బోడి నెత్తిన టెంకాయ కొట్టినట్టు

bodi nettina tenkaya kottinattu

Translation

Like beating a shaven head with a cocoanut. As used to be done to a Sannyâsi ( religious mendicant ) by his disciples when he was about to die.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being extremely harsh, blunt, or unkind to a vulnerable person. It signifies a lack of empathy or a direct, painful impact on someone who has no protection against the action.

Related Phrases

Like breaking a coconut

This expression is used to describe something that is done very clearly, directly, and decisively without any ambiguity. Just as a coconut breaks cleanly into two when hit correctly, it refers to speaking or acting in a straightforward and blunt manner.

Coconut spice/masala for brinjal curry

This expression refers to a perfect combination or an ideal match. Just as coconut masala enhances the taste of brinjal curry, it is used to describe two things or people that complement each other perfectly to produce a great result.

Like hitting someone with a stone who previously hit you with butter.

This proverb is used to describe an act of extreme ingratitude or an unfair, harsh reaction to a kind gesture. It refers to a situation where a person responds to someone's gentleness or favor with cruelty or hostility.

Like a high-quality coconut.

This expression refers to a person who may appear tough, hard, or indifferent on the outside but possesses a soft, kind, and pure heart within. It is used to describe someone with a strong exterior but a compassionate nature.

Like a monkey finding a coconut

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gains possession of something valuable or complex but has no idea how to use, appreciate, or manage it. Just as a monkey cannot crack open a hard coconut to eat the fruit inside, an incompetent or unqualified person cannot benefit from a resource they have acquired.

The tall man hit the short man's head; God hit the tall man's head.

This proverb conveys the idea of poetic justice or divine retribution. It implies that while a person might use their strength or advantage to bully someone weaker, there is always a higher power or fate that ensures the bully eventually faces justice. It is used to remind people that no one is truly invincible and that actions have consequences.

Like breaking a coconut on a bald head

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is put in a very painful or difficult position, or when a person is exploited or harmed because they are vulnerable or have no protection. It signifies an act that is both cruel and blunt, often catching the person off guard.

Like placing butter on the head and tying a waistband made of prawns.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being extremely foolish or setting themselves up for a loss. Placing butter on the head (which melts in the sun) and using prawns (which are scavenged by crows and dogs) as a waistband implies that the person's assets or efforts will quickly vanish or be snatched away due to poor planning.

Will a man who steals a brinjal not steal a coconut?

This proverb suggests that a person who commits a small crime or dishonesty is likely to commit a larger one given the opportunity. It emphasizes that a lack of integrity starts small but can escalate, and one's character is judged by even minor actions. It is used to warn people not to trust someone who has a history of even trivial dishonesty.

Will the person who stole a brinjal not come for a coconut?

This proverb suggests that a person who commits a small crime or dishonesty will eventually move on to bigger ones. It is used to imply that character is defined by the act of stealing itself, not the value of the object stolen. If someone can justify small wrongdoings, they are capable of larger ones as well.