వైదికుని చేతి విడెము
vaidikuni cheti videmu
Betel nut in the hand of a clerical Brahman.
This expression is used to describe something that is given very reluctantly or something that is offered in such a small quantity that it is almost negligible. In traditional culture, Vaidika priests were known for their frugality and would often part with items (like betel leaves/taambulam) with great hesitation.
Related Phrases
కోతి చేతి పూల దండ
koti cheti pula danda
A garland of flowers in a monkey's paw.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a valuable object or a position of responsibility is given to someone who is incapable of understanding its value or doesn't know how to handle it properly, eventually leading to its destruction.
A good thing thrown away on a stupid person.
ఆడదాని చేతి అద్దం, మగాడి చేతి బిడ్డ బ్రతకదట
adadani cheti addam, magadi cheti bidda bratakadata
A mirror in a woman's hand and a child in a man's hand do not survive.
This is a traditional proverb highlighting gender-stereotypical roles from the past. It suggests that a mirror in a woman's hand will break because she uses it too frequently, and a baby in a man's hand will not thrive because he lacks the natural nurturing patience or skill required for childcare. In modern usage, it is often cited to remark on the lack of care or the inherent risk of mishandling something when it is not in the hands of an 'expert' or 'natural' caretaker.
నేటి విత్తే రేపటి చెట్టు
neti vitte repati chettu
Today's seed is tomorrow's tree
This proverb emphasizes that small actions, investments, or habits formed today will grow into significant results or consequences in the future. It is commonly used to highlight the importance of childhood education, early investments, or environmental conservation.
గోడకు పూసిన సున్నము విడెములోనికి వచ్చునా?
godaku pusina sunnamu videmuloniki vachchuna?
Can the lime painted on a wall be used in a betel leaf preparation?
This proverb is used to describe an irreversible situation or a wasted effort. Just as lime (chuna) applied to a wall cannot be reclaimed for consumption in a 'paan' (videnmu), money spent on useless things or help given to ungrateful people cannot be recovered or put to better use later.
చేతి గుణం - వైద్యుని చేతి తళుకు
cheti gunam - vaidyuni cheti taluku
The hand's quality - the physician's hand's brilliance
This expression refers to the 'healing touch' or the innate skill of a person. It suggests that the success of a treatment or a task depends not just on the medicine or tools used, but on the unique proficiency and luck (Cheti Gunam) of the individual performing it. It is commonly used when a doctor's treatment works effectively or when someone consistently succeeds in their craft.
నీళ్ళాడని చేతికి విధానాలాటవు
nilladani chetiki vidhanalatavu
To a hand that does not move water, the rules of rituals do not apply.
This proverb is used to criticize people who talk about rules, procedures, or high standards without actually doing any work. It suggests that if someone isn't willing to put in the basic effort (like even touching water for a task), they have no right to preach about how things should be done or worry about formal procedures.
గడెము కట్టిన, గొడెము విడుస్తుంది
gademu kattina, godemu vidustundi
If you latch the bolt, the nuisance/trouble will leave.
This proverb is used to emphasize that taking a simple preventive measure or securing something properly can save one from significant future trouble or harassment. It suggests that being proactive and setting boundaries (metaphorically 'latching the door') prevents unwanted problems from entering one's life.
సుఖమెరుగని బ్రతుకు సున్నవేయని విడెము
sukhamerugani bratuku sunnaveyani videmu
A life without happiness is like a betel leaf preparation without lime (chuna).
In Telugu culture, chewing betel leaves (paan) is incomplete and tasteless without 'sunnam' (lime). This proverb uses that analogy to describe a life devoid of joy or comfort as being dull, incomplete, and without essence. It is used to express the sadness of a life filled only with hardship.
ఆడదాని చేతి అర్థం, మగవాడి చేతి బిడ్డ నిలవవు.
adadani cheti artham, magavadi cheti bidda nilavavu.
Money in a woman's hand and a child in a man's hand will not stay.
This traditional proverb suggests that wealth held by a woman is quickly spent on household needs, while a man may lack the patience or nurturing skill to keep a child calm or safe for long. It is used to describe roles or situations where resources or responsibilities are perceived to be inherently unstable.
వైదికునిచేతి విడిమాయె వనిత బ్రతుకు
vaidikunicheti vidimaye vanita bratuku
The life of a woman became like a betel leaf in the hands of a priest.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's life or future is completely at the mercy of someone who doesn't care about it, or where something is being used up or wasted carelessly. Just as a priest quickly consumes or discards betel leaves during a ritual, the subject's life is being handled without value or consideration.