ఊరకుక్కకు అడవిలేడికి ఉన్నంత తేడా
urakukkaku adavilediki unnanta teda
Lame in the village and an antelope in the jungle. A skulk.
This expression is used to highlight a vast, incomparable difference between two things or people. It suggests that one is common or inferior (the village dog) while the other is exotic, superior, or unattainable (the forest deer).
Related Phrases
అక్కకుంటే అరితికిలేదు, చెల్లెలికుంటే చేతికిలేదు
akkakunte aritikiledu, chellelikunte chetikiledu
If the elder sister has it, it's not on the leaf; if the younger sister has it, it's not in the hand.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite having many relatives or resources, none are actually available to help when needed. It signifies being in a state of helplessness or lack of support even when one is surrounded by family or potential means.
ఊరకుంటే అడవిలేడి.
urakunte adaviledi.
If one stays quiet, they are like a wild deer.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is exceptionally quiet, shy, or gentle. Just as a deer in the forest remains silent and avoids confrontation, it refers to a person who minds their own business and does not create trouble or noise.
ఊరిలో కుంటి, అడవిలో లేడి
urilo kunti, adavilo ledi
Lame in the village, a deer in the forest
This proverb is used to describe a person who pretends to be weak, lazy, or incapable when asked to do work at home or in the village, but becomes extremely active, energetic, and agile when it concerns their own interests or outside activities. It highlights the hypocrisy of selective effort.
అడిగితే చిరాకు, అడగకపోతే పరాకు
adigite chiraku, adagakapote paraku
If asked, it is irritation; if not asked, it is negligence.
This proverb describes a difficult person or situation where any action leads to a negative outcome. If you ask for something or check in, they get annoyed (irritation), but if you stay quiet, they complain that you are ignoring them or being careless (negligence/paraku).
అయితే ఆదివారం, కాకుంటే సోమవారం
ayite adivaram, kakunte somavaram
If it's not Sunday it's Monday. If to-day will not, to-morrow may.
This expression is used to describe someone who is indecisive or a situation that lacks a firm commitment. It implies that a task will be done eventually, but without a specific or reliable timeline, often suggesting procrastination or a casual attitude toward deadlines.
కొంటె కొరివి అమ్మితె అడివి
konte korivi ammite adivi
To buy is like a torch: to sell a wilderness.
This has reference to the price one gets and one has to pay while buying and selling. Neither buying nor selling is profitable to the needy.
అడిగితే చిరాకు, అడగకపోతే పరాకు
adigite chiraku, adagakapote paraku
Irritation if asked, negligence if not asked.
This proverb describes a difficult or 'no-win' situation, often referring to people who get annoyed when reminded of their duties but completely forget or neglect them if left alone. It highlights the frustration of dealing with someone who is both irritable and irresponsible.
నీళ్లలో నిమ్మలు బ్రతికినవి, అడివిలో తుమ్మలు బ్రతికినవి.
nillalo nimmalu bratikinavi, adivilo tummalu bratikinavi.
Lime trees lived in the water, acacia trees lived in the jungle. Very common.
This proverb is used to describe how different people or things thrive in their natural or specific environments. It suggests that survival depends on being in the right place or situation suited to one's nature. It can also be used to indicate that despite hardships or varying conditions, everyone finds a way to exist in their own niche.
అమరితే ఆడది, అమరకుంటే గాడిది
amarite adadi, amarakunte gadidi
If she adapts, she is a woman; if not, she is a donkey.
This expression describes a fickle or opportunistic attitude towards people. It means that as long as someone is useful or compliant to one's needs, they are treated with respect, but the moment they stop serving that purpose or disagree, they are treated with contempt and insulted.
ఆలు కాదు, అది వ్రాలు.
alu kadu, adi vralu.
She is not his mate but his fate. ( See Vēmana Book II, 15. )
This expression is used to describe someone who lacks any skills or usefulness, or to mock a person's poor handwriting or lack of character. It is often used humorously or critically to point out that something isn't what it's supposed to be, or that someone is incompetent in their role.