చంకనెత్తుకుంటే ముద్దు, నెత్తినెత్తుకుంటే నడమంత్రం
chankanettukunte muddu, nettinettukunte nadamantram
If carried on the hip, it is affection; if carried on the head, it is a nuisance.
This proverb highlights the importance of maintaining boundaries and limits. It suggests that while showing affection or giving support is good, over-indulging someone or giving them too much freedom/authority can lead to them becoming a burden or acting out of place. It is often used to warn against spoiling children or being overly lenient with subordinates.
Related Phrases
తన దీపమని ముద్దు పెట్టుకుంటే తన మీసాలు కాలకుండా ఉంటాయా
tana dipamani muddu pettukunte tana misalu kalakunda untaya
If you kiss a lamp because it is your own, will your mustache not get burnt?
This proverb highlights that certain laws of nature or consequences are inevitable, regardless of ownership or affection. Just because something belongs to you doesn't mean it won't harm you if you handle it recklessly. It is used to caution people that favoritism or personal attachment cannot protect one from the negative results of a dangerous action.
ముట్టుకుంటే ముత్యం, పట్టుకుంటే బంగారం
muttukunte mutyam, pattukunte bangaram
A pearl if touched, gold if held.
This expression is used to describe someone or something of exceptional quality, value, or purity. It is often used as a compliment for a well-behaved child, a virtuous person, or a piece of work that is flawless and precious.
దుంగ దించి బండ నెత్తుకొన్నట్లు
dunga dinchi banda nettukonnatlu
Like putting down a log only to pick up a boulder.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to get rid of a small problem or burden, only to replace it with a much bigger and more difficult one. It highlights poor decision-making or bad luck where the alternative chosen is worse than the original state.
నడమంత్రపు సిరి నెత్తిమీద కండ్లు
nadamantrapu siri nettimida kandlu
Sudden wealth brings eyes to the top of the head.
This proverb describes a person who becomes arrogant and haughty after gaining unexpected or sudden wealth. It implies that the person has lost their humility and no longer recognizes their roots or shows respect to others due to their new financial status.
ఏనుగు మదిస్తే నెత్తిన మన్ను పోసుకుంటుంది
enugu madiste nettina mannu posukuntundi
When an elephant goes into musth, it throws dust on its own head.
This proverb describes how an arrogant or intoxicated person often brings about their own downfall or ruin. Just as a rogue elephant in musth (a state of aggression) blindly tosses dirt on itself, a person blinded by pride or power will make foolish decisions that harm their own reputation and well-being.
నడమంత్రపు సిరికి నెత్తిమీద కండ్లు
nadamantrapu siriki nettimida kandlu
Sudden wealth brings eyes to the top of the head.
This proverb is used to describe a person who has recently acquired unexpected wealth or power and has become extremely arrogant or prideful as a result. It suggests that such people lose their sense of humility and look down upon others.
ఎక్కడిదిరా ఈ పెత్తనం, అంటే మూలనుంటే నెత్తిన వేసుకున్నానన్నాడట.
ekkadidira i pettanam, ante mulanunte nettina vesukunnanannadata.
When asked, 'Where did this authority come from?', he replied, 'It was in the corner, so I put it on my head.'
This proverb is used to mock someone who assumes authority or responsibility that was never given to them, or someone who takes control of a situation simply because it was neglected or vacant. It highlights the absurdity of self-appointed leadership or unearned bossiness.
నా నెత్తురు నా చేతనే తాగించుతాడు
na netturu na chetane taginchutadu
He casts my blood into my mouth. i. e. He harasses and annoys me exceedingly.
This expression is used to describe a person who causes extreme distress, suffering, or mental agony to someone close to them. It characterizes a situation where someone's actions are so hurtful or demanding that the victim feels they are being self-destructed or bled dry by the perpetrator's behavior.
ఎత్తుక తిన్నవాణ్ణి పొత్తులో పెట్టుకుంటే, అంతా తీసి బొంతలో పెట్టుకున్నాడట
ettuka tinnavanni pottulo pettukunte, anta tisi bontalo pettukunnadata
When a thief who steals and eats was taken as a partner, he stole everything and hid it in his bundle.
This proverb warns against trusting a person with a known history of dishonesty or theft. It implies that if you enter into a partnership or trust someone who is habitually untrustworthy, you shouldn't be surprised when they eventually betray you or steal your belongings. It is used to describe situations where someone suffers a loss due to their own poor judgment in choosing associates.
తన దీపమని ముద్దుపెట్టుకుంటే మూతిమీసాలన్నీ కాలినాయట
tana dipamani muddupettukunte mutimisalanni kalinayata
If you kiss a lamp because it is yours, your mustache will be burnt
This proverb warns against being overly affectionate or protective of something dangerous or harmful just because it belongs to you. It highlights that certain things have inherent risks regardless of ownership, and blind attachment can lead to self-inflicted harm or loss.