బయట పులి, ఇంట పిల్లి
bayata puli, inta pilli
A tiger outside, a cat inside
This expression describes a person who acts brave, fierce, or authoritative in public or in front of strangers, but is timid, submissive, or easily intimidated at home or in front of their family members. It is often used to mock someone's false bravado.
Related Phrases
చిరుతపులి కడుపున పెద్దపులి పుట్టినట్లు
chirutapuli kadupuna peddapuli puttinatlu
Like a tiger being born to a leopard.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a child or descendant far surpasses the parents in stature, capability, or greatness. It highlights an extraordinary outcome from modest or ordinary origins, similar to the English concept of 'the student surpassing the master' or a humble lineage producing a great leader.
తల్లి గుణము కూతురే బయట పెట్టుతుంది
talli gunamu kuture bayata pettutundi
A daughter's behavior reveals the mother's character.
This expression suggests that a child's upbringing and behavior serve as a reflection of their parents, specifically the mother in this context. It is used to imply that the virtues or flaws of a mother can be seen through the actions and nature of her daughter.
సులక్షణాల పెళ్ళికొడుకు అనుకుంటే, అవలక్షణాలన్నీ బయటపడ్డాయట
sulakshanala pellikoduku anukunte, avalakshanalanni bayatapaddayata
When thought to be a groom of good virtues, all the bad traits were revealed.
This expression is used when someone who was initially perceived to be highly virtuous, talented, or perfect turns out to have many hidden flaws or negative qualities. It highlights the disappointment when reality contradicts a positive first impression or an idealized image.
ఇంట్లో ఈగపులి, బయట పెద్దపులి
intlo igapuli, bayata peddapuli
At home he is a spider, abroad he is a tiger. Demure at home, a ruffian abroad. He looks as if butter would not melt in his mouth.
This proverb describes a person who is extremely timid or submissive at home (often toward a spouse or family) but displays great courage, authority, or intimidation when dealing with the outside world. It highlights the contrast between someone's private vulnerability and their public bravado.
బయట దేవుడు, ఇంట దయ్యము
bayata devudu, inta dayyamu
A god outside, a devil at home
This expression describes a hypocritical person who acts virtuous, kind, and saintly in public or with strangers, but is cruel, abusive, or ill-tempered with their own family members behind closed doors. It is used to expose someone's double standards or fake personality.
తలచినప్పుడే తాత పెళ్ళి
talachinappude tata pelli
Grandfather's wedding is whenever it is thought of
This expression is used to mock someone who wants something to happen instantly or impulsively without considering the necessary preparation, time, or feasibility. It highlights the absurdity of expecting major events to occur just because one suddenly had the idea.
సంతు లేని తల్లి, చింత లేని పెళ్ళి
santu leni talli, chinta leni pelli
A mother without offspring, a wedding without worry.
This proverb is used ironically or sarcastically to describe a situation that is incomplete or lacks its fundamental purpose. Just as a woman cannot be a mother without children, a grand event like a wedding is rarely free of some level of worry or responsibility. It implies that certain roles or events naturally come with inherent burdens or characteristics, and without them, the situation is paradoxical or meaningless.
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.
పొగాకు అడుక్కోవాలి, అందలం బయట పెట్టరా అన్నట్లు
pogaku adukkovali, andalam bayata pettara annatlu
Asking for tobacco while ordering someone to bring out the palanquin.
This expression is used to describe a person who behaves with excessive pride or maintains a high status ego even when they are in a state of poverty or are begging for basic needs. It highlights the irony of someone who lacks even a bit of tobacco but still speaks in a commanding tone as if they are royalty.
అంతకు ఇంతయింది, ఇంత ఎంతవుతుందో, ఇంతకింతే.
antaku intayindi, inta entavutundo, intakinte.
It became this much from that much; who knows what this much will become; for this, only this much.
This expression is used to describe a situation that has grown or escalated unexpectedly from a small beginning. It reflects on the unpredictable progression of events and concludes that the current outcome is the inevitable result of the preceding actions.