విప్రహస్తము వేదండ హస్తము ఊరుకోవు
viprahastamu vedanda hastamu urukovu
The hand of a Brahmin and the trunk of an elephant do not stay still.
This expression describes the inherent nature of certain things or people to be constantly active or moving. A Brahmin's hand is traditionally busy with rituals, counting beads, or receiving alms, while an elephant's trunk is always swaying or searching. It is used to remark on someone who is restlessly busy or a situation where constant activity is inevitable.
Related Phrases
అన్ని కార్తెలు తప్పినా హస్త తప్పదు
anni kartelu tappina hasta tappadu
Even if all other seasons fail, the Hasta rain will not fail.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the lunar mansions (Kartes). It implies that even if the rains fail during other periods, the rains during the 'Hasta Karthe' are reliable and inevitable. In a broader sense, it refers to a dependable final chance or a certainty that one can rely on when everything else fails.
కబంధ హస్తం
kabandha hastam
Hand of Kabandha
Refers to a situation or a grasp from which escape is impossible. In the Ramayana, Kabandha was a demon with long arms that could reach out and trap anything; hence, the term is used to describe a death-grip, a stranglehold, or being trapped in a complex, inescapable predicament.
ఏనుగు తొండము, ఎదబట్టిన ముండ ఊరుకోవు
enugu tondamu, edabattina munda urukovu
An elephant's trunk and a woman in heat do not stay still.
This is a blunt and traditional Telugu proverb (sameta). It uses a metaphor to describe restless or uncontrollable nature. Just as an elephant's trunk is constantly moving and picking things up even when not eating, certain desires or primal instincts, once triggered, are difficult to restrain or keep idle. It is typically used to describe people who are constantly restless or driven by strong, uncontrollable impulses.
తిరిగే కాలు, తిట్టే నోరు ఊరుకోవు
tirige kalu, titte noru urukovu
A wandering leg and a scolding mouth cannot stay still.
This proverb describes habitual behaviors that are difficult to change. Just as a person fond of traveling cannot stay in one place, a person who habitually uses foul language or criticizes others cannot remain silent. It is used to point out that deep-seated habits or inherent natures will eventually manifest themselves regardless of the situation.
శుష్కప్రియములు, శూన్యహస్తములు.
shushkapriyamulu, shunyahastamulu.
Sweet words, empty hands.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers a lot of sweet talk, fake affection, or empty promises but provides no actual help or material support when needed. It characterizes people who are generous with words but stingy with actions.
Speaking kindly, but rendering no assistance. Deeds are love, and not fine phrases. (Spanish.)* Words are female, deeds are male. (Italian.)†
మాటకు పడిచస్తాముకాని, మూటకు పడిచస్తామా
mataku padichastamukani, mutaku padichastama
We would die for a word, but would we die for a bundle (of wealth)?
This expression highlights the importance of honor, integrity, and keeping one's word over material wealth. It is used to convey that a person of character values their reputation and promises more than money or possessions.
మా బావ వామహస్తానికి తోడు చాదస్తం
ma bava vamahastaniki todu chadastam
My brother-in-law's left-handedness coupled with his stubborn eccentricity.
This expression is used to describe a person who is already difficult to work with or has a certain quirk, and then adds even more annoying habits or irrational behavior on top of it. It highlights a situation where someone's existing limitations are compounded by their own stubbornness or unreasonable nature.
హస్తలో చల్లితే, హస్తంలోకి రావు.
hastalo challite, hastamloki ravu.
If sown during the Hasta star period, it will not come back to the hand.
This is an agricultural proverb (sameta) referring to the 'Hasta Karthe' (a specific solar mansion in the Hindu calendar). It suggests that crops sown during this specific time period often fail or yield poor results, meaning the investment never returns to the farmer's hand. It is used to highlight the importance of timing and seasonal wisdom.
తిరగ మరిగిన కాలు, తిన మరిగిన నోరు ఊరుకోవు
tiraga marigina kalu, tina marigina noru urukovu
The leg that has the habit of wandering and the mouth that has the habit of eating will not stay quiet.
This proverb refers to the power of habits and addictions. It suggests that once someone gets a taste of freedom (wandering) or indulgence (tasty food), they cannot easily stop or stay still. It is used to describe people who are habitually restless or those who cannot control their cravings.
విప్రహస్తం, ఏనుగు తొండం ఊరుకోవు.
viprahastam, enugu tondam urukovu.
A Brahmin's hand and an elephant's trunk never stay still.
This proverb highlights the restless nature of certain entities. Historically, a Brahmin (priest) is always busy performing rituals, chanting, or counting beads with his hand, while an elephant constantly moves its trunk in search of food or to explore its surroundings. It is used to describe people who are always busy or cannot sit idle without doing something.