రోళ్ళు కొత్తవైతే తిరగళ్ళు కొత్తవా?
rollu kottavaite tiragallu kottava?
If the mortars are new, are the grinders also new?
This proverb is used to mock someone who is acting as if they are experiencing something for the first time, despite it being a common or recurring task. It points out that even if the tools or environment change, the work remains the same, or that a person is pretending to be naive about something they should already know.
Related Phrases
నన్ను కొడితే కొట్టావుగాని మా బావను కొట్టు చూద్దాం అన్నాట్ట
nannu kodite kottavugani ma bavanu kottu chuddam annatta
He said, 'You hit me, fine, but try hitting my brother-in-law and see what happens.'
This expression is used to mock someone who, after being defeated or intimidated, tries to act tough by bragging about the strength of their relatives or associates. It highlights cowardice and the tendency to take borrowed pride when one cannot defend themselves.
బలిజె పుట్టుక పుట్టవలె, బతాయి బుడ్డి కొట్టవలె
balije puttuka puttavale, batayi buddi kottavale
You must be born a Balije to toss off Batavia arrack.
This is a rhyming colloquial expression traditionally used to describe a life of leisure, enjoyment, or indulgence. Historically, it refers to the Balija community's association with trade and social gatherings, implying that one should live life comfortably and enjoy the simple pleasures, like drinking a soda (goli soda) after a good meal.
Balije is a caste.
కొట్టక కొట్టక పక్కలో కొట్టి
kottaka kottaka pakkalo kotti
Striking and striking, but striking in the side.
This expression describes a situation where someone waits for a long time to act, or makes a great effort, only to make a critical mistake or perform the action at the wrong time/place. It is used to highlight a significant failure or a blunder after much anticipation or effort.
నన్ను కొడితే కొట్టావుగాని, మా బావను కొట్టు చూద్దాం అన్నట్లు
nannu kodite kottavugani, ma bavanu kottu chuddam annatlu
It's like saying, 'You hit me, that's fine, but let's see you try to hit my brother-in-law'
This expression is used to describe someone who, when bullied or defeated, tries to hide their weakness or save face by challenging the opponent to take on someone stronger. It reflects a hollow threat or a desperate attempt to appear tough by relying on someone else's strength instead of one's own.
భూమి కొత్తదైనా భూమెలు కొత్తవా
bhumi kottadaina bhumelu kottava
Even if the land is new, are the boundaries new?
This expression suggests that while appearances or specific circumstances might change, the fundamental nature, history, or inherent qualities of a situation remain the same. It is used to point out that basic truths or deep-rooted behaviors do not change simply because of a change in scenery or time.
గాదెడు దోసకాయలలో చేటడు కుచ్చెలు పట్టవా?
gadedu dosakayalalo chetadu kuchchelu pattava?
In a granary full of cucumbers, won't there be space for a winnowing-basket full of ends?
This proverb is used to suggest that when dealing with a massive quantity or a large project, a small extra addition or a minor flaw is negligible and easily accommodated. It implies that in the grand scheme of things, small details or slight increments do not make a significant difference.
వీపుమీద కొట్టవచ్చును గాని, కడుపుమీద కొట్టరాదు.
vipumida kottavachchunu gani, kadupumida kottaradu.
You may beat on the back but not on the belly. i. e. Punish me but don't touch my pay.
This proverb is used to emphasize that while you can scold or punish someone for their mistakes, you should never deprive them of their livelihood or their means of survival. 'Hitting on the stomach' is a metaphor for taking away someone's source of income or food.
రోళ్లు కొత్తవి అయితే, తిరగండ్లు కొత్తవా?
rollu kottavi ayite, tiragandlu kottava?
Though the Âllu be new, are the mill stones new ? An answer to a lame excuse.
This proverb is used to point out that while some circumstances or people in a situation might be new, the fundamental problems, habits, or nature of the task remain the same. It is often used when someone tries to act as if a situation is completely different just because of minor changes, reminding them that the core reality hasn't changed.
కొడితే కొట్టాడుగాని కొత్త కోకెట్టాడు
kodite kottadugani kotta kokettadu
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.
భూమి కొత్త అయితే భోక్తలు కొత్తా?
bhumi kotta ayite bhoktalu kotta?
If the land is new, are the consumers new?
This proverb is used to point out that even if a situation or a location changes, the fundamental nature of the people involved or their basic needs remain the same. It is often used when someone tries to act as if they are unaware of common habits or rules just because they are in a new setting.