తొత్తుకు శివము వస్తే మొక్కక తీరునా?
tottuku shivamu vaste mokkaka tiruna?
If a slut be inspired by the Deity, can one escape saluting her? Respect must be paid to those in power, however low their origin.
This proverb describes a situation where one is forced to show respect or deference to someone they usually look down upon, simply because that person currently holds a position of power, divinity, or temporary authority. It highlights how circumstances or social roles can compel someone to perform actions against their personal will.
Related Phrases
తలగడ తిరగవేస్తే తలనొప్పి తీరునా?
talagada tiragaveste talanoppi tiruna?
If you flip the pillow, will the headache go away?
This proverb suggests that changing external conditions or superficial settings cannot solve an internal or deep-rooted problem. It is used when someone tries to fix a situation with a trivial or ineffective remedy instead of addressing the actual cause.
శివరాత్రికి చలి శివశివా అని పోతుంది.
shivaratriki chali shivashiva ani potundi.
By Maha Shivaratri, the cold departs saying 'Shiva Shiva'.
This is a popular seasonal saying in Telugu culture indicating that the peak winter season ends with the Maha Shivaratri festival. It suggests that the intensity of the cold weather significantly diminishes after this day, marking the transition into spring and summer.
మొండికి శివమెత్తితే మొనగాడికైనా తప్పదు
mondiki shivamettite monagadikaina tappadu
If a stubborn person becomes possessed with rage, even a hero cannot escape.
This proverb is used to describe the danger of dealing with an obstinate or stubborn person who loses their temper. It implies that when a person with nothing to lose or a reckless attitude gets angry, they become uncontrollable and can cause trouble even for the most powerful or skilled individuals. It serves as a warning to avoid unnecessary confrontation with irrational people.
శివరాత్రికి చలి శివ శివ అని పోతుంది
shivaratriki chali shiva shiva ani potundi
By Maha Shivaratri, the cold leaves saying 'Shiva Shiva'.
This is a popular Telugu saying indicating that the winter season officially ends and the weather starts warming up after the festival of Maha Shivaratri. It describes the seasonal transition from winter to spring.
చూడ చుట్టమూ, మొక్క దైవమూ లేదు.
chuda chuttamu, mokka daivamu ledu.
No relation to visit or god to worship.
This expression describes a person who is completely alone in the world, having neither family/kinsmen to visit nor any spiritual or religious belief/deity to turn to for solace. It is used to signify extreme loneliness or a state of being a total outcast.
Utterly destitute.
కొనగా తీరనిది, కొసరితే తీరునా?
konaga tiranidi, kosarite tiruna?
If it cannot be resolved by buying, can it be resolved by bargaining?
This proverb is used to describe situations where a fundamental problem cannot be solved even with a full payment or major effort, so it is futile to expect it to be solved through minor adjustments or bargaining. It highlights that if the main path fails, trivial attempts will not succeed.
దిగులు పడితే, వెతలు తీరునా?
digulu padite, vetalu tiruna?
If you fear, will the pain be less?
This expression is used to advise someone that worrying or being anxious about a problem does not solve it. It emphasizes that constant worrying is futile and only action or time can heal difficulties. It is similar to the English sentiment 'Worrying doesn't take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace.'
తొత్తుకు శివమెత్తినా మొక్కక తీరుతుందా?
tottuku shivamettina mokkaka tirutunda?
Even if a servant gets possessed by Lord Shiva, can they avoid bowing down?
This proverb is used to say that regardless of one's arrogance or temporary rise in status, one still has to fulfill their duties or show respect to their superiors. It highlights that certain social or professional hierarchies remain unchanged despite one's behavior.
కొనగా తీరనిది కొసరగా తీరునా?
konaga tiranidi kosaraga tiruna?
Will the bad bargain be improved by receiving something over?
This proverb is used to point out that when a main task or a large investment fails to yield a result, a small extra effort or a trivial addition (tip/bonus) won't fix it. It highlights the futility of seeking small gains when the primary objective has already failed or is fundamentally insufficient.
* Tegen stromi is kwaad swemmen,
ఏడుస్తూ ఏరువాక సాగితే, కాడి మోకులు దొంగలు ఎత్తుకొని పోయారట.
edustu eruvaka sagite, kadi mokulu dongalu ettukoni poyarata.
While the man was sluggishly ploughing, thieves stole the rope collars.
This proverb describes a situation where starting a task with a negative attitude, lack of enthusiasm, or a heavy heart leads to further misfortune or failure. It implies that if you don't put your heart into your work, even the basic tools or opportunities will be lost, or the outcome will be naturally jinxed.