వేల్పుల మొక్కులు వెయ్యేళ్ళు

velpula mokkulu veyyellu

Translation

Vows to the gods last a thousand years.

Meaning

This expression refers to the long-standing or eternal nature of commitments made to divine entities. It is used to describe tasks or obligations that take a very long time to fulfill, or to imply that divine justice or promises have no expiration date and must eventually be honored.

Related Phrases

As if one is bowing down to their own feet.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely conceited, self-admiring, or overly proud of their own actions and intelligence. It highlights the irony of self-veneration or thinking too highly of oneself to the point of absurdity.

Vows during danger, forgetfulness during wealth.

This proverb describes human nature where people pray fervently and make many promises to God or others when they are in trouble, but completely forget those promises once they become wealthy or their problems are solved. It is used to criticize ungratefulness or fair-weather devotion.

A daily threat to life, but a life span of a thousand years.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone constantly faces severe troubles or life-threatening risks every day, yet somehow manages to survive and continue living for a long time. It highlights the irony of enduring persistent hardships while maintaining longevity.

Vows in times of trouble, carping [ at the gods ] in times of prosperity.

This proverb describes a person's fickle nature towards God or others. When in trouble (Apathu), people make grand promises and vows, but once they attain wealth or success (Sampathu), they make excuses or become 'lame' (Kuntlu) to avoid fulfilling those commitments.

The devil was sick, the devil a monk would be; The devil grew well, the devil a monk was he. (Latin.)* * Aegrotat daemon, monachus tunce esse volebat; Daemon convaluit, daemon ut ante fuit,

Daily danger of death, but duration of life a thousand years. Snakes are believed to live 1000 years if they do not meet with a violent death. Applied to a man always in danger of losing his situation.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone constantly faces life-threatening risks or severe crises but survives them all to live a long life. It is often applied to people who frequently fall ill or encounter accidents yet remain resilient, or to situations that seem on the verge of collapse but somehow persist indefinitely.

When bowed to a widow, she said 'Live for a thousand years like me'; when bowed a second time, she said 'Live like my husband'

This proverb highlights the irony of seeking blessings or advice from someone who is in a miserable or unfortunate state. It suggests that a person who has lost everything cannot truly wish a better fate for others than what they have experienced. It is used to caution against following the guidance of those whose own lives are in ruin.

Prayers in times of danger, forgetting as soon as wealth arrives.

This proverb describes a fickle human tendency: people pray fervently and make many vows to God or seek help when they are in trouble, but as soon as they become prosperous or their problems are solved, they completely forget their promises and the help they received. It is used to critique ingratitude or situational devotion.

There are no gods equal to you, and there are no servants equal to me.

This expression is used to highlight a unique relationship between a master and a devotee, or a leader and a follower. It suggests that while the deity/leader is supreme in their divinity and grace, the devotee/follower is equally supreme in their humility and absolute surrender. It is often used in devotional contexts to show extreme humility.

The birth-house for relatives is rolled up, and the birth-house for gods is scattered.

This proverb is used to describe a state of complete ruin or destitution where one is no longer able to offer hospitality to relatives or perform traditional worship. It reflects a situation where someone who was once prosperous and charitable has lost everything and can no longer fulfill their social or religious obligations.

A court/administrative office with no direction or authority.

This expression is used to describe a state of total chaos, lack of leadership, or a situation where there is no one in charge to take responsibility. It often refers to an organization or household that is neglected and functioning without any order or oversight.