బండకొయ్యకు బుద్ధి చెప్పినట్లు
bandakoyyaku buddhi cheppinatlu
Like trying to advise or teach a wooden log.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one tries to give advice or instructions to an extremely stubborn, thick-headed, or unresponsive person. It implies that any effort to change their mind or educate them is a complete waste of time, as they are as lifeless and unyielding as a piece of wood.
Related Phrases
కోడలికి బుద్ధి చెప్పి అత్త రంకుపోయినది.
kodaliki buddhi cheppi atta rankupoyinadi.
The mother-in-law gave good counsel to her daughter-in-law and went astray herself.
This proverb is used to describe hypocritical behavior where a person advises others on morality and ethics but fails to follow those same principles themselves. It highlights the irony of someone acting as a teacher or moral compass while secretly engaging in the very activities they condemn.
జాతి బుద్ధి జాతిది - కులం బుద్ధి కులానిది
jati buddhi jatidi - kulam buddhi kulanidi
Species trait stays with the species - Clan trait stays with the clan
This expression suggests that inherent characteristics or basic instincts associated with one's origin, upbringing, or lineage are difficult to change. It is often used to point out that a person's fundamental behavior inevitably reflects their roots or true nature, regardless of external changes.
మొగుడు చచ్చిన వెనక ముండకు బుద్ధి వచ్చినది.
mogudu chachchina venaka mundaku buddhi vachchinadi.
After her husband's death, the jade came to her senses.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone realizes their mistake or understands the importance of something only after it is permanently lost or when it is too late to rectify the damage. It highlights the futility of late realization.
చెప్పిన బుద్ధీ, కట్టిన చద్దీ నిలవదు.
cheppina buddhi, kattina chaddi nilavadu.
Advice given [ will be forgotten ]; and stale food tied up [ in a bundle ] will not keep. Advice whispered in the ear is worth a jeer.
This proverb suggests that wisdom or advice provided by others is often temporary and easily forgotten, much like packed food that eventually runs out or spoils. It emphasizes that true realization and lasting change must come from within oneself rather than relying on external instructions.
అత్త బుద్ధి, కోడలు బుద్ధి ఒకటవుతాయా?
atta buddhi, kodalu buddhi okatavutaya?
Will the mother-in-law's mindset and the daughter-in-law's mindset ever be the same?
This proverb highlights the inherent differences in perspectives, upbringing, and priorities between two people of different roles or generations. It is typically used to explain why conflicts or misunderstandings arise between people in a relationship, suggesting that their ways of thinking are naturally distinct and unlikely to perfectly align.
మతులెన్ని చెప్పినా మంకు బుద్ధి మానదు
matulenni cheppina manku buddhi manadu
No matter how many wise words are said, a stubborn mind will not change.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is incorrigibly stubborn or set in their ways. Despite receiving sound advice, moral instruction, or logical reasoning from others, such individuals refuse to abandon their foolish or obstinate behavior. It highlights that character traits are often deeply ingrained and difficult to alter through external influence.
ఆడదాని బుద్ధి అపర బుద్ధి
adadani buddhi apara buddhi
A woman's sense is wrong sense.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to suggest that women think differently or more deeply than men, often implying that they come up with clever solutions later or have a unique perspective that isn't immediately obvious. While historically sometimes used dismissively, it is also used to acknowledge a woman's intuitive or strategic thinking.
Lit. in the back of the head.
నొప్పింపక చేస్తే కొయ్యకుండా పండును
noppimpaka cheste koyyakunda pandunu
If done without causing pain, it will ripen without being cut.
This expression emphasizes that when a task is performed with patience, care, and kindness (without force or causing distress), it yields the best results naturally. It is used to suggest that gentle persuasion or a steady, painless approach often achieves goals more effectively than aggressive or forceful methods.
అత్త అడవికి వెళ్తూ, కోడలికి బుద్ధి చెప్పినట్లు
atta adaviki veltu, kodaliki buddhi cheppinatlu
Like a mother-in-law giving advice to her daughter-in-law while she herself is heading to the forest.
This expression is used to describe a hypocritical situation where a person gives advice or moral lectures to others while they themselves are doing something wrong or behaving irresponsibly. It highlights the irony of someone lacking self-discipline trying to discipline others.
మతులు ఎన్ని చెప్పినా మంకుబుద్ధి మానదు
matulu enni cheppina mankubuddhi manadu
However much advice you give her, she will not mend her stubbornness.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is incorrigibly stubborn or set in their ways. It implies that even if you give great advice or try to reform someone, their inherent nature or stubbornness (manku buddhi) prevents them from changing their behavior.