తిట్టిన బ్రతుకు చెప్పుకుందాం, బయట ఎవరూ లేకుండా చూడమన్నాడట
tittina bratuku cheppukundam, bayata evaru lekunda chudamannadata
Let us talk about our miserable lives, but first check if anyone is watching outside, he said.
This proverb describes a hypocritical or ironic situation where someone wants to complain about their hardships or 'shameful' life while being overly concerned about their reputation or social standing. It is used to mock people who pretend to be dignified in public despite having a messy personal life.
Related Phrases
మగవాని బ్రతుకు చిప్పనిండ మెతుకు, ఆడదాని బ్రతుకు గంజిలో మెతుకు.
magavani bratuku chippaninda metuku, adadani bratuku ganjilo metuku.
A man's life is a bowl full of grains; a woman's life is a grain in the gruel.
This traditional proverb reflects historical gender roles and social hierarchies. It suggests that a man's life or contribution is seen as substantial and central (a bowl full of food), while a woman's life is often perceived as supplementary or less significant (a single grain in liquid). It is used to describe the disparity in how society values the lives and roles of men and women.
బ్రతికిన బ్రతుకు చావులో తెలుస్తుంది
bratikina bratuku chavulo telustundi
The life one lived is known at the time of death.
This proverb emphasizes that a person's true character, reputation, and the impact of their life's work are only fully realized and judged by society after they pass away. It is often used to suggest that one's legacy is defined by how they are remembered by others when they are gone.
కొప్పుకు సింగారం అందము, తప్పుకు తగవు అందము
koppuku singaram andamu, tappuku tagavu andamu
Decoration is the beauty of a hair bun, and a fair trial is the beauty of a mistake.
This proverb highlights the importance of propriety and resolution. Just as flowers or jewels enhance a hair bun, a mistake or a conflict should be addressed through a proper inquiry or dispute resolution process to bring a sense of justice or 'beauty' to an otherwise messy situation. It emphasizes that problems should be faced and solved rather than ignored.
లేకుండా చూచి పోకుండా పట్టు అన్నాడట.
lekunda chuchi pokunda pattu annadata.
If you see he's not there, catch him and don't let him go. Said by a cowardly man to another with reference to a thief.
This is a humorous proverb used to describe someone giving nonsensical, contradictory, or impossible instructions. It mocks people who demand results while imposing conditions that make the task impossible, or those who speak in riddles that lack practical logic.
ఏమిచేసి బ్రతుకుదునమ్మా అంటే, నోరుచేసుకు బ్రతుకుబిడ్డా అన్నదట
emichesi bratukudunamma ante, noruchesuku bratukubidda annadata
When asked 'Mother, how shall I survive?', the mother replied 'Survive by using your mouth (speech), my child'.
This expression highlights that communication skills and articulateness are essential for survival and success. It is used to describe situations where someone makes a living or gets things done through their power of speech, persuasion, or sometimes by being vocal and assertive about their needs.
కొటారు కొల్లపోతున్నది అంటే, పాలివాడు లేకుండ చూడరా అన్నాడట
kotaru kollapotunnadi ante, palivadu lekunda chudara annadata
When told the granary is being looted, he said, 'Just make sure the partner doesn't get a share.'
This proverb describes a person with a spiteful or self-destructive mindset. It refers to someone who is so consumed by envy or rivalry that they would rather see their entire property or business destroyed than let their partner or rival get a single piece of it. It is used to criticize petty behavior where one loses everything just to spite another.
పండు పడకకు చెప్పకుండా పోయినాడు
pandu padakaku cheppakunda poyinadu
He left without telling the fruit or the bed.
This expression is used to describe someone who leaves a place very suddenly, secretly, or without informing anyone. It implies a quiet or abrupt departure where no one was given notice.
ఆడదాని బ్రతుకు అరిటాకు బ్రతుకు వంటిది.
adadani bratuku aritaku bratuku vantidi.
A woman's life is like a banana leaf.
This proverb highlights the perceived vulnerability and fragility of a woman's life in traditional society. Like a banana leaf, which gets damaged whether it falls on a thorn or a thorn falls on it, a woman's reputation or life is seen as being easily affected by circumstances regardless of who is at fault.
భార్య మాట బ్రతుకు బాట
bharya mata bratuku bata
Wife's word is the path to life.
This expression suggests that listening to a wife's advice leads to a stable, prosperous, and successful life. It highlights the importance of a spouse's wisdom in maintaining a happy household.
ఆడదాని బ్రతుకు అల్ప బ్రతుకు
adadani bratuku alpa bratuku
A woman's life is a fragile/humble life
This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.