స్వర్గానికి బెత్తెడు
svarganiki bettedu
There is only a span between you and heaven. Said ironically to a hypocrite.
This expression is used to describe a state of extreme pride, arrogance, or overwhelming joy where a person feels superior or 'on top of the world'. It implies that the person is so conceited or elated that they feel they have almost reached heaven.
Related Phrases
త్రిశంకు స్వర్గం
trishanku svargam
Trishanku's Heaven
Refers to a state of being stuck in a middle ground or a dilemma where one is neither here nor there. It originates from the mythological story of King Trishanku who was suspended between Earth and Heaven. It is used to describe situations involving uncertainty, being caught between two choices, or being in a state of limbo.
ఎంత పెరిగినా గొర్రెకు బెత్తెడే తోక
enta perigina gorreku bettede toka
No matter how much it grows, a sheep's tail is only a span long.
This proverb is used to describe limitations that remain constant despite growth or progress. It highlights that certain inherent traits or shortcomings do not change even if someone gains power, wealth, or age. It is often used to humble someone who is acting overly important or to point out that some things have a natural, fixed limit.
ఉట్టికి ఎక్కలేనమ్మ స్వర్గానికి ఎక్కుతుందా?
uttiki ekkalenamma svarganiki ekkutunda?
Will the lady who cannot get up into the sling get up into heaven ?
This proverb is used to mock someone who makes grand claims or aspires for monumental tasks when they are incapable of performing even the simplest of daily chores. It highlights the gap between one's actual abilities and their lofty ambitions.
Utti is a net work sling hung up in Hindu houses at a height of seven or eight feet, to keep earthen pots containing food in. He that can't ride a gentle horse, must not attempt to back a mad colt.
స్వర్గానికి వెళ్ళినా వడ్రంగం తప్పదు
svarganiki vellina vadrangam tappadu
Even if you go to heaven, you will not escape spinning. Said reproachfully to a very poor person.
This proverb (often said as 'swarganiki vellina vadrekkulu tappavu') suggests that one's nature, profession, or inherent troubles follow them wherever they go. It is used to describe a situation where a person cannot escape their duties or hard work even in a better environment.
ఎంత పెరిగినా గొర్రెకు బెత్తెడే తోక
enta perigina gorreku bettede toka
No matter how much it grows, a sheep's tail is only a span long.
This proverb is used to describe people or situations that have inherent limitations regardless of progress, time, or growth. It suggests that some things have a natural, fixed limit that cannot be exceeded, or it can be used to mock someone who, despite their achievements or status, remains small-minded or limited in their capacity.
వినకు, అనకు, కనకు
vinaku, anaku, kanaku
Do not hear, do not say, do not see.
This is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle. It serves as a moral guideline to avoid evil: do not listen to evil, do not speak evil, and do not see evil. It is used to encourage people to maintain purity of mind and avoid participating in gossip or negativity.
గొర్రెకు బెత్తెడే తోక
gorreku bettede toka
A sheep has a tail only as long as a hand's breadth.
This expression is used to describe something that is naturally limited or small by its very nature. It suggests that one should not expect more than what is possible or inherent in a person or situation. It is often used to tell someone to stay within their limits or to describe a person's limited influence or capacity.
స్వర్గానికి బెత్తెడు ఎడం
svarganiki bettedu edam
A hand-span distance from heaven
This expression is used to describe a state of extreme joy, pride, or elation where someone feels like they are on top of the world. It is often used to describe someone who is acting overly arrogant or is so happy that they feel they have almost reached heaven.
పుణ్యము పుట్టెడు, పురుగులు తట్టెడు
punyamu puttedu, purugulu tattedu
A bushelful of good works, and a dishful of worms. A great show of piety, but the prospect of future punishment for evil deeds.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a supposedly good deed or religious act, but the unintended negative consequences, sins, or flaws associated with it far outweigh the benefits. It highlights hypocrisy or the futility of an action that brings more harm than good.
స్వర్గానికి నిచ్చెనలు వేసినట్టు
svarganiki nichchenalu vesinattu
Like building ladders to heaven
This expression is used to describe an impossible, overly ambitious, or highly impractical task. It refers to a person having grand ideas or making plans that are far beyond their actual reach or capability.