తీపునంటి ఈగ తెగువతో నిల్లును.
tipunanti iga teguvato nillunu.
The fly sticks to the sweetness with daring persistence.
This expression describes a situation where someone is so attracted to a benefit or pleasure (sweetness) that they are willing to take risks or persist relentlessly to obtain it. It is often used to refer to people who are drawn to profit or temptation despite potential dangers.
Related Phrases
రవ్వ రవ్వతో తెగుతుంది కాని, రాతితో తెగుతుందా
ravva ravvato tegutundi kani, ratito tegutunda
A diamond is cut by a diamond, but can it be cut by a stone?
This proverb suggests that certain tasks or people can only be handled or influenced by their equals or counterparts. Just as a hard diamond requires another diamond to be shaped, a strong-willed or highly skilled person can only be challenged or countered by someone of similar caliber, not by an ordinary or 'stone-like' force.
తీగ లాగితే డొంకంతా కదిలినట్లు
tiga lagite donkanta kadilinatlu
If you pull the vine, the entire thicket moves.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a single action or a small clue leads to the discovery of a much larger, interconnected issue or a hidden network of events. It is similar to the English idiom 'pulling a thread' or 'opening a can of worms'.
మాటకు మాట తెగులు, నీటికి నాచు తెగులు
mataku mata tegulu, nitiki nachu tegulu
Answering back is a disease to speech, just as moss is a disease to water.
This proverb suggests that arguing or talking back incessantly ruins the quality of a conversation, much like how moss pollutes and spoils a body of water. It is used to advise against unnecessary arguments or being argumentative for the sake of it.
ఇష్టమైన వస్తువు ఇంగువతో సమానం
ishtamaina vastuvu inguvato samanam
A favorite thing is equal to asafoetida.
This proverb suggests that things we love or value are like asafoetida—even in small quantities or even after the physical object is gone, its impact and 'fragrance' (memory/value) linger on. It is used to describe the lasting impression or the high value placed on cherished possessions or people.
తెగువ దేవేంద్ర పదవి
teguva devendra padavi
Liberality leads to Indra's heaven.
This proverb highlights that courage and boldness are supreme qualities. It suggests that a person with immense bravery or daring can achieve the highest possible position or success, equivalent to the throne of Lord Indra (the king of gods). It is used to encourage someone to be fearless in the pursuit of their goals.
ఓటి కుండలో నీళ్ళు పోసినట్టు
oti kundalo nillu posinattu
Like pouring water into a leaky pot
This expression is used to describe a situation where effort or resources are being completely wasted on something that cannot be salvaged or retained. It refers to a futile action where despite continuous input, there is no result or progress because the foundation is fundamentally flawed or broken.
మాటకు మాట తెగులు, నీళ్లకు నాచు తెగులు
mataku mata tegulu, nillaku nachu tegulu
Word upon word spoils speech as weeds spoil water.
This proverb highlights that constant arguing or talking back ruins the quality of a conversation, just as algae/moss spoils the purity of water. It suggests that excessive talkativeness or being argumentative is a negative trait that hinders meaningful communication.
జరిగితే జల్లెడతో నీళ్ళు మోస్తారు.
jarigite jalledato nillu mostaru.
If things go their way, they will even carry water in a sieve.
This expression is used to describe a streak of extreme good luck or high efficiency where even the impossible becomes possible. It suggests that when a person is in a favorable period or possesses great skill/determination, they can achieve success against all odds, metaphorically carrying water in a leaky sieve.
గిరిపూను భారము కరిపూనగలదా
giripunu bharamu karipunagalada
Can an elephant bear the weight that a mountain carries?
This expression is used to highlight the vast difference in capabilities between two entities. It suggests that even though an elephant is strong, it cannot compare to the immense capacity of a mountain. It is often used to convey that a small or less capable person cannot handle the monumental responsibilities or burdens meant for someone of much greater stature or power.
ఇష్టమైన వస్తువు ఇంగువతో సమానం.
ishtamaina vastuvu inguvato samanam.
A favorite item is equal to asafoetida.
This proverb suggests that just as a tiny pinch of asafoetida (hing) adds immense flavor to a dish, something that is dear or favorite to us has high value and impact regardless of its size or quantity. It is used to express that quality and personal preference matter more than quantity.