వేసాలెల్లా గ్రాసాలకే
vesalella grasalake
Every garb ( i. e. occupation ) is for food.
This proverb suggests that all the hard work, various roles, or pretenses a person adopts are ultimately driven by the necessity of earning a livelihood. It is often used to remind someone that regardless of their status or the 'mask' they wear, the primary goal is survival and basic needs.
Related Phrases
గొడెము తెగిన గ్రాసం పట్టదు
godemu tegina grasam pattadu
A broken throat cannot take in fodder.
This proverb is used to describe a state of extreme exhaustion, illness, or a point of no return where even the most essential nourishment or help is no longer effective. It metaphorically suggests that when the physical or mental capacity of a person is completely broken, no amount of resources or advice can save the situation.
వరుసలెల్ల వల్లకాటిలో పెట్టి, వదినె పిన్నమ్మా గంపెత్తు.
varusalella vallakatilo petti, vadine pinnamma gampettu.
Put all relationships in the graveyard, then ask 'Sister-in-law/Aunt, help me lift this basket'.
This proverb describes a hypocritical person who disregards social decorum and treats others disrespectfully, but shamelessly claims a relationship or asks for help the moment they need a favor. It is used to criticize those who value relationships only for their own convenience.
మెడ తడవడము పూసల కొరకే.
meda tadavadamu pusala korake.
Feeling the neck for beads. Said of a wheedling scoundrel.
This proverb describes a situation where someone shows affection or attention to a person only because they want something from them. It implies ulterior motives behind seemingly kind actions, much like someone touching a neck only to check or steal the jewelry on it.
తెల్లవార్లు సరసాలాడినా గొల్లవాడే పుట్టె
tellavarlu sarasaladina gollavade putte
Despite playing romantically all night long, the same cowherd was born.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a lot of effort, drama, or elaborate processes are undertaken, but the end result is exactly the same as the starting point or as mediocre as before. It signifies a futile or redundant exercise that fails to bring about any real change or superior outcome.
నీపై ఆశ లేదు, నాపై పస లేదు, ఏడు సేర్ల తప్పేలకెసరు పెట్టమను
nipai asha ledu, napai pasa ledu, edu serla tappelakesaru pettamanu
No hope in you, no strength in me, yet ask to boil water in a seven-seer pot.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where there are no resources or capabilities available, yet someone makes grand, unrealistic demands. It highlights the irony of planning a massive feast or task when both the provider and the recipient lack the basic means to even start.
గ్రాసము లేని కొలువు
grasamu leni koluvu
Work without pay. Work not paid for is ill done. Work done expects money. (Portuguese.)
This expression refers to a job or position that provides no salary, benefits, or basic means of survival. It is used to describe an unrewarding occupation where the effort put in does not yield even the most essential returns.
* Obra feita dinheiro espera.
వేషాలెన్ని వేసినా గ్రాసాలకోసమే
veshalenni vesina grasalakosame
No matter how many roles one plays, it is all for the sake of food.
This proverb signifies that ultimately, all the hard work, various professions, or pretenses a person adopts are primarily to earn a livelihood and satisfy basic needs like food. It is often used to remind someone of the fundamental purpose behind human struggle and ambition.
వేసమరసి చూడ గ్రాసంబు కొరకయా
vesamarasi chuda grasambu korakaya
If you look at the disguise, is it just for the sake of food?
This expression is used to highlight that sometimes people take on elaborate roles, hard work, or even deceptive appearances not for higher ideals, but simply to fulfill their basic needs like food and survival. It suggests that the struggle for livelihood often dictates human behavior and the 'masks' people wear in society.
అసలు పసలేక దొంగని అరిచినట్లు
asalu pasaleka dongani arichinatlu
Like shouting 'thief' when there is no substance or truth in the first place.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a loud commotion or accusation to hide their own lack of merit, substance, or capability. It refers to creating a diversion or putting up a front when one is actually empty or in the wrong.
చదువక ముందు పెసలంట, చదివితే పెసలన్నట్లు
chaduvaka mundu pesalanta, chadivite pesalannatlu
Before studying they were called 'Pesalu' (Moong dal), and after studying they are still called 'Pesalu'.
This proverb is used to mock someone who, despite being highly educated, has not gained any practical wisdom or changed their basic perspective. It describes a situation where education has failed to make a person more sophisticated or knowledgeable than they were before.