తనదు మేలుకీడు తనతోడ నుండురా
tanadu melukidu tanatoda nundura
One's own good and evil stay with them only.
This expression emphasizes personal responsibility and the law of karma. It means that the consequences of a person's actions—whether positive (good) or negative (evil)—will ultimately follow them and affect their own life. It is often used to advise someone to act righteously, as they alone will reap the results of their deeds.
Related Phrases
వానతోడ వచ్చు వడగండ్లు నిలుచునా?
vanatoda vachchu vadagandlu niluchuna?
Will the hailstones that come with the rain stay forever?
This proverb is used to describe things or people that arrive with a lot of noise or force but are short-lived. Just as hailstones melt quickly despite their sudden impact during a storm, certain problems, displays of anger, or boastful people do not last long.
తన నీడ తనతోనే ఉంటుంది
tana nida tanatone untundi
A man's shadow remains with himself.
This expression signifies that an individual's character, past actions, or inherent nature will always accompany them, regardless of where they go or how they try to hide. It is often used to describe consequences or traits that are inseparable from a person.
The fruits of a man's actions go with him whether good or evil.
కుంటోడైనా ఇంటోడు మేలు
kuntodaina intodu melu
Even if he is lame, a person from the house is better.
This proverb emphasizes the value of familiarity and loyalty. It suggests that a person you know well and can trust—even with their flaws or disabilities—is more reliable and beneficial in the long run than a capable stranger who might be untrustworthy.
కాకి తన్నిందంటే కీడు మూడినట్టు
kaki tannindante kidu mudinattu
If a crow hits you, it means bad luck has arrived
This expression is used to describe a situation where a minor incident is interpreted as a bad omen or a sign of impending trouble. In Telugu culture, a crow physically touching a person is traditionally considered an inauspicious sign or a warning of negative events to follow. It is often used to describe someone who is highly superstitious or to highlight a stroke of bad luck.
ఒకనాడు విందు ఒకనాడు మందు
okanadu vindu okanadu mandu
One day a feast, one day medicine
This expression warns about the consequences of overindulgence. It implies that if you feast excessively today, you will have to take medicine for health issues tomorrow. It is used to advise moderation in eating and lifestyle habits.
ఎలుక ఎప్పుడూ తన దిక్కుకే తవ్వుకుంటుంది
eluka eppudu tana dikkuke tavvukuntundi
A rat always digs towards its own side.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is inherently selfish or always looks out for their own personal gain in every situation. Just as a rat instinctively digs burrows towards its own nest or hiding place for safety, a self-centered person directs every action or decision to benefit themselves.
విదియనాడు రాని చంద్రుడు తదియనాడు తానే వస్తాడు
vidiyanadu rani chandrudu tadiyanadu tane vastadu
The moon which does not come ( i. e. cannot be seen ) on the second [ of the month ] will come himself on the third. Applied to the necessity of having patience.
This proverb emphasizes patience and the natural progression of time. It means that if something expected doesn't happen right away, it will eventually happen at its own destined time. It is used to advise someone not to worry or rush a process that is inevitable.
అంతనాడు లేదు, ఇంతనాడు లేదు, సంతనాడు పెట్టింది ముంతంత కొప్పు
antanadu ledu, intanadu ledu, santanadu pettindi muntanta koppu
Not on that day, not on this day, but on the market day she tied a bun as big as a pot.
This proverb describes a person who remains idle or neglected for a long time but chooses the most busy or inappropriate moment to show off or act. It is used to mock someone who exhibits excessive vanity or performs a task with exaggerated effort only when there is an audience or when it is inconvenient for others.
తలవరిదగు పొందు తలతోడ తీరురా..
talavaridagu pondu talatoda tirura..
Friendship with an executioner ends only with the head.
This proverb warns against forming friendships or alliances with cruel, wicked, or dangerous people. It suggests that such associations are inherently risky and will eventually lead to one's downfall or total destruction. The 'executioner' serves as a metaphor for a person who possesses the power or inclination to harm.
ఒకనాడు విందు, ఒకనాడు మందు
okanadu vindu, okanadu mandu
One day a feast, one day medicine.
This expression highlights the consequence of overindulgence. It suggests that if you indulge in a lavish feast or overeat today, you will likely end up taking medicine for health issues tomorrow. It serves as a warning for moderation in eating habits.
One day favor, one day disfavor. To-day in finery, to-morrow in filth. (German.)