తల్లి అయినా ఏడవందే పాలివ్వదు
talli ayina edavande palivvadu
Even a mother will not give milk unless the baby cries.
This proverb is used to explain that nothing is achieved or gained without asking or putting in the necessary effort. Even those who care for you most may not fulfill your needs unless you express them. It is commonly used to motivate someone to speak up for their rights or requirements.
Related Phrases
మానుపిల్లి అయినా, మట్టి పిల్లి అయినా, ఎలుకను పట్టినదే పిల్లి
manupilli ayina, matti pilli ayina, elukanu pattinade pilli
A cat which kills a rat is a cat, whether it be of wood or mud. If the work be well done, never mind the instrument.
This expression emphasizes pragmatism and results over appearance or origin. It suggests that the value of someone or something should be judged by their ability to perform their intended task or achieve a goal, rather than their outward characteristics or status.
మునిని చేయబోతే పిల్లి అయినట్టు
munini cheyabote pilli ayinattu
Like trying to make a sage but ending up with a cat instead.
This proverb describes a situation where one attempts to create or achieve something noble, grand, or highly skillful, but due to lack of skill or an unfortunate turn of events, the end result turns out to be something trivial, inferior, or completely different. It is used to mock failed ambitious attempts.
ఉల్లి చేసిన మేలు తల్లి కూడా చేయదు
ulli chesina melu talli kuda cheyadu
Even a mother cannot do as much good as an onion does.
This is a popular Telugu proverb emphasizing the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. It suggests that while a mother is the ultimate caretaker, the therapeutic properties of onions are so unique and powerful for the body that they are incomparable. It is used to encourage the consumption of onions for well-being.
పాము చావకూడదు, బడితె విరగకూడదు
pamu chavakudadu, badite viragakudadu
He won't allow the snake to die, and he won't allow the stick to be broken.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one seeks a diplomatic or clever solution to a problem that resolves the issue without causing loss, damage, or hurting any parties involved. It refers to maintaining a delicate balance or handling a conflict so skillfully that the task is accomplished without any negative consequences.
Applied to a trimmer.
అమ్మయినా అడగందే పెట్టదు
ammayina adagande pettadu
Even a mother will not serve (food) unless asked.
This proverb is used to emphasize that one must voice their needs or desires to get help, even from those who care most about them. It highlights the importance of communication and taking initiative rather than expecting others to automatically understand one's requirements.
ఆకలి అయినవాడు ధర చెడగొడతాడు
akali ayinavadu dhara chedagodatadu
A hungry man will ruin the price
This expression suggests that someone in desperate need (hungry) will pay any price or settle for any deal regardless of its fairness or market value just to satisfy their immediate necessity. In a broader sense, it implies that desperation leads to poor negotiation and can disrupt market standards.
మానుపిల్లి అయినా మట్టిపిల్లి అయినా ఎలుకను పట్టిందే పిల్లి
manupilli ayina mattipilli ayina elukanu pattinde pilli
Whether it is a wooden cat or a clay cat, the one that catches the mouse is the real cat.
This expression emphasizes pragmatism and results over appearance or origin. It suggests that the effectiveness or utility of a person or a tool is more important than its form, cost, or status. It is used to convey that the end result is what truly matters in evaluating a solution.
తల్లి అయినా ఏడవనిదే పాలు ఇవ్వదు
talli ayina edavanide palu ivvadu
Unless the child cries, even the mother will not give it suck. Nothing is got without asking. Lose nothing for asking. Asking costs little. (Italian.)?
This proverb is used to convey that one must ask or voice their needs to get what they want. In this world, even those who love you most might not realize your requirements unless you express them or struggle for them.
చావనివ్వడు, బ్రతకనివ్వడు
chavanivvadu, bratakanivvadu
He neither lets one die nor lets one live.
This expression is used to describe a person or a situation that is extremely suffocating or harassing. It refers to someone who keeps others in a state of constant misery, preventing them from progressing or finding peace, yet not letting them completely abandon the situation.
కట్టుకున్న భార్య అయినా చేయాలి, కన్నతల్లి అయినా చేయాలి
kattukunna bharya ayina cheyali, kannatalli ayina cheyali
Either the wedded wife must do it, or the mother who gave birth must do it.
This proverb highlights a traditional perspective on dependency and intimate care. It suggests that there are certain personal needs or household responsibilities so private or demanding that only the closest women in a man's life—his wife or his mother—would be willing or expected to perform them. It is often used to emphasize the importance of family bonds and the unique roles played by a mother and a spouse.