Stubbornness
నోటి ముత్యాలు రాలిపోతాయా?
noti mutyalu ralipotaya?
Will the pearls in your mouth fall out?
This is a sarcastic or idiomatic expression used to question someone who is being unnecessarily silent or refusing to speak when they should. It implies that the person is acting as if speaking would cause them to lose something precious (like pearls). It is often used to encourage someone to speak up, answer a question, or join a conversation.
పలుకు తేనెపట్టు, పిడికిలి కోతిపట్టు
paluku tenepattu, pidikili kotipattu
Words like a honeycomb, grip like a monkey's
This expression is used to describe a person who speaks very sweetly and softly (like honey) but is extremely stubborn or stingy once they grasp something (like a monkey's unrelenting grip). It highlights the contrast between someone's gentle exterior or speech and their unyielding, persistent, or possessive nature.
వండు సూడనీయదు, మండి మాననీయదు.
vandu sudaniyadu, mandi mananiyadu.
It doesn't let you cook and see, and it doesn't stop burning.
This expression is used to describe a problematic, irritable, or difficult person or situation that is constantly bothersome. It refers to a fire that is too smokey to allow cooking but too stubborn to go out, representing a state of constant annoyance that neither resolves nor allows progress.
ఒకలింగడు పోయినా పోయినట్లు, బాగా నమిలి మ్రింగమన్నాడట.
okalingadu poyina poyinatlu, baga namili mringamannadata.
One Lingadu may be gone, but chew well and swallow, he said.
This proverb describes a situation where someone experiences a significant loss or misfortune, yet they continue to focus on trivial or unrelated matters, or offer unsolicited, minor advice in the face of a larger disaster. It is used to mock people who remain stubbornly focused on small details when everything is already ruined.
కామమ్మ మొగుడంటే కాబోలు అనుకున్నా, కాదంటే కావడి కుండలు బయటపెట్టండి
kamamma mogudante kabolu anukunna, kadante kavadi kundalu bayatapettandi
I assumed he was Kamamma's husband; if you say he is not, then bring out the carrying-pole and pots.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a bold or convenient assumption, but when challenged, they demand immediate proof or material evidence. It highlights the tendency of people to shift the burden of proof onto others or to act stubborn when their assumptions are questioned, often used in contexts where someone is trying to save face after a false claim.
కొట్టినా వంగని కొడుకు, తిప్పినా తిరగని మీసం వ్యర్థం.
kottina vangani koduku, tippina tiragani misam vyartham.
A son who does not bow even when beaten, and a mustache that does not curl when twirled, are both useless.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of discipline, respect, and masculinity in a traditional context. It suggests that a son who is stubborn or disobedient despite correction is of no value to the family, just as a mustache (often seen as a symbol of pride or virility) that cannot be groomed or maintained lacks character.
ఇల్లరికం వద్దు కొడకా అంటే సన్యాసం ఉంటా అన్నట్టు
illarikam vaddu kodaka ante sanyasam unta annattu
When told not to live as a resident son-in-law, the son replied he would rather become an ascetic.
This proverb describes a person who chooses an even more undesirable or extreme alternative when advised against a difficult situation. It is used when someone reacts to a suggestion by proposing a solution that is worse or more radical than the original problem.
ఊరంతా ఒక దారి, ఉలకపావనిది ఒక దారి (ఊరంతా ఊరిముఖం, దాసరి తాళ్ళముఖము)
uranta oka dari, ulakapavanidi oka dari (uranta urimukham, dasari tallamukhamu)
The whole village faces one way, while the Dasari faces the palm trees.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is eccentric or stubborn and refuses to conform to the group. When everyone is heading in one direction or agreeing on a common path, this person intentionally chooses a different, often illogical, direction or opinion.
చెవిటివానికి వినిపించాలంటే శంఖచక్రాలవాడు దిగిరావాలి
chevitivaniki vinipinchalante shankhachakralavadu digiravali
To make a deaf person hear, the one with the conch and the discus must descend.
This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely stubborn, unresponsive, or unwilling to listen to reason. It implies that ordinary efforts to convince or inform them are futile, and it would take divine intervention (referring to Lord Vishnu, the bearer of the Shanka and Chakra) to make them understand or change their mind.
