తూగి ముందుకు పడడు, తాగి వెనకకు పడడు.
tugi munduku padadu, tagi venakaku padadu.
He does not lean forward while drowsy, and he does not fall backward while drunk.
This expression describes a person who is extremely clever, calculating, and avoids making mistakes even in compromised situations. It refers to someone who maintains their composure or strategic advantage under any circumstances, never losing their balance or giving others an opportunity to take advantage of them.
Related Phrases
హస్తలో ఆకు అల్లాడితే, చిత్తలో చినుకు పడదు
hastalo aku alladite, chittalo chinuku padadu
If a leaf flutters in the Hasta nakshatra, not a drop will fall in the Chitta nakshatra.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to monsoon patterns. It suggests that if there is heavy wind during the 'Hasta' rain period (causing leaves to shake/flutter), it indicates a lack of moisture or a change in weather that prevents rains from occurring in the subsequent 'Chitta' period.
అసూయ ముందు, ఆడది వెనుక
asuya mundu, adadi venuka
Jealousy in front, woman behind
This proverb is used to describe a person who is driven primarily by jealousy. It suggests that such a person's envy is so prominent that it precedes them, while their actual identity or other characteristics follow behind. It is often used to criticize someone whose actions are entirely motivated by spite or the inability to see others prosper.
పడ్డకు పడుచుకు పలుపు కడితే వెంట పడతారు
paddaku paduchuku palupu kadite venta padataru
If you tie a halter to a young buffalo or a young girl, they will follow you.
This is a traditional saying used to describe how certain people or animals can be easily led or controlled if given the right incentive or restraint at the right time. It suggests that once a connection or bond (symbolized by the 'palupu' or halter) is established, they will follow along. It is often used in a humorous or colloquial context regarding the behavior of youth.
ఇంటి వెనకాలకు వెళ్లి ఇల్లు ముందుకు తెచ్చినట్టు
inti venakalaku velli illu munduku techchinattu
He brought the house forward by going behind it. Said jokingly of a man who professed to have improved the family prospects.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task in a needlessly complicated, roundabout, or illogical manner. It refers to wasting effort on an impossible or unnecessarily difficult way of doing something that should be simple.
పండు పడకకు చెప్పకుండా పోయినాడు
pandu padakaku cheppakunda poyinadu
He left without telling the fruit or the bed.
This expression is used to describe someone who leaves a place very suddenly, secretly, or without informing anyone. It implies a quiet or abrupt departure where no one was given notice.
కదుటిలో పడదు, దిండులోనూ పడదు.
kadutilo padadu, dindulonu padadu.
Neither falling into the spinning wheel nor falling into the pillow.
This expression describes a state of indecision or a situation where someone is stuck between two choices and ends up benefiting from neither. It is used when a person is inconsistent, unreliable, or fails to commit to a specific path, resulting in total unproductive outcome.
ఆడదానికీ ఆయనకూ ఆమడదూరం
adadaniki ayanaku amadaduram
Distance of eight miles between the woman and her husband.
This expression is used to describe a couple who are legally married but live separately or have no emotional or physical connection. It signifies a state of total estrangement or a complete lack of intimacy in a relationship.
వెనకకు వెళ్తే తన్ను, ముందుకు వస్తే పోటు
venakaku velte tannu, munduku vaste potu
If you go behind you are kicked, if you go in front you are gored.
This expression describes a 'no-win' situation or a dilemma where both available options lead to a negative outcome. It is similar to the English idioms 'Between a rock and a hard place' or 'Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.' It is used when a person is stuck between two equally unpleasant alternatives.
Not to be pleased in any way.
ఊరి మీద నూరు పడ్డా, కరణము మీద కాసు పడదు
uri mida nuru padda, karanamu mida kasu padadu
Though a hundred [pagodas] be levied from the village, not a cash will be paid by the Karanaṁ. A cash ( కాసు ) is 1-60th of an Anna. The instrument of oppression does not himself suffer.
This proverb describes a situation where an influential person or authority figure remains unaffected by the troubles or financial burdens that plague the community they oversee. It is used to highlight systemic corruption or the cleverness of bureaucrats who ensure their own safety and wealth while others suffer losses.
పానము పాడైపోయినా, ప్రాణము కుదుట పడదు.
panamu padaipoyina, pranamu kuduta padadu.
Even if the drink/vessel is ruined, the life (breath) does not settle down.
This expression is used to describe a state of extreme anxiety, restlessness, or deep distress where no amount of material loss or external change can calm a person's inner turmoil. It highlights a situation where one's peace of mind is so severely disturbed that they cannot find comfort even after a crisis has passed or a sacrifice has been made.