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.
Related Phrases
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.
తలారి పగ తలతో తీరుతుంది.
talari paga talato tirutundi.
A Talâri's hate ends with one's head. Talâri is a village watchman.
This expression suggests that certain rivalries or grudges held by powerful or stubborn individuals will only end in total destruction or extreme consequences. It is used to describe a situation where an enemy will not stop until they have achieved complete revenge, implying that one should be cautious of making enemies with those in positions of authority or those who harbor deep-seated resentment.
ఆకలి కత్తులు నూరితే ఆలితో అలుక తీరుతుంది.
akali kattulu nurite alito aluka tirutundi.
If hunger sharpens the knives, the tiff with the wife will end.
This proverb highlights the power of basic needs over petty emotions. It suggests that when one is extremely hungry, they will set aside their anger or grievances (specifically with a spouse who provides food) just to satisfy their appetite. It is used to describe situations where practical necessity forces a person to compromise or reconcile.
తిరిపెమున లేమి తీరుతుందా?
tiripemuna lemi tirutunda?
Will poverty be cured by begging?
This proverb suggests that one cannot solve fundamental problems or deep-seated poverty through small, temporary handouts or charity. It emphasizes that major issues require sustainable solutions rather than superficial or temporary fixes.
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.
ఏలాపు వెట్టిపట్టినా, అంకమ్మ శివమెత్తినా అడ్డు ఉండదు
elapu vettipattina, ankamma shivamettina addu undadu
When a seizure strikes Elapu or when Goddess Ankamma is possessed by a spirit, there is no stopping it.
This expression is used to describe a situation that has become uncontrollable or a person who is acting with unstoppable fury. It draws a comparison between a physical seizure and the intense, frenzied state of a local deity (Ankamma) during a ritual, implying that once such a process begins, it must run its course and cannot be easily restrained.
వృద్ధ కోతికి శివమెత్తినట్లు
vriddha kotiki shivamettinatlu
Like an old monkey being possessed by Lord Shiva.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is already naturally mischievous, unstable, or troublesome (like a monkey) gains additional power, energy, or a sudden outburst of rage (possession), making the situation significantly worse and uncontrollable.
చేసిన పాపం చెబితే తీరుతుంది.
chesina papam chebite tirutundi.
A sin committed is cleared if confessed.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of confession and honesty. It suggests that the burden of a mistake or wrongdoing is relieved once it is admitted openly, similar to the English expression 'A fault confessed is half redressed'.
శివమెత్తిన గంగిరెద్దులా చిందులు తొక్కడం
shivamettina gangireddula chindulu tokkadam
To dance around like a decorated bull possessed by a deity.
This expression is used to describe someone who is acting in an uncontrollably aggressive, chaotic, or agitated manner. It likens a person's wild behavior or angry outburst to the frenzied movements of a 'Gangireddu' (sacred decorated bull) when it is perceived to be possessed or extremely restless.
కాలికి చుట్టుకున్న పాము కరిచి తీరుతుంది
kaliki chuttukunna pamu karichi tirutundi
The snake that has coiled around the leg will definitely bite
This expression is used to describe a dangerous situation or a person who is relentlessly harmful. It implies that if you associate with or get trapped by something inherently dangerous or evil, it will eventually cause harm, no matter how much you try to ignore or avoid it. It is often used to warn that some problems won't just go away without consequences.