బయటకొకటి లోపలికొకటి
bayatakokati lopalikokati
One on the outside and another on the inside
This expression is used to describe a person who is hypocritical or two-faced. It refers to someone whose outward words or behavior do not match their true internal intentions or feelings.
Related Phrases
విత్తు ఒకటి వేస్తే, చెట్టు ఇంకొకటి మొలచునా?
vittu okati veste, chettu inkokati molachuna?
If you sow one type of seed, will a different tree grow?
This expression is equivalent to 'as you sow, so shall you reap'. It highlights that actions have inevitable consequences and the results will always be consistent with the nature of the initial action. It is used to point out that one cannot expect good outcomes from bad deeds or vice-versa.
తానొకటి తలిస్తే దైవం ఒకటి తలిచింది
tanokati taliste daivam okati talichindi
When he planned one thing, God planned another. Man proposes, God disposes.
This proverb is equivalent to the English expression 'Man proposes, God disposes.' It is used to describe situations where human plans fail or take an unexpected turn due to fate or circumstances beyond one's control.
కరక్కాయ తురక రెండూ భేదికారులే; ఒకటి లోపలికి పోవాలి; ఇంకొకటి దగ్గరకు వస్తేనే చాలు.
karakkaya turaka rendu bhedikarule; okati lopaliki povali; inkokati daggaraku vastene chalu.
Both Haritaki and a Turk are purgatives; one must go inside, while for the other, just coming close is enough.
This is a historical proverb reflecting the fear and social impact during the era of invasions. While 'karakkaya' (myrobalan) acts as a laxative only when consumed, the mere presence of a 'turaka' (invader) was enough to cause people to lose control of their bowels out of fear. It is used to describe something or someone so terrifying that their mere approach causes panic.
తాను ఒకటి తలిస్తే దైవం ఒకటి తలచినట్లు
tanu okati taliste daivam okati talachinatlu
If one thinks of one thing, God thinks of another.
This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Man proposes, God disposes.' It is used to describe situations where human plans or expectations fail to materialize because fate or a higher power had a different outcome in store.
ఆరయతిండ్లు వేరు ఆకటి ఒకటే
arayatindlu veru akati okate
Diets may be different, but hunger is the same
This expression highlights that while people may have different lifestyles, social statuses, or preferences (diets), their fundamental human needs and basic nature (hunger) remain identical. It is used to emphasize human equality or commonality behind superficial differences.
చేసేవి లోపాలు, చెప్పితే కోపాలు
chesevi lopalu, cheppite kopalu
Doing mistakes, but getting angry when pointed out.
This proverb describes a person who consistently makes errors or acts wrongly, yet becomes defensive and angry when someone tries to correct them or give advice. It is used to highlight hypocrisy or an inability to accept constructive criticism.
ఒకటి చేయబోతే మరొకటి అయినట్లు
okati cheyabote marokati ayinatlu
Doing one thing and it becoming another
This expression is used to describe a situation where one's actions lead to an unexpected or unintended outcome, often despite good intentions. It is similar to the English phrase 'Backfiring' or 'Best-laid plans gone awry.' It describes a result that is completely different from what was originally planned.
ఒకటి తరక, ఇంకొకటి తాలు.
okati taraka, inkokati talu.
One is a broken piece, and the other is a hollow husk.
This expression is used to describe two people or things that are equally useless, defective, or of poor quality. It highlights that there is no choice between them because neither has any value, often used when comparing two options that are both unsatisfactory.
బయటికి ఇంపు, లోపలికి కంపు
bayatiki impu, lopaliki kampu
Pleasant on the outside, stinking on the inside
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that appears attractive, virtuous, or high-quality on the surface, but is actually rotten, hypocritical, or of poor quality internally. It is similar to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold' or referring to a 'whited sepulcher.'
మంచివానికి ఒక మాట, మొరకుకి ఒక దెబ్బ
manchivaniki oka mata, morakuki oka debba
One word for a gentleman, one blow for a stubborn person.
This proverb suggests that a sensible or good-hearted person understands a situation or correction through simple advice or words, whereas a stubborn or foolish person only learns through harsh treatment or physical force. It is used to describe the difference in how people respond to discipline based on their character.