తడిక గట్టి గోడను తన్నరాదు.
tadika gatti godanu tannaradu.
Having tied a bamboo mat, one should not kick a wall.
This proverb advises against challenging or attacking someone much stronger than yourself when you are in a weak or vulnerable position. Just as a flimsy bamboo mat (tadika) cannot withstand the recoil or impact of kicking a solid wall, a person with limited resources or power should not provoke a far superior opponent, as it will only result in self-injury.
Related Phrases
దొరను పేద అనరాదు, ఎద్దును సాధువు అనరాదు.
doranu peda anaradu, eddunu sadhuvu anaradu.
A lord should not be called poor, and an ox should not be called gentle.
This proverb warns against making assumptions based on appearances or temporary states. A powerful person (lord), even if currently lacking funds, still possesses influence and status. Similarly, an ox, no matter how calm it seems, is fundamentally a powerful animal that can become unpredictable or dangerous at any moment. It teaches us to respect inherent nature and power.
వినరాదు, కనరాదు, అనరాదు.
vinaradu, kanaradu, anaradu.
Should not hear, should not see, should not say.
This expression is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle (See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil). It serves as a moral guideline advising people to avoid listening to gossip or negativity, refrain from witnessing bad deeds, and avoid speaking ill of others or using harsh language.
తన్ను కట్టే తాళ్ళు తానే తెచ్చుకున్నట్లు
tannu katte tallu tane techchukunnatlu
As if bringing the very ropes used to tie oneself up.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone inadvertently creates their own troubles or provides the means for their own downfall. It is similar to the English idiom 'digging one's own grave' or 'handing someone a stick to beat you with'.
వట్టి గొడ్డుకు అరుపులెక్కువ
vatti godduku arupulekkuva
A barren cow bellows the most
This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Empty vessels make the most noise'. It describes people who have no real substance, knowledge, or merit, but talk excessively or make loud boasts to compensate for their lack of ability.
అటైనా గోదానమే, ఇటైనా గోదానమే
ataina godaname, itaina godaname
Whether it's that way or this way, it's still the donation of a cow.
This expression is used to describe a situation where the outcome remains the same regardless of which choice is made or which path is taken. It highlights that certain actions lead to the same result or require the same level of sacrifice, making the distinction between choices irrelevant.
కొండను తవ్వి ఎలుకను పట్టినట్ళు.
kondanu tavvi elukanu pattinatlu.
It is like digging up a mountain to catch a mouse.
A fruitless endeavor considering what is obtained by the effort. Sometimes, one makes herculean efforts but achieves precious little.
గోడనుపెట్టి తడక తన్నాలిగాని, తడకనుపెట్టి గోడను తన్నకూడదు
godanupetti tadaka tannaligani, tadakanupetti godanu tannakudadu
One should kick a screen while leaning on a wall, but one should not try to kick a wall while leaning on a screen.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation or support system before taking action. It suggests that you should use a stable, powerful base to deal with weaker problems, rather than relying on something flimsy or weak to tackle a massive, immovable challenge. It is used to advise someone to assess their strengths and resources realistically before attempting a difficult task.
గోరీ దగ్గరకు వెళ్ళి గోడ పక్కన గర్భాదానం.
gori daggaraku velli goda pakkana garbhadanam.
Going to a tomb and attempting conception next to a wall.
This expression is used to describe someone who attempts to perform a task at an entirely inappropriate or ill-suited place. It highlights the irony of seeking to start a new life (conception) in a place associated with death (a tomb), signifying poor judgment or lack of common sense regarding timing and location.
పదను తప్పినా, అదను తప్పినా పన్నుదండుగే
padanu tappina, adanu tappina pannudanduge
If the sharpness is lost or the right time is missed, the tax is a waste.
This proverb is primarily used in the context of agriculture but applies to any time-sensitive task. It means that if your tools aren't sharp (readiness) or if you miss the specific window of opportunity (timing), all the effort and money (taxes/investment) put into the endeavor will be a total loss. It emphasizes that both preparation and timing are crucial for success.
గాడిద గత్తెర
gadida gattera
Donkey's chaos/clipping
This expression is used to describe a situation of extreme chaos, disorder, or a messy state of affairs. It often refers to something that is disorganized, nonsensical, or a noisy disturbance where nothing constructive is happening.