ఉండి ఉండి ఉప్పరవానిని కట్టుకొంటే, తట్ట తట్టకు తలపోతలే.
undi undi upparavanini kattukonte, tatta tattaku talapotale.
After waiting and waiting, if one marries a digger (laborer), there will be head-washings (ceremonial or literal) for every basket carried.
This proverb describes a situation where someone waits a long time to make a choice, only to end up with a difficult or laborious situation. It specifically refers to the disappointment when a long-awaited decision results in unexpected hardships or constant, repetitive struggles.
Related Phrases
గంతకు పడాలని ఉంది, ఎద్దుకు తూలాలనీ ఉంది
gantaku padalani undi, edduku tulalani undi
The pack-saddle wants to stay on, and the ox wants to wander.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one is caught between two conflicting desires or contradictory thoughts. It refers to a state of indecision or inconsistency where someone wants to enjoy the benefits of staying put while also wanting the freedom of wandering away.
కటకటా అనే ఇంటా కట్టబట్టా తినతిండీ ఉండవు.
katakata ane inta kattabatta tinatindi undavu.
In a house where people constantly cry 'Alas!', there will be no clothes to wear or food to eat.
This proverb highlights the negative impact of pessimism and constant complaining. It suggests that a household filled with sorrow, lamentation, or a lack of positivity fails to prosper, leading to poverty and a lack of basic necessities like food and clothing.
వచ్చేవారికి తట్టదింపి పొయ్యేవారికి తట్ట ఎత్తుట మంచి పని.
vachchevariki tattadimpi poyyevariki tatta ettuta manchi pani.
It is a good deed to help those arriving by lowering their basket and those leaving by lifting their basket onto them.
This proverb emphasizes the virtue of being helpful and hospitable. It suggests that one should proactively assist others in their burdens, whether they are arriving as guests or departing. It serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness and physical help contribute to a person's good character and social harmony.
తట్టుకు తగాడినట్లు
tattuku tagadinatlu
Like arguing with a basket.
This expression describes a situation where someone is arguing or talking with a person who doesn't respond or understand, or when an effort is completely futile. Just as arguing with an inanimate basket yields no response or result, it refers to pointless communication with a stubborn or unresponsive person.
బట్టతలకు పేలు పట్టినట్టు
battatalaku pelu pattinattu
Like lice infesting a bald head.
Used to describe a situation that is logically impossible, highly improbable, or a baseless allegation. Just as lice cannot live on a head without hair, this expression mocks claims or events that lack any foundation or sense.
ఊరకుండలేక ఉప్పరిని తగులుకుంటే, తట్టకొక తన్ను తగిలిస్తున్నాడు
urakundaleka upparini tagulukunte, tattakoka tannu tagilistunnadu
When one couldn't stay quiet and picked a fight with a mason, he kicked for every basket carried.
This proverb describes a situation where someone unnecessarily interferes in someone else's business or picks an avoidable argument, only to end up being humiliated or punished repeatedly. It is used to warn someone against meddling in affairs that don't concern them, especially when it results in predictable trouble.
ఉండి ఉండి ఉప్పరవానిని పోతే, చచ్చేదాక తట్టల మోతే.
undi undi upparavanini pote, chachchedaka tattala mote.
If you wait and wait only to marry a digger, you will carry baskets until death.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone waits a long time for a perfect opportunity or a better life, but ultimately makes a poor decision that leads to lifelong hardship. It highlights the irony of being patient only to settle for a demanding or exhausting outcome.
చీపురుకట్టకు పట్టుకుచ్చు కట్టినట్లు
chipurukattaku pattukuchchu kattinatlu
A silk tassel to a broom.
This expression is used to describe an absurd or mismatched combination where something very beautiful, expensive, or high-quality is wasted on or attached to something lowly, ugly, or insignificant. It highlights the incongruity and pointlessness of such an arrangement.
The grand appearance of a worthless person. A leaden sword in an ivory scabbard.
అనుమానపు మొగుడు ఆలిని వీపుకు కట్టుకొంటే, పెండ్లాము మిండ మగనిని కొప్పులో పెట్టుకొన్నదట.
anumanapu mogudu alini vipuku kattukonte, pendlamu minda maganini koppulo pettukonnadata.
If a suspicious husband ties his wife to his back, the wife hides her lover in her hair bun.
This proverb highlights that extreme suspicion or over-protective control cannot prevent someone from being unfaithful if they intend to be. It suggests that if a person is determined to deceive, they will find a way regardless of how many restrictions or monitoring measures are put in place by a jealous partner.
ఎద్దుకు తూలాలని ఉంది, గంతకు పడాలని ఉంది.
edduku tulalani undi, gantaku padalani undi.
The ox wants to sway/roam freely, yet it also wants to stay in the feeding sack.
This proverb describes a person who is conflicted or greedy, wanting to enjoy two contradictory things at the same time. It is used to describe someone who wants the freedom of having no responsibilities while simultaneously wanting the benefits or security of being tied down.