తాగిన వానిదే పాట, సాగిన వానిదే ఆట.
tagina vanide pata, sagina vanide ata.
The song belongs to the one who is drunk, and the game belongs to the one who is successful.
This proverb describes how authority or influence works in certain situations. It suggests that a person who is intoxicated will sing whatever they like regardless of skill, and similarly, the world follows and applauds the person who is currently successful or in power. It is used to highlight that rules often bend for those who are currently influential or dominating a situation.
Related Phrases
తాగిన వాడిదే పాట, సాగిన వాడిదే ఆట
tagina vadide pata, sagina vadide ata
The song belongs to the one who drank, the game belongs to the one who prevailed.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the person in power or the person who is currently dominant dictates the terms. It suggests that those who are bold, influential, or currently successful are the ones whose voices are heard and whose actions matter, regardless of fairness or logic.
తాగినవాడు, తప్పినవాడు ఒకటే
taginavadu, tappinavadu okate
The one who is drunk and the one who has failed are the same.
This expression is used to highlight that people who are in an intoxicated state and those who have lost their sense of judgment or morals are equally unreliable. It suggests that both categories of people lack accountability for their actions and cannot be trusted or held to the same standards as a rational person.
పదిమంది కలిస్తేనే పాటు
padimandi kalistene patu
Work happens only when ten people join together
This expression emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collective effort. It suggests that significant tasks or social responsibilities cannot be accomplished by an individual alone and require the cooperation of the community or a group.
మంచివానికి మాటకన్నా మందు లేదు
manchivaniki matakanna mandu ledu
To a good man silence is reproof.
This proverb highlights that a simple, kind, or honest word is sufficient to correct or influence a person of good character. While a stubborn or wicked person might require force or punishment, a virtuous person understands and responds to reason and gentle communication.
బడెతె కలవానిదే బర్రె
badete kalavanide barre
The buffalo belongs to the one who holds the stick.
This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Might is Right.' It implies that power, influence, or physical force often determines ownership or control, regardless of who is legally or morally right. It is used to describe situations where a strong person dominates the weak.
వంగిన వాని కింద మరీ వంగితే, పట్టెడలు తగులుతాయి.
vangina vani kinda mari vangite, pattedalu tagulutayi.
If you bend even lower under someone who is already bent, your joints will be hit.
This proverb warns against excessive submissiveness or trying to be overly humble with someone who is already yielding. It implies that being too accommodating or sycophantic can lead to unnecessary trouble or physical/metaphorical injury. It is used to advise people to maintain their dignity and boundaries.
ఊదేయనిదే పీరు లేవదు
udeyanide piru levadu
The Peeru (processional deity) won't rise unless it is incense-smoked
This expression means that some people will not perform their duties or act unless they are given a bribe, an incentive, or a strong push. It highlights that without a certain necessary 'motivation' (often used in a cynical or satirical context regarding corruption or laziness), nothing moves forward.
అడగనిదే అమ్మయినా పెట్టదు.
adaganide ammayina pettadu.
Even a mother will not serve (food) unless asked.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and self-advocacy. It suggests that even the most caring person might not fulfill your needs if you don't express them, implying that one must speak up or ask for what they want to achieve their goals.
ఉల్లి ముట్టనిదే వాసన రాదు
ulli muttanide vasana radu
Without touching an onion, the smell won't come.
This expression is used to suggest that there is no smoke without fire. It implies that a person wouldn't be accused or associated with a situation unless they had some involvement in it, or that every consequence has a specific root cause.
అంతకు తగిన గంత, గంతకు తగిన బొంత.
antaku tagina ganta, gantaku tagina bonta.
A pack-saddle fits the size, and a quilt fits the pack-saddle.
This proverb is used to describe a perfect match or a situation where things are suited to each other, often used in a sarcastic or humorous way to describe a couple or a pair of people who share the same (often negative) traits or habits. It implies that for every person or situation, there is a corresponding match that deserves them.