వంగితే తెలుస్తుందమ్మా వరిమడి కలుపు, నిలబడినవానికి నీళ్ళు కారుతాయా?
vangite telustundamma varimadi kalupu, nilabadinavaniki nillu karutaya?
You will only know the weeds in the paddy field if you bend down; does water flow for one who just stands?
This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and active involvement. It suggests that results or insights are only gained when one is willing to work hard (bend down), whereas someone who remains idle or disconnected from the task will gain nothing and understand nothing. It is used to criticize laziness or a lack of practical effort.
Related Phrases
పచ్చికుండలో నీళ్ళు పోసి, నీ పాతివ్రత్యం తెలుస్తుంది అన్నట్లు
pachchikundalo nillu posi, ni pativratyam telustundi annatlu
Like saying, 'Pour water in an unbaked clay pot to prove your chastity'
This proverb describes setting an impossible or rigged task as a test of someone's character or ability. An unbaked clay pot (pachikunda) will naturally dissolve or leak when water is poured into it, regardless of the person's virtue. It is used when someone is being unfairly tested or when the failure of a task is inevitable due to the tools provided.
నీళ్ళు నీళ్ళ వంకను పారుతాయిగాని మిట్టలెక్కిపారతాయా?
nillu nilla vankanu parutayigani mittalekkiparataya?
Water flows towards water (downwards), does it flow uphill?
This proverb is used to illustrate that things naturally follow their inherent nature or predetermined path. It is often used in social contexts to suggest that people gravitate towards their own kind (wealthy towards wealthy, or relatives towards relatives) and that natural tendencies are difficult to reverse.
సకల శాస్త్రాలు చదివినవాడికి నిలబడి మూత్రం పోయడం నేర్పినట్టు.
sakala shastralu chadivinavadiki nilabadi mutram poyadam nerpinattu.
Like teaching someone who has studied all the scriptures how to urinate while standing.
This proverb is used to mock someone who possesses great theoretical knowledge or wisdom but lacks common sense or basic practical discipline. It highlights the irony of a learned person behaving in an uncivilized, improper, or uneducated manner despite their high status or education.
ఎల్లవారమ్మల బ్రతుకు తెల్లవారితే తెలుస్తుంది.
ellavarammala bratuku tellavarite telustundi.
When it dawns, we shall know whose mother is alive. Said by a man to his wife, at whose instigation he had agreed that they should kill his mother. The mothers of the pair slept together and the wife's mother was murdered instead of the husband's, with the latter's knowledge. The wife, having an inkling of the truth, endeavoured to per- suade her husband to go and see which of the two they had spared, and he replied as above.
This proverb implies that the true state or reality of a situation (or someone's life) is revealed when the light of day comes or when the time is right. It is used to suggest that secrets or hidden struggles cannot stay hidden forever and the truth will eventually come to light.
* Απλησιος πίθος.
నిజము నిలకడమీద తెలుస్తుంది
nijamu nilakadamida telustundi
The truth will be known with steadiness (over time).
This expression means that the truth eventually reveals itself as time passes. It is used to advise patience when someone is being falsely accused or when facts are currently obscured, suggesting that one should wait for the situation to settle for the reality to emerge.
నీళ్లు తాగేవాడికి నిలుకడ లేదు
nillu tagevadiki nilukada ledu
The one who drinks water has no stability.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is restless, indecisive, or constantly on the move. Just as a person drinking water from their hands or a vessel might be in a hurry to finish and move on, it refers to a person who lacks patience or a steady nature.
సకల శాస్త్రాలు, నిలబడి మూత్రాలు.
sakala shastralu, nilabadi mutralu.
All the scriptures [studied], while urinating standing up.
This expression is used to mock someone who possesses vast knowledge or theoretical wisdom but lacks basic discipline, manners, or practical common sense. It highlights the irony of a person who claims to be highly educated or spiritual yet behaves in a crude or unrefined manner.
ఇల్లు చూస్తే తెలుస్తుంది ఇల్లాలి అందం
illu chuste telustundi illali andam
A home's appearance reveals the housewife's beauty.
This proverb suggests that the cleanliness, organization, and upkeep of a home are a direct reflection of the character, competence, and management skills of the person in charge of it. It is used to emphasize that true beauty or worth is seen in how one maintains their responsibilities and environment.
ఎల్లమ్మ బ్రతుకు తెల్లవారితే తెలుస్తుంది
ellamma bratuku tellavarite telustundi
Ellamma's life (or fate) will be known once the day breaks.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the true outcome or the reality of a person's condition will only be revealed after a period of time or once a specific event concludes. It implies that current appearances might be deceptive and the final truth will come to light eventually.
నిజం నిలకడ మీద తెలుస్తుంది
nijam nilakada mida telustundi
Truth is known upon settling down
This expression means that the truth will eventually reveal itself over time. It is used to suggest that one should be patient when facing false accusations or confusion, as time and stability will eventually bring the facts to light.