అతుకు కనిపించదు అల్లుడా అంటే, కుంపటి కనుపించదు మామా అన్నాడట.
atuku kanipinchadu alluda ante, kumpati kanupinchadu mama annadata.
When the father-in-law said 'The patch is not visible, son-in-law', the son-in-law replied 'The furnace is not visible, father-in-law'.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people are equally matched in their cunning, wit, or flaws. It illustrates a 'tit-for-tat' scenario where one person tries to point out a subtle mistake or hide something, only for the other person to point out an even bigger or equally relevant issue. It signifies that one cannot easily fool someone who is just as smart or experienced as they are.
Related Phrases
ఆ మాట అనిపిద్దామా మామగారా?
a mata anipiddama mamagara?
Shall we have that word said ? O father-in-law! When a Kômaṭi was dying and the word "Nârâyana" had to be pro- nounced in his ears, all his relations tried to shirk this disagreeable duty. The allusion in the proverb is to a proposal made by one of them that the task should be imposed upon the oldest man present.
This is a popular idiom or sarcastic expression used to highlight a situation where someone is inviting criticism or stating the obvious in a way that would make others talk negatively. It is often used to question if one should proceed with an action that will inevitably lead to a predictable, often shameful, reputation or consequence.
ముక్కేదిరా అంటే తలచుట్టూ చేయి తిప్పి చూపించినట్లు.
mukkedira ante talachuttu cheyi tippi chupinchinatlu.
When asked where the nose is, showing it by wrapping the hand around the head.
This proverb is used to describe a person who takes a long, complicated, or circuitous route to do something that could be done very simply and directly. It highlights unnecessary complexity and inefficiency in communication or action.
అత్తతో చెప్పి అషు అనిపించలేడు కానీ, లంకించడానికి బ్రహ్మకొడుకు.
attato cheppi ashu anipinchaledu kani, lankinchadaniki brahmakoduku.
He cannot even make his mother-in-law say 'Ashu', but he is the son of Brahma when it comes to jumping/attacking.
This expression is used to describe a person who is incapable of performing simple, basic tasks or handling minor social interactions, yet boasts or acts as if they are a hero when it comes to aggressive or impossible feats. It highlights the irony of someone being weak in reality but pretending to be extremely powerful or capable in grand scenarios.
ముప్పది మూడు కోట్ల దేవతలు ముక్కు పట్టించగలరు గానీ, నారాయణా అనిపించగలరా?
muppadi mudu kotla devatalu mukku pattinchagalaru gani, narayana anipinchagalara?
Thirty-three crore gods can make you hold your nose, but can they make you say 'Narayana'?
This proverb highlights that while external force or authority can compel a person to perform physical actions or rituals (like holding one's nose during prayer), it cannot force genuine devotion, belief, or speech from the heart. It is used to suggest that true willingness and internal conviction cannot be coerced by outside pressure.
ముప్ఫయి మూడు కోట్ల దేవతలూ కూడి ముక్కు పట్టించగలరు గాని, నారాయణా అనిపించగలరా?
mupphayi mudu kotla devatalu kudi mukku pattinchagalaru gani, narayana anipinchagalara?
Thirty-three crores of gods joined together can make me hold my nose, but can they make me say Nârâyaṇa?
This expression highlights the limits of external force or coercion. While someone can physically force or restrain you (holding the nose), they cannot force your inner will, devotion, or speech if you are unwilling. It is used to suggest that true conviction or action must come from within and cannot be compelled by power alone.
You cannot make an ass drink if he is not thirsty. (French.)* You may force a man to shut his eyes but not to sleep. (Danish.)†
అరుంధతి కనబడలేదంటే ఆరువేల అప్పు కనిపించిందా అన్నట్టు
arundhati kanabadaledante aruvela appu kanipinchinda annattu
When someone said they couldn't see the Arundhati star, another asked if they could see their six thousand debt instead.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is overly preoccupied with their own troubles or financial burdens. While others are looking at something auspicious or subtle (like the Arundhati star during a wedding), this person can only focus on their overwhelming problems. It mocks the tendency of some people to bring up their personal grievances or debts in completely unrelated or positive situations.
మాదాకవళమమ్మా అంటే, మా యింటాయన నీకు కనిపించలేదా అన్నదట.
madakavalamamma ante, ma yintayana niku kanipinchaleda annadata.
When asked for a handful of food (alms), she replied, 'Didn't you see my husband?'
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gives an irrelevant or evasive answer to a simple request to avoid helping. It mocks the behavior of someone making excuses by pointing to another person (usually a spouse or authority figure) as the reason for their inability or refusal to act.
ఆ మాటా అనిపిద్దామా మామగారూ?
a mata anipiddama mamagaru?
Shall we make them say that too, father-in-law?
This expression refers to a situation where a person, having already faced criticism or insults, continues to act recklessly or foolishly, inviting even more public humiliation. It is used to mock someone who doesn't know when to stop and is about to bring more shame upon themselves.
కళ్ళు రెండున్నా కనిపించేది ఒక్కటే.
kallu rendunna kanipinchedi okkate.
Even though there are two eyes, the vision is one.
This expression is used to emphasize unity in diversity or commonality of purpose. It signifies that even if people have different perspectives or backgrounds, the ultimate goal or reality remains the same. It is often used to describe harmony between two people or a unified decision.
బడాయి ఏమి బాపనమ్మా అంటే అమలుదారు నా అల్లుడాయగదా అన్నదట
badayi emi bapanamma ante amaludaru na alludayagada annadata
When asked why she was so boastful, the lady replied, 'Is it not because the local official is my son-in-law?'
This proverb describes a person who boasts or shows off based on the power, status, or influence of their relatives rather than their own merits. It is used to mock someone who acts arrogant because they have connections to people in high positions.