అబద్ధాల నోటికి అరవీశెడు సున్నం

abaddhala notiki aravishedu sunnam

Translation

Half a viss of lime for a lying mouth.

Meaning

This expression is used to condemn a person who habitually tells lies. In traditional contexts, applying lime (chunam) to the mouth would cause a painful burning sensation. It is a metaphorical way of saying that a liar deserves a harsh punishment or should have their mouth shut for good due to their constant deceit.

Related Phrases

Zero to zero, nothing to nothing

This expression is used to describe a situation that results in a total loss or a state of being back at square one with nothing to show for one's efforts. It signifies a complete wash-out or a scenario where two opposing forces cancel each other out, leaving behind a void or no net gain.

Big words for a small mouth

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone (often a younger person or someone in a subordinate position) speaks in a manner that is overly ambitious, arrogant, or beyond their age and status. It is often used as a mild rebuke or a way to highlight that someone is talking beyond their experience or authority.

Although it goes round the head yet the mouthful must come to the mouth.

This expression describes a situation where something is done in a needlessly complicated, roundabout, or indirect way when a much simpler method exists. It is used to critique inefficiency or over-complication of straightforward tasks.

For an almanac of lies, all sixty measures of the day are auspiciously discarded.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is a habitual liar. Just as a fake or incorrect almanac (Panchangam) would mark every hour as 'Tyajyam' (inauguspicious/to be avoided), every word spoken by a chronic liar is untrustworthy and should be disregarded entirely. It implies that there is no truth to be found in anything they say.

Like the hand going around the head just to put a morsel of food in the mouth.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes a long, complicated, or roundabout way to do something that could have been done very simply and directly. It highlights unnecessary complexity or lack of efficiency.

A lie never comes from Harishchandra's mouth, and a truth never comes from mine

This is a humorous and self-deprecating expression used by someone to admit that they are a chronic liar. It references King Harishchandra, a legendary figure in Indian mythology known for his unwavering commitment to the truth, and contrasts his integrity with the speaker's own habit of constant lying.

No bran for one's own mouth, but sugar for a concubine's mouth.

This proverb describes a person who neglects the basic needs of themselves or their family while squandering resources on unworthy or external interests. It is used to criticize someone who lives in poverty or debt but acts extravagantly to impress others, especially in bad company.

Like applying lime to someone who asked for food

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone asks for help or a basic necessity, but instead of being helped, they are treated cruelly or given something harmful. It highlights the act of adding insult to injury or responding to a genuine plea with a malicious action.

When trying to do delicate work, everything turned into lime powder.

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to perform a very fine or meticulous task backfires, resulting in total destruction or waste of resources. It is used when someone's over-ambition or lack of skill in handling delicate matters leads to a complete mess instead of the intended perfection.

There is no barrier between the mouth and the hand.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks self-control or discipline. It usually refers to someone who eats excessively without restraint or someone who speaks impulsively and acts recklessly without thinking of the consequences.