బయట తన్ని ఇంట్లో కాళ్ళు పట్టుకొన్నట్లు
bayata tanni intlo kallu pattukonnatlu
Like kicking someone outside and then holding their feet inside the house
This expression describes a person's hypocritical or cowardly behavior where they behave aggressively or disrespectfully in public, but act submissive or apologetic in private. It refers to a situation where someone harms another person and later tries to please them for selfish reasons or out of fear.
Related Phrases
బయట తన్ని ఇంట్లో కాళ్లు పట్టుకున్నట్టు
bayata tanni intlo kallu pattukunnattu
Kicking [a man ] when out of doors and falling at his feet in the house. Disgracing him in public and cringing to him in private.
This expression describes a hypocritical or manipulative behavior where someone insults or harms a person in public (or treats them poorly elsewhere) and then tries to act humble or seek forgiveness in private. It refers to a person who tries to cover up their public misdeeds with private apologies or subservience.
చేతులు కాలిన తర్వాత ఆకులు పట్టుకున్నట్లు
chetulu kalina tarvata akulu pattukunnatlu
Like trying to hold onto leaves after the hands are burnt.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes precautions or looks for a solution after the damage is already done. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or 'crying over spilled milk.' It emphasizes that actions taken too late are futile.
తన్ను కట్టే తాళ్ళు తానే తెచ్చుకున్నట్లు
tannu katte tallu tane techchukunnatlu
As if bringing the very ropes used to tie oneself up.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone inadvertently creates their own troubles or provides the means for their own downfall. It is similar to the English idiom 'digging one's own grave' or 'handing someone a stick to beat you with'.
పాప లేని ఇంట్లో, తాత తడవేలాడినట్లు
papa leni intlo, tata tadaveladinatlu
Like a grandfather groping around in a house where there is no child.
This proverb is used to describe a situation that is purposeless, lonely, or lacks the intended joy and activity. Just as a grandfather might search for a child to play with in a house where none exists, it signifies efforts made in vain or being in a place that feels empty and devoid of its primary charm or necessity.
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.
వీధిలో చెప్పుతో కొట్టి ఇంట్లో కాళ్ళు పట్టుకున్నట్లు.
vidhilo chepputo kotti intlo kallu pattukunnatlu.
Like hitting someone with a slipper in the street and then holding their feet inside the house.
This expression describes a hypocritical or manipulative behavior where someone publicly insults or humiliates another person but privately seeks their forgiveness or favor. It is used to point out the insincerity of someone who tries to make amends secretly after causing a major public offense.
గతిలేనివాడు గాడిదకాళ్ళు పట్టుకొన్నట్లు
gatilenivadu gadidakallu pattukonnatlu
Like a helpless man clutching the legs of a donkey.
This expression is used to describe a person who, in a state of absolute desperation or helplessness, seeks assistance from someone completely insignificant, unworthy, or incapable of helping. It highlights the irony and humiliation of being forced to rely on the lowest possible means when one has no other choice.
కట్టెలు ఆడని ఇంట్లో కనకము గూడ ఆడదు
kattelu adani intlo kanakamu guda adadu
In a house where firewood does not burn, gold also does not stay.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of a functional kitchen and household activity for prosperity. If a family is so lazy or destitute that they don't even cook (firewood not burning), they will never attract or retain wealth (gold). It is used to suggest that hard work and maintaining a home are precursors to financial success.
అయినవాళ్ళను అవతలకు నెట్టి, కానివాళ్ళ కాళ్ళు పట్టుకొన్నట్లు.
ayinavallanu avatalaku netti, kanivalla kallu pattukonnatlu.
Pushing away your own people and holding the feet of strangers.
This proverb describes a person who neglects or mistreats their loyal family members and friends while seeking favors or trying to please strangers and outsiders who do not truly care for them. It is used to criticize someone's poor judgment in prioritizing relationships.
ఎద్దు తంతుందని గాడిదకాళ్ళు పట్టుకున్నట్లు.
eddu tantundani gadidakallu pattukunnatlu.
Like catching the legs of a donkey because an ox is kicking.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone, in an attempt to escape one problem or danger, seeks help from an even worse or more unreliable source. It highlights the foolishness of choosing a remedy that is as bad as or worse than the original trouble.