చెప్పిన మాట విని వచ్చేవాడిని చెవి పట్టుకొని లాక్కొని వచ్చి, ఎదురుతిరిగిన వాడికి సాక్ష్యం పెట్టి వచ్చాడట.

cheppina mata vini vachchevadini chevi pattukoni lakkoni vachchi, edurutirigina vadiki sakshyam petti vachchadata.

Translation

He dragged the one who listened by the ear, and stood witness for the one who rebelled.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves absurdly or unjustly by punishing those who are cooperative and obedient, while supporting or favoring those who are defiant and troublesome. It highlights a complete lack of common sense or fair judgment.

Related Phrases

Rain that comes in the morning and a relative who arrives late in the day will not leave quickly.

This proverb highlights two situations that are known to persist for a long duration. Morning rain often indicates a rainy day ahead, and a relative arriving in the evening is likely to stay overnight. It is used to describe situations or guests that are expected to linger for quite some time.

When he was sent to find out, he ate and returned.

This proverb describes a person who completely ignores the original purpose of a task or instruction and instead focuses on their own comfort or personal interests. It is used to mock someone's irresponsibility or lack of focus when they are sent on an errand but get distracted by something trivial or beneficial to themselves.

The horns which came last are sharper than the ears which came first. Said of a new comer wishing to usurp authority over his seniors.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a newcomer, junior, or younger person surpasses their senior or predecessor in skill, power, or success. It highlights that experience (age) doesn't always guarantee superiority over late-blooming talent or sharp ambition.

When told to go and look, he goes and burns. Alluding to the story of Hanumân setting fire to Lankâ, when sent to look for Sitâ.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks common sense or discretion and overreacts to a simple task. Instead of just gathering information or observing as instructed, they act impulsively and cause unnecessary destruction or trouble. It is often used to criticize someone who makes a situation worse due to their lack of understanding or excessive zeal.

Have you come to eat or to visit the shrine ?

This expression is used to question a person's priorities or motives when they seem more interested in superficial benefits (like food) rather than the primary purpose or spiritual significance of an event (like receiving holy water at a temple). It is often used to chide someone who is distracted by secondary perks.

When marriage comes, or vomiting, it cannot be stopped.

This proverb is used to indicate that certain events in life are inevitable and beyond human control once they are set in motion. Just as a physical urge like vomiting cannot be suppressed, significant life events like marriage will happen when the time is right, regardless of attempts to delay or stop them.

Like a tassel placed in a fixed spot that unfurls and reaches the street

This expression refers to a situation where a secret or a private matter, despite attempts to keep it contained or 'tucked in,' spreads rapidly and becomes public knowledge. It is used to describe how certain information or rumors are impossible to hide once they start leaking out.

The time when a child arrives, and the time when cattle arrive.

This proverb highlights that certain arrival events, such as the birth of a child or the purchase/arrival of livestock, are seen as significant markers of fate. It is used to describe how the timing of these events is often associated with the subsequent prosperity or misfortunes that befall a family, suggesting that the 'auspiciousness' of their arrival time influences the household's future.

For the one who knows how to swim, there is no depth.

This proverb implies that for a person who possesses the necessary skills or expertise in a particular field, no challenge is too daunting or insurmountable. It is used to emphasize that competence and confidence can overcome any difficulty.

Calumny is not removed even by death.

This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.

Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.