తురక కొట్టవస్తే చుక్కెదురని కదలకుంటారా?
turaka kottavaste chukkedurani kadalakuntara?
If a Turk comes to attack, would one remain still just because the stars are unfavorable?
This proverb is used to emphasize that when facing an immediate, life-threatening danger or urgent crisis, one should not worry about superstitions, omens, or astrological timings (like 'Chukkeduru'). It highlights that survival and action take precedence over ritualistic beliefs.
Related Phrases
ముక్కెడి ముక్కకు తక్కెడు బంగారం
mukkedi mukkaku takkedu bangaram
A balance-scale full of gold for a tiny piece of nose.
This expression is used to describe a situation where the cost or effort of a repair or maintenance far exceeds the value of the original object itself. It refers to spending excessively on something small or trivial.
కొట్టక కొట్టక పక్కలో కొట్టి
kottaka kottaka pakkalo kotti
Striking and striking, but striking in the side.
This expression describes a situation where someone waits for a long time to act, or makes a great effort, only to make a critical mistake or perform the action at the wrong time/place. It is used to highlight a significant failure or a blunder after much anticipation or effort.
తురకలు కొట్టగా చుక్కకెదురా
turakalu kottaga chukkakedura
When a Mussulman raid is expected is one [ afraid of ] facing Venus ? Are omens observed in times of danger ? Necessity has no law. (Latin.)
This proverb emphasizes that in times of extreme emergency or life-threatening situations, one should not worry about superstitions, astrology, or formal rituals. It suggests that survival and immediate action take priority over traditional constraints or waiting for a 'lucky' time.
రోళ్ళు కొత్తవైతే తిరగళ్ళు కొత్తవా?
rollu kottavaite tiragallu kottava?
If the mortars are new, are the grinders also new?
This proverb is used to mock someone who is acting as if they are experiencing something for the first time, despite it being a common or recurring task. It points out that even if the tools or environment change, the work remains the same, or that a person is pretending to be naive about something they should already know.
చుక్కెదురు
chukkeduru
Facing the star
This expression is used to describe a situation where one encounters a complete setback, total failure, or an unfavorable outcome. Historically, it refers to an astrological belief where traveling in a direction facing a specific star (Sukra/Venus) was considered an ill omen. In modern usage, it signifies facing strong opposition or a disappointing refusal.
చూస్తే చుక్క, లేస్తే కుక్క
chuste chukka, leste kukka
A star when seen (sitting), a dog when it gets up.
This expression is used to describe someone who appears calm, beautiful, or well-behaved while stationary or silent, but turns out to be aggressive, loud, or ill-mannered once they start acting or speaking. It is often used to warn that appearances can be deceptive.
వీపుమీద కొట్టవచ్చును గాని, కడుపుమీద కొట్టరాదు.
vipumida kottavachchunu gani, kadupumida kottaradu.
You may beat on the back but not on the belly. i. e. Punish me but don't touch my pay.
This proverb is used to emphasize that while you can scold or punish someone for their mistakes, you should never deprive them of their livelihood or their means of survival. 'Hitting on the stomach' is a metaphor for taking away someone's source of income or food.
రోళ్లు కొత్తవి అయితే, తిరగండ్లు కొత్తవా?
rollu kottavi ayite, tiragandlu kottava?
Though the Âllu be new, are the mill stones new ? An answer to a lame excuse.
This proverb is used to point out that while some circumstances or people in a situation might be new, the fundamental problems, habits, or nature of the task remain the same. It is often used when someone tries to act as if a situation is completely different just because of minor changes, reminding them that the core reality hasn't changed.
కొడితే కొట్టాడుగాని కొత్త కోకెట్టాడు
kodite kottadugani kotta kokettadu
He might have beaten me, but he gave me a new saree.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone endures some hardship, insult, or mistreatment because they received a significant benefit or compensation in return. It highlights a trade-off where the material gain outweighs the temporary suffering or loss of dignity.
గుంతకు వస్తే మరదలు మిట్టకు వస్తే వదిన
guntaku vaste maradalu mittaku vaste vadina
If in a ditch she is a sister-in-law (younger); if on a mound she is a sister-in-law (elder).
This expression is used to describe opportunistic behavior. It refers to a person who changes their relationship or attitude towards someone based on the situation or their own convenience. In this context, calling someone 'maradalu' implies a more casual or lower-status relationship when things are difficult (ditch), while calling them 'vadina' implies a more respectful or distant relationship when things are better (mound). It characterizes a fair-weather friend or someone who is inconsistently respectful.