తుంగభద్రలో మునుగను తాతం భట్టాజ్ఞా?
tungabhadralo munuganu tatam bhattajnya?
Will I not dip in the Tungabhadra? Is it the command of Tatambhatta?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to prevent or forbid an action that is already inevitable or impossible to stop. It refers to a story where a person named Tatambhatta forbids someone from bathing in the river Tungabhadra, even though that person has no choice but to do so or is already determined to do it. It highlights the futility of issuing orders or restrictions on things that are bound to happen or are beyond the controller's authority.
Related Phrases
తూర్పున తెరవేసింది, తుంగభద్రలో దొడ్డికట్టరా గొల్లడా.
turpuna teravesindi, tungabhadralo doddikattara gollada.
The screen has risen in the east, build the pen in Tungabhadra, O Shepherd.
This proverb is used to indicate that when rain clouds appear in the east, heavy rain is imminent. It suggests that the water levels in rivers like the Tungabhadra will rise quickly, so shepherds should move their livestock to safer, higher ground or secure them immediately. It serves as a metaphor for taking timely precautions when early warning signs of a situation appear.
నంగనాచి - తుంగబుట్టి
nanganachi - tungabutti
A deceptive innocent - a hidden viper
This expression is used to describe a person who pretends to be extremely innocent, naive, or shy on the outside but is actually very cunning, manipulative, or mischievous on the inside. It is often used to call out hypocrisy or deceptive behavior.
మామిళ్ళ కాజ్ఞగాని, గుక్కిళ్ళకు ఆజ్ఞా?
mamilla kajnyagani, gukkillaku ajnya?
An order for mangoes, but is there an order for swallowing?
This proverb is used to point out the absurdity of trying to control or restrict something that is natural, involuntary, or beyond one's authority. While one might have control over the distribution of fruits (mangoes), they cannot control the basic bodily function or the urge of the person eating (swallowing). It highlights that certain things happen naturally and cannot be governed by rules or commands.
ఇంటికన్నా గుడి భద్రము.
intikanna gudi bhadramu.
A temple is safer than the house.
Sometimes, one’s place of work or stay elsewhere is better than living in one’s own house, especially when domestic harmony is absent.
ముందు ముల్లు తొక్కి వెనుక భద్రం అన్నట్లు
mundu mullu tokki venuka bhadram annatlu
Stepping on a thorn first and then saying 'safety behind'
This expression is used to describe someone who acts recklessly or makes a mistake first, and only tries to be cautious or offers advice on safety after the damage is already done. It highlights the irony of being careful too late.
మొదలు మునిగితే వడ్డి మునుగదా
modalu munigite vaddi munugada
If the principal amount is drowned, won't the interest be drowned too?
This proverb is used to illustrate that when the core foundation or the primary source of something is lost or destroyed, the secondary benefits or consequences associated with it will inevitably disappear as well. It is often applied in financial contexts or when discussing the root cause of a failure.
తాను చొక్కమైనట్లు, తడక భద్రమైనట్లు
tanu chokkamainatlu, tadaka bhadramainatlu
As if one is pure, and as if the bamboo screen is secure.
This proverb is used to mock someone who pretends to be virtuous or meticulous while their actions or surroundings are clearly flawed. It describes a situation where a person claims to be 'pure' (chokkam) while relying on a flimsy 'bamboo screen' (tadaka) for protection or privacy, highlighting hypocrisy or a false sense of security.
పేరు గంగాభవాని, తాగబోతే నీటిచుక్కలేదు
peru gangabhavani, tagabote nitichukkaledu
The name is Gangabhavani, but there isn't a drop of water to drink.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is a huge contrast between a person's grand name or reputation and their actual humble or poor reality. It highlights hypocrisy or a lack of resources despite having a fancy title.
చింతకాయలు కాజ్ఞగాని, గ్రుక్కిళ్ళ కాజ్ఞా?
chintakayalu kajnyagani, grukkilla kajnya?
There may be a command (restriction) on tamarinds, but is there a command on swallowing (saliva)?
This proverb is used to point out that while one can restrict or control access to physical resources or external actions, one cannot control a person's natural reactions, thoughts, or internal desires. It is often used when someone tries to impose impossible or overreaching restrictions on others.
బ్రహ్మజ్ఞానులవారు వచ్చారు, పట్టుబట్టలు భద్రం
brahmajnyanulavaru vachcharu, pattubattalu bhadram
The enlightened one has arrived, keep the silk clothes safe.
This is a sarcastic expression used to warn others about a person who pretends to be holy or spiritual but is actually untrustworthy or likely to steal. It implies that despite the person's lofty talk or appearance, one should be cautious of their belongings.