బోడి నెత్తిన టెంకాయ కొట్టినట్లు
bodi nettina tenkaya kottinatlu
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.
Related Phrases
బోడి నెత్తిన టెంకాయ కొట్టినట్టు
bodi nettina tenkaya kottinattu
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.
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.
టెంకాయ కొట్టినట్లు
tenkaya kottinatlu
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.
వంకాయ కూరకు టెంకాయ మసాలా
vankaya kuraku tenkaya masala
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.
మాట తప్పితే బోడి నెత్తి మీద ముప్ప
mata tappite bodi netti mida muppa
If one breaks their word, a danger or misfortune will fall upon their bald head.
This expression is used to emphasize the importance of keeping one's promise. It suggests that if a person fails to stand by their word, they will face negative consequences or bad luck. It is often used as a lighthearted threat or a moral reminder to be truthful and reliable.
జ్వరం రోగికి జున్ను పెట్టినట్లు, పగిలిన నెత్తిన వెన్న పెట్టినట్లు
jvaram rogiki junnu pettinatlu, pagilina nettina venna pettinatlu
Like giving cheese to a fever patient or putting butter on a split head.
This expression describes an act that is counterproductive, harmful, or poorly timed. Just as dairy is traditionally avoided during a fever in Ayurveda and butter won't heal a deep head wound, it refers to actions that worsen a situation despite appearing like a gesture of care or help.
వెన్నతో కొట్టిన వానిని రాయితో కొట్టినట్లు
vennato kottina vanini rayito kottinatlu
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.
జాతి టెంకాయవలె.
jati tenkayavale.
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.
కోతికి టెంకాయ దొరికినట్లు
kotiki tenkaya dorikinatlu
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.
నెత్తిన వెన్న పెట్టి రొయ్యల మొలతాడు కట్టినట్లు
nettina venna petti royyala molatadu kattinatlu
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.
వంకాయ దొంగిలించినవాడు టెంకాయ దొంగిలించడా?
vankaya dongilinchinavadu tenkaya dongilinchada?
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.