ఆకాశవీధిలో కొంగలు, అంగడి వీధిలో దొంగలు
akashavidhilo kongalu, angadi vidhilo dongalu
Cranes in the sky street, thieves in the market street.
This expression is used to describe things that are found in their natural or expected habitat. Just as it is natural to see birds flying in the sky, it is common to find pickpockets or dishonest people in crowded marketplaces. It serves as a reminder to be cautious in specific environments where certain risks are inherent.
Related Phrases
దొంగలూ దొంగలూ కలిసి ఊళ్ళు పంచుకొన్నట్లు.
dongalu dongalu kalisi ullu panchukonnatlu.
Like thieves joining together to divide the villages among themselves.
This expression is used to describe a situation where corrupt or wicked people collaborate to share spoils or ill-gotten gains. It highlights a conspiracy where individuals with no integrity cooperate solely for mutual benefit at the expense of others.
తురక వీధిలో సన్న్యాసి భిక్ష
turaka vidhilo sannyasi bhiksha
A Sannyâsi's alms in Mussulman street. Not the place for him to go to.
This proverb describes a futile or misplaced effort. It refers to asking for something in a place where it is impossible or highly unlikely to be found due to fundamental differences in customs or beliefs. It is used when someone seeks help or resources from an incompatible source.
నంగనాచి చీర నడివీధిలో ఊడిందట.
nanganachi chira nadividhilo udindata.
The hypocrite's saree supposedly fell off in the middle of the street.
This proverb is used to describe a person who pretends to be extremely modest, virtuous, or innocent (a 'Nanganachi'), but whose true character or secrets are eventually exposed in a public and embarrassing way. It highlights that hypocrisy cannot be hidden forever.
వీధిలో వీరంగం, సంతలో సారంగం
vidhilo virangam, santalo sarangam
Fierce behavior in the street, but melodious like a lute in the market.
This proverb describes a person who displays inconsistent behavior or dual personality depending on the audience. It refers to someone who acts aggressive, noisy, or heroic in one place (where they feel powerful or want to show off) but becomes timid, soft, or submissive in another place (where they are intimidated or need to blend in).
దొంగలు దొంగలు కలిసి ఊళ్ళు పంచుకున్నట్టు
dongalu dongalu kalisi ullu panchukunnattu
Like thieves joining together to divide the villages among themselves.
This expression is used when two or more dishonest people or entities collaborate to share ill-gotten gains or exploit a situation for their own benefit. It describes a situation where 'honor among thieves' exists solely to ensure they can divide the loot without conflict, often at the expense of others.
ఇంట్లో పస్తు, వీధిలో దస్తు
intlo pastu, vidhilo dastu
Fasting at home, but dressing up in the street.
This proverb describes a person who pretends to be wealthy and prosperous in public (by wearing expensive clothes or 'dastu') while suffering from poverty and hunger (fasting or 'pastu') in private. It is used to mock vanity, false pride, or the act of maintaining appearances despite financial hardship.
వీధిలో చెప్పుతో కొట్టి ఇంట్లో కాళ్ళు పట్టుకున్నట్లు.
vidhilo chepputo kotti intlo kallu pattukunnatlu.
Like hitting someone with a slipper in the street and then holding their feet inside the house.
This expression describes a hypocritical or manipulative behavior where someone publicly insults or humiliates another person but privately seeks their forgiveness or favor. It is used to point out the insincerity of someone who tries to make amends secretly after causing a major public offense.
కొలిమి వీధిలో సూదులమ్మినట్లు
kolimi vidhilo sudulamminatlu
Like trying to sell needles in the blacksmiths' street.
This proverb describes a redundant or futile effort where someone tries to sell something to an expert or a producer who already has an abundance of it. It is used to mock people who try to show off their minor skills or knowledge to true masters of that field.
కమ్మర వీధిలో సూదులు అమ్మినట్టు
kammara vidhilo sudulu amminattu
Like selling needles in the blacksmiths' street.
This expression is used to describe a redundant or futile action where someone tries to sell or explain something to experts who already possess superior knowledge or resources in that specific field. It is similar to the English idiom 'carrying coals to Newcastle'.
To carry coals to Newcastle.
ఇంట్లో పోరు వీధిలో జోరు
intlo poru vidhilo joru
Conflict at home, aggression in the street
This proverb describes a person who faces constant quarrels or domestic strife at home, and as a result, projects an aggressive, loud, or overly energetic persona in public. It is used to point out that someone's outward bravado often stems from a lack of peace in their private life.