రెక్కాడితేగాని, డొక్కాడదు
rekkaditegani, dokkadadu
Unless the hand moves, the stomach will not move.
This is a popular Telugu proverb used to describe the lives of daily laborers and the poor. It means that one must work (hand/arm movement) every single day in order to have food to eat (stomach movement/digestion). It highlights a hand-to-mouth existence where there is no financial security without physical labor.
Related Phrases
అడవి కాచిన వెన్నెల
adavi kachina vennela
Moonlight shining in the forest
This expression is used to describe a situation where something valuable, beautiful, or talented is wasted because there is no one around to appreciate it or benefit from it. Just as moonlight in a deserted forest serves no purpose, an effort or talent that goes unrecognized or unused is compared to 'Adavi Kachina Vennela'.
తాగితేగాని మొగ్గడు, తడిస్తేగాని కప్పుడు.
tagitegani moggadu, tadistegani kappudu.
It will not sprout unless watered, and it will not cover unless wet.
This proverb is often used to describe items or situations that require specific conditions to become functional. In a literal sense, it refers to a rough wool blanket (gongali) which is stiff when dry but becomes flexible and usable only when damp. Figuratively, it describes people who only work or cooperate under specific pressure or when their basic needs are met.
తలరాతేగాని, తనరాత ఎక్కదు.
talarategani, tanarata ekkadu.
Only the writing on the forehead (fate), but one's own writing does not get recorded.
This expression is used to describe a situation where, despite a person's hard work, efforts, or merit, things only happen according to destiny or luck. It highlights the frustration when personal effort (one's own 'writing') seems ineffective against predetermined fate ('forehead writing'). It is often used when someone faces repeated failure despite being capable.
సీలమండలం వరకు చీర కడితేగాని, సాలెమిండని కెక్కడ తెచ్చి యిచ్చేది?
silamandalam varaku chira kaditegani, salemindani kekkada techchi yichchedi?
Unless the saree is worn down to the ankles, how can one give (spare fabric) to the weaver's wife?
This proverb describes a situation where an individual barely has enough to meet their own basic requirements, making it impossible for them to help others. It is used to point out that one cannot be charitable when their own essential needs are not yet fulfilled.
లంఖణాలకు పెడితేగాని, పైత్యం వదలదు
lankhanalaku peditegani, paityam vadaladu
The acidity (biliousness) won't leave unless one is subjected to fasting
This expression suggests that certain stubborn problems or bad behaviors cannot be corrected through gentle means; they require strict discipline, harsh measures, or a period of deprivation to be resolved. Just as fasting is a traditional remedy for digestive issues, some situations require a 'tough love' approach.
నేను నాలుగు పెడితే గానీ కుదరదు
nenu nalugu pedite gani kudaradu
It won't be settled unless I give four (slaps).
This expression is used when someone is being stubborn, mischievous, or uncooperative. It implies that the person will only behave or understand the situation if they are physically disciplined or sternly reprimanded. In a broader sense, it means some problems require a 'tough' approach rather than gentle persuasion.
రెక్కాడితేగాని డొక్కాడని వాడికి రత్నం దొరికితే రాయి అన్నాట్ట.
rekkaditegani dokkadani vadiki ratnam dorikite rayi annatta.
When a man whose belly is filled only if his hands toil finds a diamond, he says it is just a stone.
This expression describes a person who is so consumed by the daily grind and survival that they lack the knowledge or perspective to recognize a great opportunity or a valuable asset when it presents itself. It is used to highlight how poverty or lack of exposure can make someone ignorant of life's bigger fortunes.
బొక్కలో పిల్ల, డొక్కలో పిల్ల
bokkalo pilla, dokkalo pilla
Child in the hole, child in the belly.
This expression is used to describe a woman who is already taking care of a young child while being pregnant with another. It highlights the challenging situation of a mother handling consecutive pregnancies or very young children with a very small age gap.
మొక్కై వంగనిది మానై వంగునా?
mokkai vanganidi manai vanguna?
If it does not bend as a plant, will it bend as a tree?
This proverb emphasizes the importance of learning and discipline during childhood or the early stages of a project. Just as a sapling can be easily molded but a grown tree cannot, habits and behaviors are best shaped when young. It is used to suggest that if someone does not change or learn when they are flexible and young, they will never do so when they are older and set in their ways.
అక్క ఆరాటమే గానీ, బావ బతకడు
akka aratame gani, bava batakadu
The sister's anxiety is in vain; the brother-in-law will not survive.
This proverb describes a situation where despite someone's intense efforts, concern, or desire to save something, the outcome is already inevitable or the situation is beyond repair. It is used to point out that some efforts are futile because the core problem is terminal or unfixable.