అప్పటి మాటలకు దుప్పటి యిచ్చినానుగాని, కలకాలము కప్పుకో నిచ్చినానా?
appati matalaku duppati yichchinanugani, kalakalamu kappuko nichchinana?
I presented you with the robe in return for the compliments you then paid me, but did I intend you to wear it for ever ? ( Bee. No. 309. ) A liberal gift regretted and withdrawn. Give a thing and take again, And you shall ride in hell's wain.
This expression refers to someone who justifies taking back a favor or a gift because the original circumstances or temporary reasons for giving it have changed. It is often used to describe people who are fickle or who set hidden time limits on their generosity.
Related Phrases
వినను కనను రెండేసి యిచ్చి, అనను ఒకటే యిచ్చినాడు దేవుడు
vinanu kananu rendesi yichchi, ananu okate yichchinadu devudu
God gave two each to hear and to see, but gave only one to speak.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of listening and observing more than speaking. Since we are physically equipped with two ears and two eyes but only one mouth, it implies that a wise person should be twice as observant and attentive as they are talkative. It is used to advise someone to be thoughtful and cautious with their words.
ఎప్పటి మేలు అప్పటికే.
eppati melu appatike.
When a good deed [ is done, ] then only [ is it thought of ].
This expression is used to suggest that help or advantages received in the past do not guarantee future benefits. It emphasizes that every situation is unique and needs to be handled individually, often used when someone expects past favors to repeat themselves indefinitely.
Eaten bread is soon forgotten.
అప్పటికి ఒప్పుకున్నాం కానీ కలికాలంలో ఇస్తామా?
appatiki oppukunnam kani kalikalamlo istama?
We agreed back then, but will we give it in this Kali Yuga?
This proverb is used to describe people who make promises during a crisis or when they need help, but conveniently forget or refuse to fulfill them once the trouble has passed. It highlights the trait of untrustworthiness and shifting moral stances based on convenience.
దొరలు ఇచ్చిన పాలుకన్నా ధరణి ఇచ్చిన పాలు మేలు.
doralu ichchina palukanna dharani ichchina palu melu.
The share given by the earth is better than that given by the government. Free lands are better when fertile, than shares of grain allotted by government.
This proverb emphasizes self-reliance and the bounty of nature over patronage from the powerful. It suggests that what one earns through honest labor on their own land is superior and more sustainable than gifts or favors received from those in power, which often come with conditions or strings attached.
అప్పటి మాటలకు దుప్పటి ఇచ్చాను గానీ, కలకాలం కప్పుకోమని ఇచ్చానా!
appati matalaku duppati ichchanu gani, kalakalam kappukomani ichchana!
I gave the blanket for those specific words spoken then, but did I give it for you to wrap yourself in it forever?
This expression is used when someone takes a temporary favor or a one-time gesture for granted and expects it to continue indefinitely. It highlights that a promise or help given under specific circumstances is not a permanent commitment or an open-ended entitlement.
ఎవరు ఇచ్చినది ఈ మాన్యము అంటే, నేనే ఇచ్చుకున్నాను అన్నాడట.
evaru ichchinadi i manyamu ante, nene ichchukunnanu annadata.
When asked " Who gave you the freehold?" he said " I gave it to myself." Said of one who helps himself without regard to the law of meum and tuum.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks legitimate authority or external validation and instead relies on self-proclamations or self-awarded honors. It mocks those who boast about achievements or titles they have unilaterally claimed without any basis in truth or merit.
గాడిద గుడ్డు, కప్ప తలకాయ
gadida guddu, kappa talakaya
A donkey's egg and a frog's head
This expression is used to describe something that is non-existent, nonsensical, or a complete waste of time. It refers to a ridiculous or imaginary object that has no value or reality, often used to dismiss someone's foolish claims or a futile outcome.
వచ్చే కాలము కన్నా, వచ్చిన కాలము మేలు.
vachche kalamu kanna, vachchina kalamu melu.
The past is better than the future. "The good old times."
This expression is used to reflect on the past with nostalgia or to express skepticism about the future. It suggests that people often perceive the present or the unknown future as more difficult or uncertain compared to the 'good old days' they have already experienced.
చేనూ కొడవలీ నీ చేత ఇచ్చాను.
chenu kodavali ni cheta ichchanu.
I have given the field and the sickle into your hands. To hand anything over entirely to another. To give another full powers.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has been given complete authority, resources, and responsibility to complete a task. It implies that the person has everything they need (the field to work on and the tool to work with) and the outcome now depends entirely on their effort and initiative.
చచ్చినట్లు కలవచ్చినా మేలుకోక తప్పదు
chachchinatlu kalavachchina melukoka tappadu
Even if you dream as if you are dead, you must wake up eventually.
This proverb is used to emphasize that no matter how deep an illusion, an escape, or a terrible situation may be, one must eventually return to reality and face the facts of life. It highlights the inevitability of facing the truth.