చేటను కొట్టి పిల్లిని బెదరించినట్లు.
chetanu kotti pillini bedarinchinatlu.
Like hitting the winnowing tray to scare away the cat.
This proverb describes a situation where someone attempts to intimidate a powerful or stubborn opponent using weak, ineffective, or indirect methods. Just as a cat isn't truly frightened by the sound of a winnowing basket being struck, the person being targeted is unlikely to be moved by such empty threats or superficial actions.
Related Phrases
అత్తను కొడితే కోడలు ఏడ్చినట్లు
attanu kodite kodalu edchinatlu
Like the daughter-in-law crying when the mother-in-law is beaten.
This proverb describes a situation where someone feigns sympathy or performs a fake reaction out of obligation or fear, rather than genuine emotion. It refers to hypocritical behavior where a person pretends to be upset about something that actually benefits them or that they are secretly indifferent to, similar to 'crocodile tears'.
తల్లిని బట్టి పిల్ల, విత్తును బట్టి పంట.
tallini batti pilla, vittunu batti panta.
Like mother, like daughter; like seed, like crop.
This proverb emphasizes that character, behavior, and quality are inherited or influenced by origins. Just as the quality of a harvest depends on the quality of the seed sown, a child's traits and upbringing are often a reflection of the mother or the family environment. It is used to describe how someone's nature is a result of their roots.
బెదిరించి బెదిరించి బెల్లపు కుండకు తూటు పొడిచినదట.
bedirinchi bedirinchi bellapu kundaku tutu podichinadata.
All her threats ended in making a hole in the molasses pot.
This proverb describes someone who makes empty threats or creates a big fuss without any actual courage or intelligence, but eventually ends up causing damage to something valuable (like a pot of jaggery) out of sheer clumsiness or frustration. It is used to mock people who act tough but only manage to ruin their own interests or perform counter-productive actions.
తాను పెంచిన పొట్టేలు తనచేతనే చచ్చినట్లు
tanu penchina pottelu tanachetane chachchinatlu
Like the ram one raised being killed by one's own self.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is harmed or betrayed by something or someone they have carefully nurtured, supported, or helped grow. It highlights the irony and pain of being victimized by one's own creation or a person they once trusted and cared for.
కాకులను కొట్టి గద్దలకు వేసినట్లు
kakulanu kotti gaddalaku vesinatlu
Like killing crows to feed eagles
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes from the poor or weak to give to the rich or powerful. It highlights an act of injustice or a futile redistribution of resources that benefits those who are already strong at the expense of those who are vulnerable.
బెదిరించి బెదిరించి బెల్లపు కుండకు తూటు పొడిచిందట
bedirinchi bedirinchi bellapu kundaku tutu podichindata
After making many threats, she finally poked a hole in the jaggery pot.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a lot of noise, threats, or fuss, but ends up doing something trivial, foolish, or counterproductive. It highlights the disparity between a big buildup and a disappointing or silly outcome.
ఇంటి పిల్లికి పొరుగింటి పిల్లి తోడు
inti pilliki poruginti pilli todu
The neighbour's cat is the ally of the house cat. Both join in mischief.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two people, often who should be at odds or are expected to be rivals, secretly collaborate or help each other for mutual benefit. It is frequently used to highlight how internal and external parties might conspire together, often in a negative or mischievous context.
మునిని చేయబోతే పిల్లి అయినట్లు
munini cheyabote pilli ayinatlu
When trying to make a sage, it turned into a cat
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to do something great or noble, but due to lack of skill or bad luck, the end result is mediocre or a failure. It is similar to the English expression 'The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.' Note: The user provided 'Malli' (Jasmine) or 'Munni', but the standard proverb is 'Muni' (Sage/Ascetic).
గుడ్డు వచ్చి పిల్లను వెక్కిరించినట్లు.
guddu vachchi pillanu vekkirinchinatlu.
Like an egg heckling the young bird.
A young, inexperienced man ridiculing an elder one. It is better to learn to respect the elderly and experienced people, and, if possible, learn from their expertise gained over many years.
కంచర వానింటి పిల్లలు తాటాకు చప్పళ్ళకు బెదరరు
kanchara vaninti pillalu tataku chappallaku bedararu
Children in a brazier's house are not frightened by the rustling of palm leaves.
This proverb refers to people who are accustomed to loud noises or harsh environments and therefore do not get intimidated by minor threats or small noises. A brazier (metalworker) works with loud hammering all day, so his children grow up used to high decibels and won't be scared by the simple sound of dry palm leaves. It is used to describe someone's resilience or lack of fear due to their constant exposure to tougher situations.