తాతల నాటి నేతులు తాగాం, మూతులు వాసన చూడమన్నట్లు
tatala nati netulu tagam, mutulu vasana chudamannatlu
We drank ghee in our grandfathers' time, now smell our mouths.
This proverb is used to mock people who boast about their ancestors' past wealth or glory while currently living in poverty or insignificance. It highlights the absurdity of trying to claim status based on long-gone prosperity that has no practical value in the present.
Related Phrases
ఉండి చూడు ఊరి అందం, నానాటికి చూడు నా అందం
undi chudu uri andam, nanatiki chudu na andam
Wait and see the beauty of the village, but examine my beauty day by day. Said by an ugly man in a dirty village.
This expression is used to describe something that reveals its true value or quality over a long period rather than immediately. It implies that while the charm of a place (the village) might be constant, the person's own worth, skills, or beauty will become increasingly apparent as time passes.
పెట్టగతులు లేకున్న పుట్టగతులు ఉండవు.
pettagatulu lekunna puttagatulu undavu.
If one does not perform acts of giving, there will be no auspicious path after rebirth.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of charity and kindness during one's lifetime. It suggests that if a person is stingy or fails to help others (Pettagathulu), they will not have a good fate or salvation in their next life or after death (Puttagathulu). It is used to encourage generosity and moral living.
ఉత్త చేతులు మూర వేసినట్టు
utta chetulu mura vesinattu
Like measuring the air.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes grand plans or claims without having any resources, basis, or substance. It refers to the futility of trying to measure length (a cubit) when you have nothing to measure or no foundation to work from.
Idle dreams.
పంతులు పెళ్ళాం మెంతులు లేక గంతులు వేసిందట
pantulu pellam mentulu leka gantulu vesindata
The priest's wife supposedly jumped around because she didn't have fenugreek seeds.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes a huge fuss or throws a tantrum over a very trivial or minor issue. It highlights the absurdity of reacting dramatically to the lack of something insignificant.
చేతులు పొడుగు అని మూతులు పొడుస్తారా?
chetulu podugu ani mutulu podustara?
Just because your hands are long, will you poke someone's face?
This proverb is used to criticize people who misuse their power, influence, or status to harass or insult others. It implies that having the capability or strength to do something does not give one the right to act unfairly or cross boundaries.
నాకు లేక నాకుతుంటే, మూతులు నాకను వచ్చావా
naku leka nakutunte, mutulu nakanu vachchava
While I am licking because I have nothing, did you come to lick my mouth?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who is already in a miserable or impoverished state is approached by someone else for help or a share. It highlights the irony of asking for assistance from someone who is already struggling for their own survival.
పుట్టు వాసనా, పెట్టు వాసనా?
puttu vasana, pettu vasana?
Is this natural fragrance, or borrowed perfume ? Said of a man of great pretensions but of no real learning.
This expression is used to distinguish between natural, inherent qualities (character or talent) and artificial, acquired, or temporary ones. It emphasizes that true nature (puttu vasana) is permanent, while external influences or pretenses (pettu vasana) are transient.
పంతులు గింతులు పావుశేరు మెంతులు ఎగరేసి కొడితే ఏడు గంతులు
pantulu gintulu pavusheru mentulu egaresi kodite edu gantulu
Pundits and such are like a quarter seer of fenugreek seeds; if you toss them up and strike, they jump seven times.
This is a humorous and mocking rhyming chant or 'sameta' used to poke fun at teachers or scholars (Pantulu). It suggests that despite their status, they can be easily rattled or made to jump around. It is often used by children or in a lighthearted, albeit disrespectful, way to diminish the authority of a teacher.
ఉల్లి ముట్టనిదే వాసన రాదు
ulli muttanide vasana radu
Without touching an onion, the smell won't come.
This expression is used to suggest that there is no smoke without fire. It implies that a person wouldn't be accused or associated with a situation unless they had some involvement in it, or that every consequence has a specific root cause.
సుతులు లేని వారికి గతులు లేవు.
sutulu leni variki gatulu levu.
Those who do not have sons have no salvation.
Historically, this proverb reflects an old belief that a son is necessary to perform final rites for parents to attain 'Moksha' (salvation). In a modern context, it is often used to discuss traditional family values or the cultural importance placed on continuing the lineage.