చేతులు పొడుగు అని మూతులు పొడుస్తారా?

chetulu podugu ani mutulu podustara?

Translation

Just because your hands are long, will you poke someone's face?

Meaning

This proverb is used to criticize people who misuse their power, influence, or status to harass or insult others. It implies that having the capability or strength to do something does not give one the right to act unfairly or cross boundaries.

Related Phrases

Like trying to hold onto leaves after the hands are burnt.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes precautions or looks for a solution after the damage is already done. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or 'crying over spilled milk.' It emphasizes that actions taken too late are futile.

Like measuring the air.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes grand plans or claims without having any resources, basis, or substance. It refers to the futility of trying to measure length (a cubit) when you have nothing to measure or no foundation to work from.

Idle dreams.

Holding leaves after the fingers are burnt, by holding a hot cooking pot or object.

The proverb refers to action taken after something harmful has already happened. It is always desirable to take proper precautions to avoid any undesirable developments rather than regretting after the event. Prevention, they say, is better than cure.

Like climbing a tree and then letting go with the hands.

This expression describes a situation where someone abandons a task or withdraws support at a critical stage after taking a significant risk or putting in initial effort. It refers to someone who leaves others in a vulnerable or dangerous position without warning, or sabotages their own success at the final moment.

We drank ghee in our grandfathers' time, now smell our mouths.

This proverb is used to mock people who boast about their ancestors' past wealth or glory while currently living in poverty or insignificance. It highlights the absurdity of trying to claim status based on long-gone prosperity that has no practical value in the present.

When three women join together the stars come out in broad daylight. The above is taken from the following verse :— క॥ జగములు వణకవె యొకతెకు | నగణితముగ నిద్దరయిన నంబుధులింకు౯| ముగురాడ వారు గూడిన| సుగుణాకర పట్టపగలు చుక్కలు వెడుచు౯|| [ At the sight ] of one woman, will not the worlds tremble? When there are two the oceans will greatly sink ; when three women join together the stars will appear in broad daylight, O Possessor of good qualities !

This proverb is used to humorously or satirically suggest that when three women get together to talk, the resulting noise, gossip, or commotion is so intense that it can cause extraordinary or chaotic things to happen (metaphorically making stars appear during the day). It is often used to comment on excessive chatter or the potential for trouble when a specific group congregates.

Pundits and such are like a quarter seer of fenugreek seeds; if you toss them up and strike, they jump seven times.

This is a humorous and mocking rhyming chant or 'sameta' used to poke fun at teachers or scholars (Pantulu). It suggests that despite their status, they can be easily rattled or made to jump around. It is often used by children or in a lighthearted, albeit disrespectful, way to diminish the authority of a teacher.

Like measuring a cubit with empty hands

This expression is used to describe a futile or meaningless action where someone tries to achieve a result without having the necessary resources or substance. Just as measuring length with empty hands (without a physical object to measure) results in nothing, this refers to making empty promises or engaging in unproductive efforts.

Those who do not have sons have no salvation.

Historically, this proverb reflects an old belief that a son is necessary to perform final rites for parents to attain 'Moksha' (salvation). In a modern context, it is often used to discuss traditional family values or the cultural importance placed on continuing the lineage.

Hands come forward to destroy, but minds do not come to sustain.

It is much easier and quicker to destroy something than it is to build or maintain it. This expression is used to highlight that many people are ready to cause harm or ruin a situation, but very few have the wisdom, patience, or willingness to protect or improve it.