వంట అంతా అయినది గాని, వడ్లు ఒక పొలుపు ఎండవలసి ఉన్నది.
vanta anta ayinadi gani, vadlu oka polupu endavalasi unnadi.
The dinner is quite ready, the paddy merely requires another drying.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone claims to be finished with a large task, yet a fundamental, time-consuming preliminary step is still incomplete. It highlights a comical or ironic lack of logic, where the final result is impossible because the starting materials aren't even ready yet.
Paddy is an Anglo Indian term for rice in the husk. A hasty and ridiculous answer.
Related Phrases
బంగారు పొల్లు ఉంటుంది కానీ మనిషి పొల్లు ఉండదు
bangaru pollu untundi kani manishi pollu undadu
There is dross in gold, but there is no defect in man.
This expression is used to highlight the inherent value and dignity of a human being. It suggests that while even a precious metal like gold might contain impurities or waste (pollu), a person's life and character should be regarded as invaluable and without waste. It is often used to emphasize human worth over material wealth.
భయమెంతో అంత కోట కట్టుకోవలసింది.
bhayamento anta kota kattukovalasindi.
According to your fear, so you must build your fort.
This expression suggests that the level of one's defense or preparation should be proportional to the level of perceived threat or anxiety. It is used to advise someone to take adequate precautions based on the risks they foresee.
ఒళ్ళు వాచిన రెడ్డి వడ్లు ఏమి ధర అని అడిగితే, అవి లేకనే నా ఒళ్ళంతా వాచినది అన్నాడట.
ollu vachina reddi vadlu emi dhara ani adigite, avi lekane na ollanta vachinadi annadata.
" Well, swollen-bodied Reddi! how do you sell your paddy ?" " The want of it alone has made my whole body swell," he replied. The Hindus believe that longing for any desired object causes the legs and face to swell.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is suffering from extreme poverty or starvation. In the story, the swelling is due to malnutrition (dropsy), but the onlooker mistakenly thinks the man is wealthy and asking about market rates. It highlights a tragic irony where a person's visible distress is misinterpreted as a sign of prosperity or involvement in trade.
కడుపులోని మాట అంటే వూరంతా అవుతున్నది
kadupuloni mata ante vuranta avutunnadi
If you let out your secret, it will get all over the village.
This proverb is used to warn someone about the difficulty of keeping secrets. It suggests that once a private thought or secret is voiced to even one person, it quickly spreads and becomes public knowledge.
Three know it, all know it. (Italian.)* The secret of two is God's secret; the secret of three is all the world's, (French.)?
వడ్లతో కూడా దాగర ఎండవలసి వచ్చింది.
vadlato kuda dagara endavalasi vachchindi.
The basket must bake in the sun with the paddy.
This expression is used when an innocent person or an unnecessary object has to suffer or undergo a process simply because they are associated with something else. Just as the basket gets dried in the sun while drying the rice grains it holds, a bystander might get caught up in someone else's trouble.
Sharing the sufferings of others.
రాట్నము వస్తున్నది, బండి తీయవలసినది
ratnamu vastunnadi, bandi tiyavalasinadi
The spinning wheel is come, out the way with your cart. I ask your pardon, coach; I thought you were a wheelbarrow when I stumbled over you. (Irish.)
This expression is used to highlight a mismatch in priorities or a lack of common sense. It refers to someone making an unnecessary fuss or clearing a large path for a very small, insignificant object. It is used when someone overreacts to a minor situation or demands resources that are disproportionate to the task at hand.
ఊరంతా వడ్లు ఎండబెట్టుకుంటే, నక్క తోక ఎండబెట్టుకుందట
uranta vadlu endabettukunte, nakka toka endabettukundata
When the whole village put their rice in the sun to dry, the jackal put his tail to dry. Foolish imitation.
This proverb is used to describe someone who tries to imitate others' actions without understanding the purpose or importance of the task, often doing something irrelevant or foolish just to fit in. It highlights the difference between productive work and mindless imitation.
దుష్టునికి దూరముగా ఉండవలెను
dushtuniki duramuga undavalenu
Shun a wicked man.
This expression serves as a cautionary advice to avoid the company or proximity of evil-minded people. It implies that associating with bad characters can lead to unnecessary trouble or influence one's own reputation and character negatively.
బంగారం పొల్లు ఉన్నదిగాని, మనిషి పొల్లు లేదు
bangaram pollu unnadigani, manishi pollu ledu
Gold may have impurities, but this person has none.
This expression is used to describe a person of impeccable character and unwavering integrity. It suggests that while even a precious metal like gold might have flaws or dross, the person being referred to is absolutely perfect in their conduct and honesty.
ఊరు ఉన్నది, చిప్ప ఉన్నది
uru unnadi, chippa unnadi
There is the village and here is my cup. Said by a beggar.
This expression is used to describe a state of complete carelessness, detachment, or having nothing to lose. It implies that as long as there is a society to live in and a basic means to survive (even by begging), one need not worry about responsibilities or property. It is often said by or about people who are wandering or living a carefree, nomadic life without any attachments.