తగులుకున్న మొగుడు, తాటిచెట్టు నీడ నిలుకడ లేనివి
tagulukunna mogudu, tatichettu nida nilukada lenivi
An illicit husband and the shade of a palm tree are both unstable.
This proverb highlights things that lack permanence or reliability. Just as the shade of a tall, thin palm tree shifts rapidly and offers no real shelter, an illicit or informal relationship lacks legal or social security. It is used to describe situations or people that cannot be depended upon in the long run.
Related Phrases
దొరల చిత్తం, చెట్ల నీడ నిలకడ లేనివి.
dorala chittam, chetla nida nilakada lenivi.
The will of masters and the shadow of trees are inconsistent.
This proverb highlights the instability and unpredictability of powerful people (lords/masters) and nature. Just as the shade of a tree moves as the sun changes position, the favors or moods of those in power are never constant and cannot be relied upon for long-term security.
ఏడిచేదాని మొగుడు వస్తే, నా మొగుడూ వస్తాడు
edichedani mogudu vaste, na mogudu vastadu
If the weeping widow's husband returns, mine will come also. Stolid indifference. Want of feeling.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's own success or progress is entirely dependent on another person's outcome. It reflects a state of helplessness or a wait-and-see approach, implying 'if it can happen for them, it will eventually happen for me too.'
నీళ్లు తాగేవాడికి నిలుకడ లేదు
nillu tagevadiki nilukada ledu
The one who drinks water has no stability.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is restless, indecisive, or constantly on the move. Just as a person drinking water from their hands or a vessel might be in a hurry to finish and move on, it refers to a person who lacks patience or a steady nature.
మచ్చనాలుక వానికి మాట నిలుకడలేదు.
machchanaluka vaniki mata nilukadaledu.
A person with a black tongue has no consistency in their word.
This expression is used to describe someone who is untrustworthy, manipulative, or frequently changes their stance. A 'black tongue' (machanaluka) metaphorically refers to someone whose words can bring misfortune or someone who lies habitually, implying that their promises or statements cannot be relied upon.
నిలుకడ నీళ్ళకే నాచు పడుతుంది
nilukada nillake nachu padutundi
Only stagnant water gathers moss.
This proverb suggests that stagnation leads to decay or dullness, while movement and change keep one fresh and active. In a practical sense, it can also mean that those who stay in one place or position for a long time are the ones who accumulate habits, reputations, or results, whether positive or negative.
ఆమనిలో లంజకాడువలె తగులుకొన్నాడు.
amanilo lanjakaduvale tagulukonnadu.
He got stuck like a lover in the spring season.
This expression is used to describe someone who gets deeply entangled or hopelessly stuck in a situation or relationship, often to the point of being unable to extricate themselves easily. In Telugu literature, 'Aamani' (spring) represents a time of intense passion, and 'Lanjakadu' refers to a paramour or lover; together they imply a state of being completely absorbed or trapped by attraction or circumstances.
ఈత చెట్టు నీడ కాదు, తాటి చెట్టు తల్లి కాదు
ita chettu nida kadu, tati chettu talli kadu
A date palm tree's shade is not real shade, a palmyra tree is not a mother.
This proverb highlights that not everything that appears beneficial is actually helpful. The shade of a date palm is too sparse to provide relief, and while a palmyra tree is tall and useful, it lacks the nurturing quality of a mother. It is used to describe things or people that are inadequate despite their outward appearance or status.
ఈతచెట్టు ఇల్లు కాదు, తాటిచెట్టు తల్లి కాదు.
itachettu illu kadu, tatichettu talli kadu.
A silver date palm is not a home, and a palmyra palm is not a mother.
This proverb is used to warn against seeking comfort or reliability in things that are inherently hazardous or provide no real protection. Just as a palm tree provides very little shade or shelter (making it a poor 'home') and is often associated with intoxicants (toddy), one should not expect nourishment or maternal care from unreliable sources.
నిలకడ లేనివాని మాట నీళ్లమూట
nilakada lenivani mata nillamuta
The word of an unstable man is a bundle of water.
This expression refers to someone who lacks consistency or reliability in their character. Just as it is impossible to tie water in a bundle, it is impossible to hold a fickle person to their promises. It is used to caution against trusting the words of those who frequently change their minds or lack integrity.
A fool's speech is a bubble of air.
తాటిచెట్టు నీడ నీడకాదు, తగులుకున్నవాడు మొగుడు కాదు
tatichettu nida nidakadu, tagulukunnavadu mogudu kadu
The shadow of a palm tree is not a real shade, and a paramour is not a husband.
This proverb highlights that some things are unreliable or lack substance despite appearances. Just as the tall palm tree provides very little actual shade for someone seeking cover, a person in a casual or illicit relationship cannot provide the security, commitment, or social standing of a spouse. It is used to describe temporary or deceptive situations that fail to offer true protection or long-term stability.