ఆడా, పాడా, మద్దెలగొట్టా, మంగలి బజారులో అడుక్కుతినా.

ada, pada, maddelagotta, mangali bajarulo adukkutina.

Translation

Did I dance? Did I sing? Did I play the drum? Or did I beg in the barber market?

Meaning

This expression is used when someone is unjustly accused or criticized despite minding their own business. It implies that the speaker hasn't done anything wrong, shameful, or public that warrants such negative attention or harassment.

Related Phrases

The coming of rain, and the going of life, are known to none. Sorrow an' ill weather comc unsent for. (Bouch.) Death keeps no calendar.

This proverb highlights the unpredictability of nature and human life. Just as one cannot accurately predict exactly when it will rain, one cannot foresee the moment of death. It is used to express that certain events are beyond human knowledge and control.

A washerwoman of a mother-in-law, a barber of a father- in-law. A man abusing his wife's parents.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an individual is surrounded by people who are constantly gossiping or leaking secrets. In traditional village settings, the washerman (Chakali) and the barber (Mangali) visited every household and were known to be the primary sources of local news and gossip. Having them as close relatives implies that one's private matters will never remain secret and will be broadcast to the entire community.

One should fight in the market and eat in the row.

This proverb emphasizes social etiquette and boundaries. It suggests that while conflicts or business disputes should be settled publicly or in the appropriate venue (the market), one must maintain decorum, unity, and friendship when sitting down for a communal meal (the row/banquet). It highlights the importance of putting aside differences for the sake of social harmony during shared activities.

Like a dancer who says the drum is bad because she cannot dance.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks skill or makes a mistake, but blames their tools, environment, or others instead of admitting their own incompetence. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'

Like a woman who cannot dance saying the drum is crooked.

This proverb is used to describe a person who blames their tools, environment, or other people for their own lack of skill or failure. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'

A word spoken over someone is like water falling into a field.

This proverb emphasizes that once a word is spoken or a promise is made publicly, it becomes a responsibility or an obligation that cannot be taken back, much like how water diverted into a farm plot stays there to nourish the crop.

An old barber and a new washerman. An old physician, a young lawyer. A barber learns to shave by shaving fools.

This proverb refers to traditional preferences in village life: a barber's razor or tools are considered better when they are 'old' (well-seasoned/tested), whereas a washerman is judged by how 'new' (clean/fresh) the clothes look. It is used to describe how different professions or situations require different standards—some value experience and age, while others value freshness and appearance.

When someone said 'Well done, drummer!', he supposedly broke all five of his fingers.

This expression is used to describe someone who gets overly excited or carried away by a small amount of praise and ends up hurting themselves or causing damage through over-enthusiasm. It serves as a warning against being reckless or losing one's head due to flattery.

Beauty without the status of a married woman, is it for begging?

This proverb is used to emphasize that certain qualities or assets are useless if they don't serve their primary purpose or lack essential dignity. In traditional context, 'Aidavathanam' refers to the status of a sumangali (married woman). The saying suggests that beauty without the grace of a settled, meaningful life is of no value, similar to how great talent is wasted without character or opportunity.

A new washerman, but an old barber.

This proverb advises on how to choose service providers based on the nature of their work. A new washerman (Chakali) is preferred because he will be more diligent and wash clothes cleaner to prove his worth. Conversely, an old barber (Mangali) is preferred because his experienced hands are less likely to cause cuts and he understands the client's preferences better.