బలవంతాన పిల్లిని ఇస్తామంటే, కులమేమి, గోత్రమేమి అని అడిగినాడట
balavantana pillini istamante, kulamemi, gotramemi ani adiginadata
When offered a cat by force, he asked about its caste and lineage.
This proverb describes a situation where someone who is being given something for free (often something undesirable or unnecessary) starts acting overly picky or demanding. It is used to mock people who act entitled or fastidious when they are actually in a position of receiving an unearned favor or a desperate offer.
Related Phrases
నాకే కుక్కకు లింగమేమి పానవట్టమేమి
nake kukkaku lingamemi panavattamemi
What does a licking dog care about the Lingam or the Panavattam?
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks decency, respect, or a sense of sanctity. Just as a dog would lick anything without regard for its religious significance (the Shiva Lingam or its base, the Panavattam), a person without shame or character will act inappropriately regardless of the situation or the importance of the objects/people involved.
ఊరి ముందరికి వచ్చి నా పెళ్లాం పిల్లలు ఎట్లా ఉన్నారని అడిగినాడట
uri mundariki vachchi na pellam pillalu etla unnarani adiginadata
He came to the outskirts of the village and asked " How are my wife and children ?" A few yards more would have enabled the man to judge for himself. Said of impatience.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks patience or common sense. It refers to someone who is so close to their destination or a source of information that they could easily find out the truth themselves, yet they choose to ask others for the answer prematurely. It highlights unnecessary anxiety or a foolish shortcut.
బలవంతాన పిల్లను ఇస్తానంటే, కులమేమి గోత్రమేమి అని అడిగినాడట
balavantana pillanu istanante, kulamemi gotramemi ani adiginadata
When one offered his daughter unasked to another, he was answered " What is your caste and what is your Gotra ?" When a man goes out of his way to make an unusual offer, his inten- tions are apt to be suspected.
This proverb is used to describe a person who shows unnecessary arrogance or makes fussy demands when someone is desperately trying to help them or do them a favor. It highlights the irony of a person who is in no position to negotiate but still tries to act superior or picky.
కోరి పిల్లను ఇస్తామంటే, కులం తక్కువ అన్నట్లు
kori pillanu istamante, kulam takkuva annatlu
When someone offers their daughter in marriage voluntarily, the other person insults them by saying they are of a lower caste.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone rejects or demeans a generous offer or a valuable favor simply because it was offered freely or easily. It highlights human nature's tendency to undervalue things that come without struggle or to find petty excuses to decline an act of kindness.
మొగుడికే మొగతనం ఉంటే, తంబళ్ళవారి తగులాటమేమి?
mogudike mogatanam unte, tamballavari tagulatamemi?
If the husband himself has manliness, why would there be an involvement with the temple-servant?
This proverb is used to say that if the person responsible or the main authority is capable and does their job correctly, there is no need for third-party interference or outside help. It emphasizes that problems often arise only when the primary person fails in their duty.
కడిగిన నోరు, అడిగిన పిల్ల.
kadigina noru, adigina pilla.
A washed mouth and a child who asks.
This proverb highlights two things that are always ready or desirable. A 'washed mouth' refers to a clean mouth ready to eat, and an 'asking child' refers to a child who is curious, expressive, or communicative about their needs, which is considered a sign of healthy development and clarity.
దొంగకు చేను పచ్చి అయితే మాత్రమేమి
dongaku chenu pachchi ayite matramemi
What does it matter to a thief if the field is unripe?
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks responsibility or a sense of ownership. Just as a thief will steal crops regardless of whether they are ready for harvest or if the act ruins the field, an irresponsible or malicious person does not care about the long-term consequences or the damage they cause to others as long as they get what they want.
ఇల్లు వెళ్లిపోరా నంబీ అంటే, నా మాన్యము ఎక్కడ అని అడిగినాడట
illu vellipora nambi ante, na manyamu ekkada ani adiginadata
When a Nambi was told to get out of the house, he asked for his glebe-land.
This proverb describes an audacious or thick-skinned person who, when being evicted or dismissed for wrongdoing, still demands benefits or compensation. It is used to mock someone who doesn't understand their lack of welcome and continues to act entitled in a situation where they are being rejected.
Nambi is a priest in a Vishnu temple. Effrontery.
రామాయణమంతా విని రాముడికి సీత ఏమవుతుంది అని అడిగినట్లు
ramayanamanta vini ramudiki sita emavutundi ani adiginatlu
Like asking what relation Sitâ was to Râma after listening to the whole Râmâyana. A dunderhead.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone remains completely ignorant or misses the most fundamental point of a long explanation, story, or event despite being present for the whole duration. It highlights a lack of attention or comprehension.
నయమంటే భయమేమి?
nayamante bhayamemi?
If it is the right path, why fear?
This expression is used to state that one who acts with integrity, honesty, and follows the righteous path has no reason to be afraid of anyone or any consequences. It is similar to the English proverb 'A clean hand wants no washing'.