తల్లీ బిడ్డా ఒకటైనా, నోరూ కడుపూ వేరు
talli bidda okataina, noru kadupu veru
Although the mother and child are one, the mouth and belly are separate. Two men may be great friends, still their wants must be separately pro- vided for.
This proverb emphasizes individuality and self-interest. It means that despite the closest of human bonds (like a mother and child), every person has their own physical needs, hunger, and personal destiny. It is often used to suggest that even in intimate relationships, people must eventually look after themselves or that one's internal feelings and needs cannot be fully shared by another.
Related Phrases
నూరు అబద్ధాలాడి అయినా ఒక ఇల్లు నిలపాలి
nuru abaddhaladi ayina oka illu nilapali
You should save another even by telling a hundred lies.
This proverb is often used in the context of marriage or saving a family from breaking apart. It suggests that if white lies or minor deceptions can prevent a significant disaster like a divorce or a family feud, they are justified for the greater good of preserving the home.
రోగము ఒకటి, మందు ఒకటి
rogamu okati, mandu okati
The disease is one, the medicine is another. i. e. the one is not fitted to remove the other. Said of unsuitable remedies.
This expression is used to describe a situation where the solution provided does not match the problem at hand, or when actions taken are completely irrelevant to the actual issue. It highlights a lack of coordination or understanding in addressing a specific challenge.
అబ్బ పెంచిన బిడ్డ అయినా కావాలి, అమ్మ పెంచిన బిడ్డ అయినా కావాలి, ముండ పెంచిన బిడ్డ మండలాధిపతి అవుతాడా?
abba penchina bidda ayina kavali, amma penchina bidda ayina kavali, munda penchina bidda mandaladhipati avutada?
A child must be raised by a father or a mother; can a child raised by a mistress become a ruler?
This traditional proverb emphasizes the importance of a proper upbringing, parental guidance, and legitimate social standing in shaping a person's character and future success. It suggests that without the discipline and moral foundation provided by parents, one cannot achieve great heights or leadership roles. It is often used to highlight that a lack of proper mentorship leads to a lack of merit.
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.
నువ్వుల నూనె ఒకటి, గాండ్లవాడు వేరు.
nuvvula nune okati, gandlavadu veru.
Oil seed and oil are one, the oil-crusher is another. Joining to oppose a common enemy.
This proverb is used to emphasize the distinction between a product and its creator, or the resource and the person who manages it. It suggests that while the essence of something (like the oil) remains the same, the individuals handling it (the oil-pressers) can have different characters, methods, or intentions.
గుంటలో బిడ్డ, కడుపులో బిడ్డ
guntalo bidda, kadupulo bidda
The baby in the pit and the baby in the womb.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is taking care of or worrying about two critical things at once, typically referring to the heavy burden of responsibility or the multitasking required in parenting and household management. It can also imply a state of continuous struggle or being overwhelmed by multiple life demands.
విత్తనము ఒకటి వేస్తే, మొక్క ఒకటి మొలుచునా?
vittanamu okati veste, mokka okati moluchuna?
Will the plant differ from the seed ?
This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It implies that every action has a corresponding consequence and that one cannot expect good results from bad actions or vice-versa. It is used to remind someone that their current situation is a direct result of their past deeds or character.
A chip of the old block. He that was born of a hen loves to be scratching. (French.)† * Après la fête on gratte la tête. † Qui naît de geline il aime à grater.
అవ్వా గుర్రమూ ఒకటి అయినట్టు
avva gurramu okati ayinattu
The grandmother and the horse were one. A man and his grandmother started on a journey, the former riding, the latter on foot ; the grandson rested frequently on the road and eventually only reached his destination just as his grandmother had completed her journey. The tortoise and the hare.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two completely mismatched or incompatible things are forcefully combined, or when someone expects two contradictory results at once. It highlights the impossibility or absurdity of a specific demand or outcome.
పాము చిన్నదైనా ఒకటే, పెద్దదైనా ఒకటే
pamu chinnadaina okate, peddadaina okate
A snake is the same whether small or big.
This expression is used to signify that danger or an enemy should not be underestimated based on size or scale. Just as a small snake's venom can be as lethal as a large one's, a problem or opponent remains dangerous regardless of their stature.
తల్లీ బిడ్డా ఒకటయినా, నోరు కడుపు వేరు
talli bidda okatayina, noru kadupu veru
Even if mother and child are one, the mouth and stomach are separate.
This expression highlights individual needs and self-interest. It means that despite the closest of bonds or biological connections, every person must satisfy their own hunger and look after their own basic physical requirements. In a broader sense, it is used to say that when it comes to personal survival or individual benefits, everyone stands alone.