తిరుమణి పెట్ట నేరిస్తే తీర్థాలు గడచినట్లు
tirumani petta neriste tirthalu gadachinatlu
Learning to apply the sacred mark is like completing all the holy pilgrimages.
This proverb suggests that mastering a fundamental skill or the core discipline of a task is equivalent to achieving the end result. In a satirical sense, it can also refer to people who focus heavily on outward appearances or rituals, implying that once the 'show' is mastered, they feel they have achieved everything.
Related Phrases
నక్కా నక్కా నా నామం చూడు, తిరిగి చూస్తే తిరుమణి చూడు.
nakka nakka na namam chudu, tirigi chuste tirumani chudu.
O Jackal! Jackal! look at my Nāmam, if you look again see my Tirumani. —Tirumani ( lit. sacred earth ) is the name given to the outer lines, made with white clay, of the Nāmam.
This expression is used to describe a cunning or deceptive person who tries to distract others with religious or righteous appearances while hiding their true intentions. It refers to someone who uses superficial symbols of piety to cover up their deceitful nature, often used when someone is being hypocritically holy.
శంఖులో పోస్తే తీర్థము, పెంకులో పోస్తే నీళ్లు.
shankhulo poste tirthamu, penkulo poste nillu.
If you pour it into the conch shell it is holy water, if you pour it into a potsherd it is common water.
This proverb emphasizes that the value or respect given to something (or someone) often depends on the vessel, context, or association it holds. It is used to describe how a person's status or a thing's importance changes based on the environment or the company they keep.
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చెడిన నీళ్ళు నదిని చేరి తీర్థంబగు.
chedina nillu nadini cheri tirthambagu.
Contaminated water becomes sacred water once it joins a river.
This proverb suggests that even someone with a bad reputation or poor character can find redemption, purification, or respect when they associate themselves with something great, noble, or divine. It highlights the power of association and the ability of a larger, purer entity to cleanse the flaws of a smaller one.
తిండికి వచ్చావా? తీర్థానికి వచ్చావా?
tindiki vachchava? tirthaniki vachchava?
Have you come to eat or to visit the shrine ?
This expression is used to question a person's priorities or motives when they seem more interested in superficial benefits (like food) rather than the primary purpose or spiritual significance of an event (like receiving holy water at a temple). It is often used to chide someone who is distracted by secondary perks.
వాలుపై నడచినట్లు
valupai nadachinatlu
Like walking on a slope.
This expression is used to describe a situation where things are progressing very easily, naturally, or without any resistance. Just as walking downhill requires little effort, it signifies a smooth and effortless process.
పాపటలో వెంట్రుక నెరిస్తే పత్తిత్తు.
papatalo ventruka neriste pattittu.
If a hair turns grey in the hair parting, she claims to be a virtuous woman.
This proverb is used to mock someone who suddenly pretends to be extremely righteous, pious, or disciplined only after they have grown old or have lost the opportunity to be otherwise. It highlights hypocrisy or a late-life transformation into a 'holier-than-thou' persona.
తిన నేర్చినమ్మ పెట్ట నేరుస్తుంది
tina nerchinamma petta nerustundi
A woman who knows how to eat also knows how to serve.
This proverb implies that someone who enjoys or appreciates the value of something will also know how to provide it to others. In a broader sense, it means that a person who understands their own needs and comforts is better equipped to care for the needs of others. It is often used to describe someone's hospitality or their proficiency in managing resources.
ఆడబోయిన తీర్థము ఎదురుగా వచ్చినట్లు
adaboyina tirthamu eduruga vachchinatlu
The sacred water in which the man was going to bathe came to meet him.
This proverb describes a situation where something you were seeking or planning to travel for becomes available to you unexpectedly and effortlessly. It is used when a desired opportunity presents itself right at your doorstep just as you were about to put in effort to attain it.
A thing sought for to come to hand without trouble.
గురువుకు తిరుమంత్రం చెప్పినట్లు.
guruvuku tirumantram cheppinatlu.
Like teaching the sacred mantra to the teacher.
This expression is used when someone tries to teach or advise an expert or a mentor in their own field of expertise. It describes a situation where an amateur or a student attempts to lecture someone who is far more knowledgeable or experienced than themselves.
తీర్థము స్వార్థము కలిసివచ్చినట్లు.
tirthamu svarthamu kalisivachchinatlu.
Like a holy pilgrimage and a personal interest coming together.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one trip or action serves two purposes: a spiritual or selfless duty and a personal or selfish gain. It is similar to the English expression 'killing two birds with one stone,' but specifically refers to achieving a personal benefit while performing a righteous or necessary task.