మంచివానికి ఒక మాట, మొరకుకి ఒక దెబ్బ
manchivaniki oka mata, morakuki oka debba
One word for a gentleman, one blow for a stubborn person.
This proverb suggests that a sensible or good-hearted person understands a situation or correction through simple advice or words, whereas a stubborn or foolish person only learns through harsh treatment or physical force. It is used to describe the difference in how people respond to discipline based on their character.
మట్టిదయినా మా ఎద్దే మంచిది
mattidayina ma edde manchidi
Even if it is made of mud, our ox is the best.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is stubbornly biased or overly attached to their own belongings, ideas, or people, even when they are clearly inferior or artificial. It highlights a sense of blind loyalty or foolish pride where one refuses to acknowledge the reality of a situation.
వెళ్లిపొమ్మంటే, పెళ్లికి వెళ్దామన్నట్లు
vellipommante, pelliki veldamannatlu
When told to leave, acting as if invited to a wedding
This expression describes a person who thick-skinnedly ignores a clear rejection or an order to leave, instead pretending they were invited to stay for a celebration. It is used to mock someone who is unwelcome but refuses to take the hint or is intentionally being stubborn and naive to serve their own interest.
కార్యం గదిలో పెళ్ళికొడుకు అలక!
karyam gadilo pellikoduku alaka!
The groom is sulking in the consummation room!
This expression is used to describe someone who shows anger or throws a tantrum at the most critical or inappropriate moment, especially when their primary objective is already within reach. It highlights the absurdity of being stubborn or demanding when the time is meant for celebration or finalization.
పొట్టి తోకగల కోడె పొడిచినా నడవదు
potti tokagala kode podichina nadavadu
A short-tailed young bull won't budge even if poked.
This proverb refers to a person who is extremely stubborn or thick-skinned. It suggests that someone with inherent defects or a naturally defiant attitude will not change their behavior or move forward, no matter how much you pressure, coax, or push them.
కొత్త జవ్వనమునకు గురుతలేదు
kotta javvanamunaku gurutaledu
There is no limit or restraint to new youth.
This expression refers to the unbridled energy, impulsiveness, and lack of boundaries typical of early youth. It is used to describe how young people often act without foresight, caution, or a sense of moderation because they are overwhelmed by newfound vigor or emotions.
మొండి గురువు, బండ శిష్యుడు
mondi guruvu, banda shishyudu
A stubborn teacher and a stone-like (insensitive) disciple.
This proverb describes a situation where both the mentor and the student are unyielding and lack synergy or wisdom. It is used to mock a duo or partnership where one person is obstinate and the other is thick-headed or unresponsive to learning, making any progress impossible.
కట్టె వంక పొయ్యే తీరుస్తుంది
katte vanka poyye tirustundi
The fire in the stove straightens the bend in the wood.
This proverb suggests that certain flaws, stubborn behaviors, or crooked traits in a person can only be corrected through harsh experiences, punishment, or the ultimate reality of life. Just as heat makes a bent stick straight or consumes it, difficult circumstances or strict discipline are sometimes the only ways to reform a difficult character.
తొట్టోడు మెచ్చేది ఊరిబిండి
tottodu mechchedi uribindi
The person with skin sores (or a weak constitution) craves pickles.
This proverb describes a situation where someone likes or chooses things that are actually harmful to their condition. It is used to mock people who have poor taste or those who stubbornly pursue things that worsen their existing problems.
నా పప్పు కలిసిందంతా నేనే తింటాను
na pappu kalisindanta nene tintanu
I will eat all the dal that I have mixed myself.
This expression is used to describe a person who is highly individualistic, stubborn, or unwilling to share or cooperate with others. It signifies a 'my way or the highway' attitude, where the person insists on handling their own affairs entirely by themselves, often rejecting help or input from others.
సవతి కుండనైనా ఉడుకుతాను అన్నది కానీ, తోడికోడలి కుండలో ఉడకను అన్నదట.
savati kundanaina udukutanu annadi kani, todikodali kundalo udakanu annadata.
I will boil even in a co-wife's pot, but I won't boil in a sister-in-law's pot.
This proverb highlights that professional or social rivalry between sisters-in-law (wives of brothers) can sometimes be even more bitter or stubborn than the legendary rivalry between co-wives. It is used to describe extreme instances of domestic competition or petty animosity where one person refuses to cooperate with someone they particularly dislike, even if they might tolerate others.