అత్తను చూసి దాచుకోవడం, పిల్లను చూసి పారేసుకోవడం
attanu chusi dachukovadam, pillanu chusi paresukovadam
Hiding upon seeing the mother-in-law, throwing away upon seeing the child.
This expression refers to a person who is hypocritical or selective in their behavior based on self-interest. It describes someone who acts disciplined or stingy in front of authority figures (like a mother-in-law) to make a good impression, but becomes careless or overly generous when dealing with those who have no power over them (like a child).
Related Phrases
తల్లిని చూసి పిల్లను, పాలను చూచి బర్రెను కొనాలి.
tallini chusi pillanu, palanu chuchi barrenu konali.
Look at the mother before choosing the daughter; look at the milk before buying the buffalo.
This proverb emphasizes that heredity, upbringing, and proven quality are essential factors when making long-term commitments or choices. Just as a buffalo's value is determined by its milk yield, a person's character and traits are often influenced by their lineage and parental upbringing. It is commonly used as advice when considering marriage alliances.
శత్రువుని చూసి కోపం సంతుని చూసి శాంతం
shatruvuni chusi kopam santuni chusi shantam
Anger upon seeing an enemy, peace upon seeing a saint
This expression describes the natural human tendency to react differently based on the person encountered. It implies that our internal state—whether aggressive or calm—is often a reflection of the company we keep or the character of the person standing before us. It is used to suggest that one should strive for emotional balance or to describe how someone's demeanor shifts instantly depending on their surroundings.
నిజం దాచుకోవచ్చు గాని నిప్పు దాచుకోలేము.
nijam dachukovachchu gani nippu dachukolemu.
You can hide the truth, but you cannot hide fire.
This proverb emphasizes that truth, much like fire, cannot remain hidden for long. Just as fire eventually burns through its covering and reveals itself via heat or smoke, a concealed truth will inevitably come to light despite any attempts to suppress it. It is used to advise someone that secrets or lies are temporary and will eventually be exposed.
ఇల్లు చూసి ఇల్లాలును చూడమన్నారు
illu chusi illalunu chudamannaru
Look at the house first, then look at the housewife.
This proverb suggests that the state of a home reflects the character, management skills, and discipline of the person maintaining it. It is often used to imply that one can understand a person's nature and habits by observing their surroundings and how they manage their household.
డబ్బును చూసి భయంగాని, బుద్ధిని చూసి కాదు.
dabbunu chusi bhayangani, buddhini chusi kadu.
Fear is for the money, not for the wisdom.
This expression is used to describe a situation where people respect or fear someone only because of their wealth and social status, rather than their character, intelligence, or integrity. It highlights the materialistic nature of society.
తగిలించుకోవడం సులభం, వదిలించుకోవడం కష్టం.
tagilinchukovadam sulabham, vadilinchukovadam kashtam.
It is easy to get attached, but hard to get rid of.
This expression is used to describe habits, relationships, or problems that are easy to start or acquire, but extremely difficult to escape or resolve. It is often used as a warning against picking up bad habits or entering into complicated commitments.
సాక్షికాళ్లు పట్టుకోవడముకన్నా వాదికాళ్లు పట్టుకోవచ్చును
sakshikallu pattukovadamukanna vadikallu pattukovachchunu
Better fall at the feet of the prosecutor than at the feet of the witnesses.
This proverb suggests that instead of trying to influence or persuade intermediaries or witnesses, it is more effective and straightforward to deal directly with the primary person involved in a dispute. It emphasizes that reaching an agreement with the opponent is easier than managing those who are merely testifying.
కాలితో కదుపుకోవడం, చేతితో జువ్వుకోవడం
kalito kadupukovadam, chetito juvvukovadam
Moving it with the foot and picking it up with the hand
This expression refers to a situation where someone intentionally creates a mess or a problem (symbolized by kicking something with the foot) and then later has to go through the trouble of fixing or cleaning it up manually. It is used to describe self-inflicted troubles or a lack of foresight.
లడాయి వచ్చినప్పుడా కత్తులు చేసుకోవడం?
ladayi vachchinappuda kattulu chesukovadam?
Should one start making swords only after the battle has begun?
This proverb is used to criticize lack of preparation. It describes the foolishness of trying to acquire necessary tools or skills at the very moment they are needed, rather than being prepared in advance. It is similar to the English expression 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or 'digging a well only when the house is on fire.'
లడాయి వచ్చినప్పుడా కత్తులు చేసుకోవడము?
ladayi vachchinappuda kattulu chesukovadamu?
To make swords when the war comes.
This proverb is used to criticize lack of foresight or preparation. It describes a situation where someone starts preparing for a challenge or emergency only when it is already happening, rather than being ready in advance. It is similar to the English expression 'digging a well only when the house is on fire.'