Innocence

When asked who is passing by on the path, someone replies 'It is me, the one who gets scolded'

This expression describes a situation where an innocent bystander or a random person unnecessarily gets involved in trouble or becomes a scapegoat for no fault of their own. It is used to mock one's own misfortune of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Children and stool-legs don't feel the cold; how can a foolish crow know the strike of a bow-string?

This expression consists of two observations: first, that children (in their playfulness) and inanimate objects are indifferent to the weather. Second, it highlights that those without experience or intelligence cannot comprehend the severity of a danger or a specific hardship until they face it themselves. It is used to describe ignorance of consequences or lack of empathy for others' struggles.

Like calves getting their legs broken during a fight between bulls.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where innocent or smaller people suffer consequences due to a conflict between two powerful individuals or parties. It highlights how subordinates often become collateral damage in the disputes of their superiors.

The sheep trusts the butcher

This expression is used to describe a situation where a victim or a gullible person places their complete trust in someone who intends to harm or exploit them. It highlights naive loyalty or the inability to recognize one's own enemy.

When a rustic man was given a screw pine flower, he asked if it was for chewing like betel leaves.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the sophistication or refinement to appreciate a delicate or valuable gift. It highlights how someone ignorant of a thing's true value or purpose might mistake it for something common or misappropriate its use.

If it's white it's milk, if it's dark it's water. Said of a simple minded, guileless man.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely naive, innocent, or gullible. It refers to someone who lacks discernment and blindly believes whatever they are told based on superficial appearances without any critical thinking.

The word of a child is the word of Brahma (the Creator).

This expression implies that children are innocent and pure-hearted, and therefore the words they speak are as truthful and prophetic as the words of God. It is often used to suggest that one should pay attention to the simple, honest observations made by children as they are untainted by deceit.

The disciples of Paramanandayya

This expression is used to describe a group of people who are exceptionally foolish, naive, or prone to making silly blunders while trying to be helpful. It originates from popular Telugu folklore about a teacher named Paramanandayya and his incredibly dim-witted yet loyal students.

Children and the legs of a stool do not feel the cold. To a child all weather is cold.

This expression is used to describe how children are so active and energetic that they don't seem to feel the cold even in winter. Just as the inanimate wooden legs of a stool (peetakoallu) are unaffected by the weather, children playing outdoors often ignore the cold temperature.

Words that are barely formed are like a bundle of gold coins.

This expression is used to describe the broken or half-formed speech of young children. Just as a bundle of gold (varahalu) is precious, the innocent and stuttering attempts of a child trying to talk are considered delightful, sweet, and invaluable to hear.

The word of a child is the word of Brahma

This expression suggests that children are innocent and pure, so their words are as truthful and prophetic as the words of Lord Brahma (the creator). It is used to imply that children often speak the absolute truth without filter or malice.

The half articulated words [ of children ] are pleasant [ to the ear ] and half pickled vegetables to the taste.

This proverb describes the charm of imperfection or the initial stages of a process. Just as the broken, innocent babbling of a toddler is more delightful to hear than perfect speech, a pickle that is still in the process of marinating (not yet fully fermented) has a unique, appetizing flavor.

Like a wolf rushing in among sheep. Easy prey.

This expression describes a situation where a dangerous or harmful person enters a group of vulnerable, innocent, or unsuspecting people. It is used to signify imminent danger, chaos, or a predator-prey dynamic where the victim has no defense.

* Doppo il radere non ci è più che tosare.

Like cows fighting with each other and breaking the legs of the calves.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a conflict between two powerful or senior parties results in collateral damage to innocent, smaller, or subordinate people. It highlights how the vulnerable often suffer the consequences of disputes they aren't even involved in.

Like a thunder that roared and fell upon the sacrificial fire-pan

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person's anger or a problem originating elsewhere is unfairly diverted toward an innocent person or an unrelated object. It signifies misplaced venting of frustration or a situation where the consequences of one event unexpectedly affect something completely different.

When one says "cha" ( and ), he cannot answer "tu" ( but ).

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely timid, submissive, or lacks the courage to talk back or stand up for themselves. It implies the person is so docile that they cannot even utter a simple syllable in response to a provocation.

Putting your bed in the yard of a thief's house. To watch his doings. Outwitting a crafty man.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unknowingly or foolishly seeks protection or places their trust in the very person who intends to harm or rob them. It signifies an act of extreme negligence or lack of common sense.

An innocent woman, unaware of misfortune, arranged a second marriage for her husband.

This proverb describes a situation where someone unknowingly invites trouble or creates their own competition out of sheer innocence or lack of foresight. It is used to mock people who take actions that seem helpful or generous but eventually lead to their own downfall or disadvantage.

The blessings of children are the blessings of Lord Brahma.

This proverb highlights the innocence and purity of children. It suggests that since children are free from malice and greed, their words and blessings carry the same weight and divine power as those of the Creator (Lord Brahma). It is often used to emphasize the importance of kindness towards children.

Of all times, childhood is the best, or Of all sects, the little sect is the best. Nâdu signifies a sect, it also means time. When Appâji the minister was asked by the king which sect was superior to the others, he cleverly evaded the question, by making a pun on the word.

This proverb expresses nostalgia for the innocence and carefree nature of childhood. It is used to suggest that despite the responsibilities and luxuries of adulthood, the time spent as a child is the happiest and most superior period of one's life.