వరికి వాక, దొరకు మూక.
variki vaka, doraku muka.
A stream for a rice-field, a troop for a chief.
This proverb highlights the essential requirements for success in different domains. Just as a rice crop (paddy) cannot thrive without a constant supply of flowing water, a ruler or leader cannot maintain power or achieve victory without a loyal group of followers or an army. It is used to emphasize that resources and support systems must match the nature of the endeavor.
Related Phrases
దొంగకు దొంగ బుద్ధి, దొరకు దొర బుద్ధి.
dongaku donga buddhi, doraku dora buddhi.
A thief has a thief's thoughts, a gentleman has a gentleman's thoughts.
This proverb means that a person's behavior and thinking are dictated by their character and inherent nature. A person with bad intentions will always act according to their devious nature, while a person of noble character will act with dignity and honor, regardless of the situation.
మంచి వారికి ఒక మాట, మంచి గొడ్డుకు ఒక దెబ్బ
manchi variki oka mata, manchi godduku oka debba
One word to a good man, one stroke to a good bullock. A nod for a wise man, and a rod for a fool.
This proverb emphasizes that an intelligent or sensible person understands and acts upon a single word of advice or instruction, just as a disciplined ox responds to a single stroke. It is used to suggest that wise people do not need repeated warnings or explanations to do the right thing.
చేనికి వాక, రేనికి మూక.
cheniki vaka, reniki muka.
A canal for the field, a crowd for the king.
This proverb highlights the essential requirements for success or strength in different contexts. Just as a field requires a constant supply of water through a canal (vaaka) to thrive and yield crops, a king or leader requires a loyal following or a strong army (mooka) to maintain power and authority. It is used to describe the fundamental necessities of a particular situation.
ఎన్నడూ దొరకనమ్మకు ఏగాని దొరికితే ఏడు ముళ్లు వేసిందట
ennadu dorakanammaku egani dorikite edu mullu vesindata
When a woman who never found anything finally found a small coin, she tied seven knots to secure it.
This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves excessively or ridiculously over-cautious when they suddenly acquire something of very small value. It mocks someone who makes a huge fuss over a trivial gain because they are not used to having anything at all.
దొరికితే దొంగ, దొరకకపోతే దొర
dorikite donga, dorakakapote dora
If caught, he is a thief; if not caught, he is a lord.
This proverb highlights the irony of social status based on being caught. It is used to describe a situation where someone's reputation depends entirely on whether their dishonest actions are discovered. As long as their crimes are hidden, they are respected as a gentleman or 'Dora' (lord), but the moment they are caught, they are labeled a thief.
దొరికితే దొంగ, దొరక్కపోతే దొర
dorikite donga, dorakkapote dora
If caught, a thief; if not caught, a lord.
This proverb is used to describe hypocritical people who maintain a respectable image in society as long as their misdeeds remain hidden. It implies that many people are only considered 'honorable' or 'gentlemen' because they haven't been caught yet, highlighting that status often depends on the public eye rather than true character.
వరికి ఒక వాన, ఊదకు ఒక వానా?
variki oka vana, udaku oka vana?
Is one rain for paddy and another for Úda? ‘ [ God ] sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.’ Matthew v. 45. Impartiality.
This proverb is used to point out that nature or rules apply equally to everyone. It highlights that special or separate treatment is not necessary when the same conditions benefit everyone involved. It is often said when someone expects unique circumstances for a task that is already covered by a general action.
కుమ్మరికి ఒక ఏడు, గుదియకు ఒక పెట్టు
kummariki oka edu, gudiyaku oka pettu
One year to the potter, one blow to the cudgel. The cudgel destroys in one blow what has cost the potter a year's labour. The sudden loss of that gained by much labour.
This proverb highlights the contrast between the time and effort taken to create something versus how easily it can be destroyed. It is used to describe situations where long-term hard work is undone in a single moment of misfortune or a single careless act.
దొరలేని మూకలు
doraleni mukalu
Troops without a leader.
This expression refers to a group of people or an organization that lacks a leader, authority, or disciplined guidance. It describes a situation where there is no one in control, often leading to chaos, lack of direction, or ineffective action. It is commonly used to critique groups that are unorganized or acting without coordination.
* Tyv teenker Hvermand stiacler.
దొంగకు దొంగబుద్ది, దొరకు దొరబుద్ది.
dongaku dongabuddi, doraku dorabuddi.
A thief has a thief's mentality, a gentleman has a gentleman's mentality.
This proverb states that a person's character and actions are determined by their innate nature or social standing. It is used to explain that individuals will consistently act according to their established traits or upbringing, whether those are dishonest or noble.