అత్తమ్మ నెత్తి బుడతడు కొడితే, బుడతడి నెత్తి బుడ్డోడు కొట్టాడట.

attamma netti budatadu kodite, budatadi netti buddodu kottadata.

Translation

If a child hits the grandmother's head, another child will hit that child's head.

Meaning

This Telugu proverb illustrates the concept of karma or 'tit for tat.' It suggests that the same treatment or harm you inflict upon others will eventually be returned to you by someone else. It is used to warn people that their negative actions have consequences.

Related Phrases

Like beating a shaven head with a cocoanut. As used to be done to a Sannyâsi ( religious mendicant ) by his disciples when he was about to die.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being extremely harsh, blunt, or unkind to a vulnerable person. It signifies a lack of empathy or a direct, painful impact on someone who has no protection against the action.

The old is of no use, the new is not suitable.

This proverb describes a state of dilemma or dissatisfaction where one finds faults in both the old ways/things and the new alternatives. It is used when a person is stuck in a transition phase, unable to rely on past experiences or tools while finding the newer ones ineffective or difficult to adapt to.

Neither learned the new, nor forgotten the old.

This expression describes a state of stagnation or lack of progress. It is used to mock someone who is unable to adapt to new changes or learn new skills, while also failing to move on from or effectively use their existing knowledge. It highlights a situation where someone is stuck in limbo, making no advancement.

If you hit a dog, it might learn sense, but if you hit a laborer, will they learn sense?

This proverb highlights the difference between instinctive behavior and human dignity. It suggests that while animals might be disciplined through force, humans (especially workers) should be treated with respect and fair wages rather than harshness or exploitation, as physical aggression does not foster productivity or character in people.

When Dibbadu hit Abbadi on the head, Subbadu hit Dibbadu on the head.

This expression refers to a chain of retribution or a cycle of actions where one person's aggression towards someone weaker is met with similar treatment from someone stronger. It is used to describe situations where a bully gets a taste of their own medicine or to illustrate that there is always someone more powerful who can serve justice or karma.

The tall man hit the short man's head; God hit the tall man's head.

This proverb conveys the idea of poetic justice or divine retribution. It implies that while a person might use their strength or advantage to bully someone weaker, there is always a higher power or fate that ensures the bully eventually faces justice. It is used to remind people that no one is truly invincible and that actions have consequences.

Like placing butter on the head and tying a waistband made of prawns.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being extremely foolish or setting themselves up for a loss. Placing butter on the head (which melts in the sun) and using prawns (which are scavenged by crows and dogs) as a waistband implies that the person's assets or efforts will quickly vanish or be snatched away due to poor planning.

If the husband beats at home, the beggar in the street will also beat.

This proverb describes a situation where if a person is not respected or protected within their own home or circle, outsiders will also feel emboldened to mistreat or disrespect them. It highlights that one's vulnerability starts with a lack of support from their own people.

He might have beaten me, but he gave me a new saree.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone endures some hardship, insult, or mistreatment because they received a significant benefit or compensation in return. It highlights a trade-off where the material gain outweighs the temporary suffering or loss of dignity.

When Dibbadu hit Abbadi's head, Subbadu hit Dibbadu's head.

This expression describes a chain reaction of consequences or a cycle of karma. It is used to convey that if someone bullies or harms a weaker person, there is always someone stronger or more powerful who will eventually do the same to them. It highlights the idea of 'tit for tat' and that everyone is accountable to someone else.