అంగట్లో ఆటసాగితే, మద్దెలకానికి బయట పెట్టిందట
angatlo atasagite, maddelakaniki bayata pettindata
When her dance went well in the market, she credited it to the drum player being outside.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone fails to give credit where it is due, or perversely blames their success on an irrelevant external factor. It can also imply a person who tries to hide their lack of skill by making excuses or blaming their equipment/accompaniment even when things go right.
Related Phrases
అయ్య దాసర్లకు పెడితే, అమ్మ జంగాలకు పెట్టిందట
ayya dasarlaku pedite, amma jangalaku pettindata
While the father gave to the Dasaris, the mother gave to the Jangams.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a husband and wife (or two people in charge) are both overly generous or spendthrift in different ways, leading to the depletion of their resources. It highlights a lack of coordination or mutual recklessness in managing household wealth or assets.
తల్లి గుణము కూతురే బయట పెట్టుతుంది
talli gunamu kuture bayata pettutundi
A daughter's behavior reveals the mother's character.
This expression suggests that a child's upbringing and behavior serve as a reflection of their parents, specifically the mother in this context. It is used to imply that the virtues or flaws of a mother can be seen through the actions and nature of her daughter.
అల్లుడికి పెట్టిన పెట్టు కొడుకు పెట్టి కోలుపోయిందట
alludiki pettina pettu koduku petti kolupoyindata
Investing in the son-in-law led to the loss of the investment intended for the son.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone prioritizes an outsider or a distant relative over their own family, only to end up losing everything. It highlights the folly of misplaced priorities and the resulting regret when a primary responsibility is neglected for a secondary one.
ఇంటివానికి చులకనైతే, బయటవానికీ చులకన, బానిసవానికీ చులకన
intivaniki chulakanaite, bayatavaniki chulakana, banisavaniki chulakana
If one is disrespected by family, they are disrespected by outsiders and even by slaves.
This proverb emphasizes that self-respect and the respect of one's own family are the foundation of social status. If a person is not valued or respected within their own home, outsiders and even those in subordinate positions will naturally lose respect for them. It serves as a reminder to maintain dignity and unity within the household.
ఎదట అన్నది మాట, యెదాన పెట్టింది వాత.
edata annadi mata, yedana pettindi vata.
Reprove a man to his face; brand a man on his chest. Don't abuse a man behind his back. He who praises in praesentia, and abuses in absentia, have with him pestilentia. (German.)
This proverb highlights the difference between casual verbal exchanges and the deep emotional impact of certain words. It suggests that while some comments are just spoken words, others can hurt deeply and leave a permanent scar on the soul, much like a physical branding.
ఆడలేక మద్దెల ఓడు అన్నట్లు
adaleka maddela odu annatlu
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.'
రోలు వెళ్ళి మద్దెలతో మొర పెట్టుకున్నదట.
rolu velli maddelato mora pettukunnadata.
The mortar went and complained to the drum.
This proverb is used when someone who is suffering a lot goes to complain to someone who is suffering even more. It highlights the irony of seeking sympathy from someone in a worse situation, as the mortar is struck on one side while the drum is beaten on both sides.
కాలు జారినా, నోరు జారకూడదు
kalu jarina, noru jarakudadu
Even if your foot slips, your mouth should not slip.
This proverb emphasizes the permanence of spoken words. While a physical fall (slipping your foot) causes temporary injury that can heal, a slip of the tongue (speaking thoughtlessly or hurtful words) can cause irreparable damage to relationships and reputation. It serves as a warning to think carefully before speaking.
రోలు పోయి మద్దెలతో మొర పెట్టుకున్నట్లు.
rolu poyi maddelato mora pettukunnatlu.
Like a mortar going to a drum to complain about its woes.
This proverb is used when someone seeks help from a person who is in an even worse situation or who suffers more than themselves. In a traditional setting, a mortar (rolu) is hit with a pestle occasionally, but a drum (maddela) is beaten on both sides constantly. It signifies the irony of complaining to someone who has greater troubles.
అమ్మ పెట్టేవి నాలుగు పెడితేగాని, అరికలచేట బయట పెట్టదు.
amma pettevi nalugu peditegani, arikalacheta bayata pettadu.
Until mother gives four (hits), the small winnowing basket won't be brought out.
This proverb describes someone who is extremely stubborn or lazy. It refers to a person who will not perform a necessary task or change their behavior until they are scolded, punished, or forced by authority. It is used in contexts where discipline is the only way to get a result.