తాళిబొట్టు బలం వల్ల తలంబ్రాల వరకు బ్రతికినాడు

talibottu balam valla talambrala varaku bratikinadu

Translation

He survived until the wedding ritual of pouring rice (Talambralu) because of the strength of the wedding thread (Thalibottu).

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who narrowly escapes a fatal situation or survives a life-threatening crisis just in time for a significant event, often implying that their spouse's luck or the sanctity of their marriage (represented by the wedding thread) protected them.

Related Phrases

No matter how long you live, you cannot avoid going to the cremation ground.

This proverb emphasizes the inevitability of death. It is used to remind someone that despite wealth, power, or a long life, everyone is mortal and will eventually pass away. It serves as a philosophical reflection on the temporary nature of life.

Even if you live for a long time, you cannot avoid going to the cremation ground.

This proverb emphasizes the inevitability of death. It signifies that no matter how long or prosperously one lives, life is temporary and death is the ultimate reality for every living being. It is often used to remind people to remain humble or to accept the cycle of life.

Like pouring holy rice (talambralu) for a husband who is not interested.

This proverb describes a situation where effort is wasted on someone who does not value or want it. It refers to performing a ritual or doing a favor for someone who is fundamentally unwilling or indifferent, making the act futile and meaningless.

How can you have the wedding rice the moment you think of it?

This expression is used to criticize someone's impatience or unrealistic expectations for immediate results. Just as a wedding ritual (Talambralu) requires significant preparation and cannot happen instantly on a whim, many things in life take time and effort to manifest. It is used when someone demands an outcome without following the necessary process or waiting for the right time.

Lime trees lived in the water, acacia trees lived in the jungle. Very common.

This proverb is used to describe how different people or things thrive in their natural or specific environments. It suggests that survival depends on being in the right place or situation suited to one's nature. It can also be used to indicate that despite hardships or varying conditions, everyone finds a way to exist in their own niche.

Who has survived forever (after passing away)?

This expression is used to remind others of the inevitability of death. It suggests that since no one lives forever, one should focus on living a meaningful life or doing good deeds while they are still alive, rather than worrying excessively about the end.

Lemons survived in the water, and acacia trees survived in the forest.

This expression is used to describe a situation where life goes on naturally in its respective environment without much external help. It implies that every living being or entity finds a way to survive and thrive in its own habitat or circumstances. It is often used to reassure someone that things will naturally fall into place or that people will manage to get by in their own ways.

You survived until the wedding rice ceremony because of the strength of the wedding locket.

This expression is used sarcastically to tell someone that they only escaped a dangerous situation or a severe beating by pure luck or because of some divine/external protection (like the sanctity of marriage), rather than their own merit. It implies a narrow escape from a deserved punishment.

The ox's strength is its own strength (or the strength of its owner).

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone derives their strength, power, or confidence from an external source or a superior authority. It implies that a person is acting boldly not because of their own merit, but because of the support or backing they receive from someone more powerful.

One who sold flowers should not sell firewood.

This proverb suggests that a person who once enjoyed a high status, wealth, or a prestigious position should not stoop to doing menial tasks or live in a degraded state in the same place where they were once respected. It emphasizes maintaining one's dignity and self-respect despite changes in fortune.