the ankles, how can one give (spare fabric) to the weaver's wife?
This proverb describes a situation where an individual barely has enough to meet their own basic requirements, making it impossible for them to help others. It is used to point out that one cannot be charitable when their own essential needs are not yet fulfilled.
Related Phrases
కుక్కను తెచ్చి అందలంలో కూర్చోబెడితే, కుచ్చులన్నీ తెగగొరికిందట
kukkanu techchi andalamlo kurchobedite, kuchchulanni tegagorikindata
If you bring a dog and seat it in a palanquin, it will bite off all the decorative tassels.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks class or character and will behave according to their base nature even if they are given a position of honor or high status. It implies that a person's inherent traits do not change regardless of the luxury or opportunities provided to them.
చుట్టం వచ్చాడంట చెప్పులు ఎక్కడ వదిలాడో చూచిరా అన్నట్లు
chuttam vachchadanta cheppulu ekkada vadilado chuchira annatlu
Like saying, a relative has arrived, go see where he left his sandals.
This expression is used to describe a person who is overly suspicious or focused on trivial, petty details instead of showing proper hospitality or respect. It highlights a mean-spirited nature where one looks for a reason to find fault or protect their belongings even before welcoming a guest.
లంఖణాలకు పెడితేగాని, పైత్యం వదలదు
lankhanalaku peditegani, paityam vadaladu
The acidity (biliousness) won't leave unless one is subjected to fasting
This expression suggests that certain stubborn problems or bad behaviors cannot be corrected through gentle means; they require strict discipline, harsh measures, or a period of deprivation to be resolved. Just as fasting is a traditional remedy for digestive issues, some situations require a 'tough love' approach.
అప్పటి మాటలకు దుప్పటి యిచ్చినానుగాని, కలకాలము కప్పుకో నిచ్చినానా?
appati matalaku duppati yichchinanugani, kalakalamu kappuko nichchinana?
I presented you with the robe in return for the compliments you then paid me, but did I intend you to wear it for ever ? ( Bee. No. 309. ) A liberal gift regretted and withdrawn. Give a thing and take again, And you shall ride in hell's wain.
This expression refers to someone who justifies taking back a favor or a gift because the original circumstances or temporary reasons for giving it have changed. It is often used to describe people who are fickle or who set hidden time limits on their generosity.
పితికే బర్రెను ఇచ్చి పొడిచే దున్నను తెచ్చినట్టు.
pitike barrenu ichchi podiche dunnanu techchinattu.
He bartered a milch she buffalo for a goring he buffalo.
This proverb describes a foolish exchange or a bad bargain. It refers to a situation where someone gives away something useful and productive (the milking buffalo) only to replace it with something useless and harmful (the aggressive bull). It is used when a person makes a decision that results in a significant loss of utility and an increase in trouble.
రెక్కాడితేగాని డొక్కాడని వాడికి రత్నం దొరికితే రాయి అన్నాట్ట.
rekkaditegani dokkadani vadiki ratnam dorikite rayi annatta.
When a man whose belly is filled only if his hands toil finds a diamond, he says it is just a stone.
This expression describes a person who is so consumed by the daily grind and survival that they lack the knowledge or perspective to recognize a great opportunity or a valuable asset when it presents itself. It is used to highlight how poverty or lack of exposure can make someone ignorant of life's bigger fortunes.
దొరలు ఇచ్చిన పాలుకన్నా ధరణి ఇచ్చిన పాలు మేలు.
doralu ichchina palukanna dharani ichchina palu melu.
The share given by the earth is better than that given by the government. Free lands are better when fertile, than shares of grain allotted by government.
This proverb emphasizes self-reliance and the bounty of nature over patronage from the powerful. It suggests that what one earns through honest labor on their own land is superior and more sustainable than gifts or favors received from those in power, which often come with conditions or strings attached.
వారకాంత కట్టిన చీర వారణాసిపట్టు, పేదరాలు కట్టిన చీర పిచ్చిపట్టు.
varakanta kattina chira varanasipattu, pedaralu kattina chira pichchipattu.
The saree worn by a courtesan is considered Varanasi silk, while the saree worn by a poor woman is considered madman's silk.
This proverb highlights social prejudice and how the same thing is perceived differently based on a person's status or wealth. If a wealthy or influential person does something, it is praised or seen as a luxury; if a poor person does the same, it is dismissed or looked down upon.
పులికి తన కాడని, పర కాడని లేదు
puliki tana kadani, para kadani ledu
To a tiger, there is no distinction between its own place and others' place
This expression means that a hungry or predatory person does not distinguish between their own people or strangers when they want to satisfy their greed or aggression. It is used to describe a person who is ruthless and lacks loyalty or empathy, treating everyone as a target regardless of their relationship.
ఎవరు ఇచ్చినది ఈ మాన్యము అంటే, నేనే ఇచ్చుకున్నాను అన్నాడట.
evaru ichchinadi i manyamu ante, nene ichchukunnanu annadata.
When asked " Who gave you the freehold?" he said " I gave it to myself." Said of one who helps himself without regard to the law of meum and tuum.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks legitimate authority or external validation and instead relies on self-proclamations or self-awarded honors. It mocks those who boast about achievements or titles they have unilaterally claimed without any basis in truth or merit.