Telugu Proverbs

1) అందితే జుట్టు అందక పొతే కాళ్ళు

English Translation:
If it’s possible, grab the persons hair, if not, catch his feet.

Meaning:
A person will do whatever he wants to get his job done either by catching the others persons hair( forcibly him to get his job done) or catching his feet ( pleading him to get his job done). This is said to describe the opportunist who changes tactics, with the sole purpose of realising his/her wishes.

2) మింగ మెతుకు లెదు మీసాలకు సంపంగి నూనె

English Translation:
No food to eat but for the moustache (you want) perfumed oil.

Meaning:
1. This is said when, one doesn’t have the basic amenities, but ask for something extra.
2. This is said when one does not live within one’s means. Extravagance is to be
avoided at any cost, as it would turn one into a pauper sooner than later.

3) పొమ్మన లేక పొగ పెట్టినట్లు

English Translation:
Couldnot ask (a person) to leave (directly), start the smoke (to make them leave).

Meaning:
To do indirect actions in a place where direct words cannot be used.

4) కూసే గాడిద వచ్చి మేసే గాడిదని చెరిచినట్లు

English Translation:
The shouting donkey came and spoiled the eating donkey.

Meaning:
It is used to describe the people who dont work and who try to decrease the productivity of those who are working

5) పిచుక మీద బ్రహ్మస్త్రము

English Translation:
Using Brahmastram (powerful weapon) on swallow (a bird).

Meaning:
1. Using a very powerful weapon against a small person. Unnecessary use of strong force.
2. Using a very powerful weapon on a bird is not a significant achievement. It describes achievement agianst something very weak and then boasting about it.

6) సిగ్గులేని వాడికి నవ్వే సింగారం

English Translation:
Laughter is the ornament for the shameless.

Meaning:
It is used to describe the person who ,after doing something wrong , laughs instead of feeling shameful for what he has done.

7) ఆలస్యం అమృతం విషం

English Translation:
If you delay even nectar turns into poison.

Meaning:
Opportunity not availed becomes harmful. One should not delay. It is used to emphasize the importance of time and punctuality in our lives.

8) తిన్నింటి వాసాలు లెక్కపెట్టు

English Translation:
Counting bamboo bars of the host’s house.

Meaning:
This proverb is used when someone who is trusted and helped by a person , cheats his/her benefactor.

The origin of the proverb is rooted in the telugu folklore. The background of the proverb comes from the relationship of a host and a guest. If a stranger is given hospitality by a kind person, s/he starts counting the vasaalu( bamboo bars) used in the construction of a house/thatched hut. It means that after having his/her meals the person is eyeing for something more.

Source: Wikiquote