ఆడది బొంకితే గోడ పెట్టినట్టు, మొగవాడు బొంకితే తడిక కట్టినట్టు

adadi bonkite goda pettinattu, mogavadu bonkite tadika kattinattu

Translation

If a woman lies, it’s like building a wall; if a man lies, it’s like putting up a mat ( easily seen through. )

Meaning

This proverb suggests that women are traditionally more meticulous and convincing in their deception, making it as solid and difficult to see through as a brick wall. In contrast, it implies that men's lies are flimsy and transparent, much like a loosely woven reed mat (tadhika) that allows light and vision to pass through easily.

Related Phrases

A woman's lie is as solid as a built wall.

This proverb is used to describe a lie that is so well-constructed, firm, and convincing that it is difficult to break or find faults in. It suggests that once a clever lie is 'built' like a wall, it stands strong and hides the truth effectively.

Even if you tell a lie, it should be like building a wall.

This proverb suggests that if one must lie, the lie should be consistent, firm, and believable, much like a well-constructed wall. It is used to point out that a person's deception is poorly structured or easily seen through due to inconsistencies.

Not being able to tell him to go he smoked him out.

This expression describes a situation where someone is indirectly forced or pressured to leave or quit because the other person is too polite or hesitant to ask them directly. It is commonly used when someone creates an uncomfortable environment to drive another person away.

A slap in the face for knocking one's head against the wall.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone faces double trouble or a series of unfortunate events simultaneously. It conveys the idea of being hit by problems from multiple directions at once, leaving the person overwhelmed.

Misfortunes seldom come alone.

If one tells a lie, it should be like building a wall.

This expression suggests that if someone chooses to lie, the lie must be so consistent, firm, and well-constructed that it leaves no gaps for doubt, much like a solid wall. It is often used to comment on someone's deceptive skills or to point out that a lie must be convincing to be successful.

Having promised, you should not fail; having spoken, you should not lie (retract).

This proverb emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty, and keeping one's word. It suggests that once you have made a promise (ఆడి) or made a statement (పలికి), you must stand by it and not deviate or lie about it later. It is used to describe a person of high moral character who honors their commitments.

If you do tell a lie, let it be like a wall.

This proverb suggests that if one must lie, the lie should be consistent, firm, and believable, much like a solid wall. It is used to point out that a person's deception should at least be logically sound or well-constructed to be effective, or to criticize someone whose lies are easily seen through due to inconsistency.

A ram when touched, a sheep when it gives birth.

This proverb describes a person who changes their stance or identity based on convenience or the situation at hand. It refers to a hypocritical or inconsistent nature where someone pretends to be one thing in one moment and something else when the outcome changes, similar to claiming an animal is a male ram (tagaru) to show strength, but then calling it a female sheep (gorre) when it produces offspring.

Tying up water in a bundle. He draws water with a sieve.

This expression is used to describe a futile, impossible, or extremely difficult task. Just as it is impossible to pack or tie water into a bundle with a cloth, this phrase refers to situations where efforts are wasted on something that cannot be contained, managed, or achieved.

Counting Pisces and Aries.

This expression refers to a state of indecisiveness, hesitation, or procrastination. It is used when someone wastes time or delays a decision by over-analyzing trivial things or waiting for an auspicious moment rather than taking action.