ఊరు దూరం, కాడు దగ్గర
uru duram, kadu daggara
The village is far, the graveyard is near.
This expression is used to describe someone who is reaching the very end of their life or is extremely old. It signifies that their connection to the living world (the village) is fading, while their transition to death (the graveyard) is imminent.
Related Phrases
ఆమడలు దూరమైతే, అంతఃకరణలు దూరమా?
amadalu duramaite, antahkaranalu durama?
If the leagues are long, are the hearts far distant? An Âmada (4 Kôs) is a distance varying from 8 to 10 miles. Distance cannot alter true friendship.
This expression is used to convey that physical distance between people (friends, family, or lovers) does not necessarily lead to emotional distance or a lack of affection. Even if individuals are separated by great distances (Amada being an old unit of distance), their hearts and thoughts remain connected.
ఆహారం దగ్గర, వ్యవహారం దగ్గర మొహమాటం పనికిరాదు
aharam daggara, vyavaharam daggara mohamatam panikiradu
One should not be shy or hesitant when it comes to food and business.
This proverb suggests that in certain situations, being overly modest or shy can lead to personal loss. Specifically, when eating (so you get enough to satisfy your hunger) and when conducting business or legal matters (so you ensure your interests are protected), you must be direct and outspoken.
గొడ్డలి దెబ్బకు అన్నాడట
goddali debbaku annadata
He said 'brother' to the axe blow
This expression describes a situation where someone suddenly becomes humble, respectful, or starts calling an enemy 'brother' only when faced with an immediate, life-threatening danger or severe punishment. It is used to mock people who only show manners or submission when they are under duress.
మృతి దగ్గరకు వచ్చినా, సతి దగ్గరకు వచ్చినా మతి ఉండదు.
mriti daggaraku vachchina, sati daggaraku vachchina mati undadu.
Whether death approaches or a wife approaches, one loses their mind.
This proverb highlights two extremes where a person loses their rational thinking or common sense: when facing imminent death (due to fear and panic) and when overwhelmed by lust or infatuation. It is used to describe situations where a person acts irrationally under the influence of extreme fear or intense desire.
దూరం గుడి కడితే (చంద్రుని చుట్టూ) దగ్గర వాన, దగ్గర కడితే దూరపు వాన.
duram gudi kadite (chandruni chuttu) daggara vana, daggara kadite durapu vana.
If a halo forms far around the moon, rain is near; if it forms near, rain is far.
This is a traditional Telugu weather-lore proverb. It suggests that a large, wide halo around the moon indicates immediate rainfall, whereas a tight, small halo indicates that rain is still a long way off. It is used to predict weather based on atmospheric observations.
కాటి దగ్గరి మాటలు కూటి దగ్గర ఉండవు
kati daggari matalu kuti daggara undavu
The words spoken at the graveyard do not remain at the dinner table.
This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of philosophical realizations or remorse. People often express deep wisdom or regret during somber moments (like a funeral), but quickly return to their usual habits and desires once they are back in the comfort of their daily lives.
గుడి దగ్గరైతే గురుత్వం దూరమౌతుంది
gudi daggaraite gurutvam duramautundi
When the temple is near, the gravity (respect) becomes distant.
This proverb highlights the tendency of humans to undervalue things or people that are easily accessible or familiar. It suggests that proximity often leads to a loss of reverence or appreciation, similar to the English expression 'Familiarity breeds contempt.'
తాళం నీ దగ్గర, చెవి నా దగ్గర
talam ni daggara, chevi na daggara
The lock is with you, the key is with me.
In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.
రాజుల దగ్గర ఉంటే రత్నాలు, పేదల దగ్గర ఉంటే పలుకురాళ్ళు
rajula daggara unte ratnalu, pedala daggara unte palukurallu
If they are with kings they are gems, if they are with the poor they are just pebbles.
This proverb highlights how society perceives the same object or quality differently based on a person's status or wealth. When a powerful or rich person possesses something, it is highly valued and praised, but when a poor person has the same thing, it is often dismissed as worthless or ordinary. It is used to describe social bias and the unfair weight given to status.
కళ్లకు దూరమైతే చెవులకు దూరమా?
kallaku duramaite chevulaku durama?
If out of sight, is it out of hearing also ?
This expression is used to suggest that even if you cannot see someone or something in person, you can still hear about them or stay in touch. It emphasizes that physical absence does not justify a complete lack of communication or information.