తింటే కదలలేను, తినకపోతే మెదలలేను.
tinte kadalalenu, tinakapote medalalenu.
If I eat I can't move, if I don't eat I can't stir.
This expression describes a state of extreme laziness or physical inertia. It is used to mock someone who makes excuses for being unproductive regardless of the situation—blaming a heavy stomach after eating and a lack of energy before eating.
Related Phrases
జలుబు మందు తింటే వారం రోజులు ఉంటుంది, తినకపోతే ఏడు రోజులు ఉంటుంది.
jalubu mandu tinte varam rojulu untundi, tinakapote edu rojulu untundi.
If you take medicine for a cold, it lasts for a week; if you don't take it, it lasts for seven days.
This is a humorous observation or a 'sameta' used to point out that certain things, like a common cold, follow their natural course and cannot be rushed. Since a week and seven days are exactly the same, it implies that the medicine doesn't actually shorten the duration of the illness. It is used to describe situations where intervention doesn't yield a faster result than doing nothing.
కడుపు వస్తే కనే తీరాలి
kadupu vaste kane tirali
After conception there's nothing for it but to bring forth.
This proverb is used to convey that once a responsibility is taken or a process has started, one must see it through to the end regardless of the difficulties. It emphasizes that certain consequences or duties are inevitable once a particular path is chosen.
A work undertaken must be completed.
గాలి మేడలు కట్టడం
gali medalu kattadam
Building castles in the air
This expression refers to creating unrealistic plans or daydreams that have no solid foundation. It is used to describe someone who is being impractical or overly idealistic about the future without taking any concrete action.
అయితే ఆముదాలు, కాకపోతే కంది.
ayite amudalu, kakapote kandi.
If it happens, it's castor seeds; if not, it's pigeon peas.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is prepared for two possible outcomes, often in farming or business. Castor plants grow in low rainfall, while pigeon peas need more rain. It signifies a win-win strategy or a fallback plan where regardless of the circumstances, there will be some form of harvest or benefit.
వింటే బేగడ వినాలి, తింటే మీగడ తినాలి
vinte begada vinali, tinte migada tinali
If you listen, listen to Begada; if you eat, eat the cream.
This expression highlights seeking the absolute best in any category. 'Begada' is considered a king of ragas in Carnatic music for its emotional depth, and 'Meegada' (cream) is the richest part of milk. It is used to suggest that if one chooses to indulge in an activity, they should go for the finest or highest quality experience possible.
తిని ఉండలేను, తీసి బొందవెట్టు.
tini undalenu, tisi bondavettu.
I cannot stay after eating, take it and bury it.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely lazy or ungrateful. It refers to someone who wants to enjoy a meal but refuses to do even the smallest bit of work or cleaning afterward, expecting others to handle everything, including 'burying' or clearing away the remains.
వింటే భారతం వినాలి, తింటే గారెలు తినాలి
vinte bharatam vinali, tinte garelu tinali
If you listen, listen to the Mahabharata; if you eat, eat Vada (Garelu).
This proverb highlights the gold standard of experiences. It suggests that among all stories, the epic Mahabharata is the most worthwhile to hear, and among all snacks, the Vada is the most delicious to eat. It is used to describe the best or most superior choice in a particular category.
చదువురాని మొద్దు- కదలలేని ఎద్దు
chaduvurani moddu- kadalaleni eddu
An uneducated blockhead is like a bull that cannot move.
This proverb is used to emphasize the importance of education. It compares an uneducated person to a stubborn or immobile ox, implying that without knowledge, a person lacks the direction, utility, and initiative required to progress in life.
తింటే నీరసం, తినకపోతే నీరసం
tinte nirasam, tinakapote nirasam
If you eat, you feel weak; if you don't eat, you feel weak.
This expression is used to describe a state of poor health or extreme exhaustion where neither food nor fasting provides relief. It can also figuratively describe a 'no-win' situation or a dilemma where every possible action leads to a negative or unsatisfying result.
అవ్వా కావాలి, బువ్వా కావాలి
avva kavali, buvva kavali
I want grand-mother and I want food. Said by a child who did not wish to leave its grand-mother, but who had to do so to get its dinner. You cannot drink and whistle at the same time. (Danish.)
This proverb describes a situation where someone wants to have their cake and eat it too. It is used when a person tries to hold onto two mutually exclusive options or wants all the benefits of a situation without making any sacrifices or choices.
* Man kan ikke drikke og pibe paa eengang.