చెప్పుతో రాస్తే గాని ధనియాలు జాతి మొలవదు
chepputo raste gani dhaniyalu jati molavadu
Coriander seeds won't sprout unless rubbed with a slipper.
This proverb is used to describe people who only respond or comply when treated harshly or strictly. Just as coriander seeds need to be rubbed vigorously (traditionally with footwear or a rough surface) to break their hard shell and sprout, some individuals only perform their duties or behave correctly when subjected to stern discipline or force.
Related Phrases
వండు సూడనీయదు, మండి మాననీయదు.
vandu sudaniyadu, mandi mananiyadu.
It doesn't let you cook and see, and it doesn't stop burning.
This expression is used to describe a problematic, irritable, or difficult person or situation that is constantly bothersome. It refers to a fire that is too smokey to allow cooking but too stubborn to go out, representing a state of constant annoyance that neither resolves nor allows progress.
ధనియాల జాతి
dhaniyala jati
The coriander-seed caste. Said of Kômaṭi ( No. 712 ) because treating a Kômaṭi roughly is the only way of dealing with him, as rubbing the coriander-seed before it is sown is the only way of making it sprout.
This is a sarcastic expression used to describe people who are timid, cowardly, or lack any real substance. Just as a coriander seed is easily crushed or lacks strength, this phrase refers to someone who retreats easily or has no 'spine' or courage.
సవతి సాగనీయదు, ఏరా లెచ్చనీయదు.
savati saganiyadu, era lechchaniyadu.
The co-wife doesn't let one thrive, and the fishhook doesn't let the bait rise.
This proverb describes a situation where a person is trapped between two obstructive or competing forces that prevent any progress. It is used to express how internal friction or constant interference from others can make it impossible for someone to succeed or move forward in their life or work.
తాగితే గాని మొగ్గడు, తడిస్తే గాని కప్పడు
tagite gani moggadu, tadiste gani kappadu
He won't bow unless he drinks; he won't cover himself unless he gets wet.
This proverb describes an extremely stubborn, lazy, or reckless individual who refuses to take necessary actions or precautions until forced by dire circumstances or until a situation becomes unavoidable. It highlights a reactive rather than proactive nature.
కారం రాస్తే మంట, వెన్న రాస్తే తంట
karam raste manta, venna raste tanta
Applying chili causes burning; applying butter causes trouble.
This expression describes a lose-lose situation or a person who is impossible to please. It refers to a scenario where every solution or action, whether harsh (chili) or soothing (butter), results in a negative outcome or a complaint.
చెప్పుతో కొట్టి శఠగోపం పెట్టినట్టు.
chepputo kotti shathagopam pettinattu.
Like hitting someone with a slipper and then placing a Shatagopam on their head.
This proverb describes a situation where someone performs a deeply insulting or harmful act and then follows it with a mock gesture of respect or a superficial blessing. It is used to characterize hypocrisy or a deceptive attempt to cover up a grave insult with a hollow holy gesture.
వీధిలో చెప్పుతో కొట్టి ఇంట్లో కాళ్ళు పట్టుకున్నట్లు.
vidhilo chepputo kotti intlo kallu pattukunnatlu.
Like hitting someone with a slipper in the street and then holding their feet inside the house.
This expression describes a hypocritical or manipulative behavior where someone publicly insults or humiliates another person but privately seeks their forgiveness or favor. It is used to point out the insincerity of someone who tries to make amends secretly after causing a major public offense.
హస్తిజాతి పెళ్ళాం మూషిక జాతి మొగుడు
hastijati pellam mushika jati mogudu
An elephant-class wife and a mouse-class husband.
This proverb is used to describe a mismatch in a couple, particularly regarding physical stature, personality, or status. It depicts a situation where the wife is significantly larger, stronger, or more dominant than the husband, highlighting an comical or awkward imbalance between partners.
నడిచే దారిలో గడ్డి మొలవదు
nadiche darilo gaddi molavadu
Grass does not grow on a path that is walked upon
This expression means that constant practice, activity, or usage prevents stagnation or decay. Just as grass cannot grow on a busy trail, a skill that is regularly practiced will not be forgotten, and a house that is lived in will stay in good condition.
మొగుడు కొట్టినాడని మొల్లవాని దగ్గరకు పోతే, మొల్లవాడు తెల్లవార్లూ కొట్టినాడట
mogudu kottinadani mollavani daggaraku pote, mollavadu tellavarlu kottinadata
When she went to the jasmine-seller because her husband beat her, the jasmine-seller beat her all night long.
This proverb describes a situation where someone tries to escape a small problem or a specific hardship by seeking help from another person, only to find themselves in a much worse or more continuous predicament. It is similar to the expression 'out of the frying pan and into the fire.'