చూస్తే సుంకం, చూడకపోతే బింకం
chuste sunkam, chudakapote binkam
If seen—duty ; if not seen—bragging. The allusion is to a person attempting to smuggle goods through a custom house—If caught, double duty was exacted.
This proverb refers to a situation where someone is forced to pay or follow rules only when they are caught or watched. It describes a person who pretends to be upright or arrogant ('binkam') as long as they aren't caught, but becomes submissive or pays the price ('sunkam') the moment they are under observation or caught red-handed. It is used to mock those whose integrity depends solely on being monitored.
Related Phrases
చూస్తే నీది, చూడకపోతే నాది
chuste nidi, chudakapote nadi
If seen, it is yours; if not seen, it is mine
This expression refers to someone who is being dishonest or opportunistic. It describes a situation where a person tries to steal or misappropriate something and only admits to it if they are caught; otherwise, they treat it as their own. It is used to highlight hypocrisy or lack of integrity.
నెత్తి మూటకు సుంకమడిగినట్టు
netti mutaku sunkamadiginattu
Like demanding duty for a bundle carried on the head.
This expression is used to describe an unreasonable or cruel demand for money or taxes from someone who is already struggling with a heavy burden or earning a meager living. It highlights the absurdity of taxing the very basic means of survival or small manual labor.
చూస్తే నీది, చూడకుంటే నాది
chuste nidi, chudakunte nadi
If seen it's yours, if not seen it's mine. The trick of a thief or a shoplifter who, if noticed, pretends that his intentions were not dishonest.
This expression is used to describe the mindset of a thief or someone dishonest. It implies that a person will claim ownership of something only as long as they aren't caught stealing it. It highlights a lack of integrity where honesty depends entirely on being observed by others.
చూచిందెల్లా సుంకము, పాసిందెల్లా పంకము
chuchindella sunkamu, pasindella pankamu
Everything seen is a tax, and everything expired/leftover is mud.
This proverb is used to describe an extremely difficult or exploitative situation where one is taxed or charged for everything they see or do, while everything they possess or produce turns into waste or loses its value. It depicts a state of total loss or high-handedness where there is no benefit remaining for the individual.
చూడక చూడక చూస్తూ చేయవలసినది
chudaka chudaka chustu cheyavalasinadi
Before seeing him, before he turns, and looking at him, you must do it. i. e. Before you see the sun in the morning, before it passes the meri- dian, and at sunset you must perform Sandhyāvandanam ( daily prayers).
This expression refers to a task or responsibility that requires undivided attention and meticulous care, especially when it is something important that has finally come to fruition after a long time. It suggests that one cannot afford to be negligent or look away even for a moment.
చూడబోతే రంకు, చూడకుంటే బింకం
chudabote ranku, chudakunte binkam
If you look closely, it's a scandal; if you don't look, it's pride.
This proverb is used to describe a situation or person that appears respectable and dignified on the outside, but hides shameful or immoral secrets within. It highlights the hypocrisy of maintaining a grand public image while being corrupt or unethical in private.
దారికి సుంకం చెల్లించమన్నట్లు.
dariki sunkam chellinchamannatlu.
Like asking to pay a tax for the path.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone demands payment or a bribe for something that should be free, accessible, or is a basic right. It highlights unnecessary obstacles or exploitation encountered in a straightforward process.
పిరికివాని బింకం పిసరులో ఇంకు
pirikivani binkam pisarulo inku
A coward's boast vanishes in a pinch.
This proverb is used to describe how a coward's arrogance or boastful talk disappears instantly the moment they face even a tiny bit of real trouble or a challenging situation. Their bravery exists only in words and not in action.
కంటే సుంకం, కానకుంటే బింకం
kante sunkam, kanakunte binkam
Tax if seen, pride if not seen.
This proverb describes a person who behaves dishonestly or illegally when they think they can get away with it, but acts submissive or pays up only when caught. It is used to refer to people who evade rules or taxes as long as they aren't observed, but maintain a facade of arrogance or innocence otherwise.
చూచినదెల్లా సుంకము, పాశినదెల్లా పంకము
chuchinadella sunkamu, pashinadella pankamu
Every thing that is seen [is subjected to the payment of] duty; and every thing that is rotten [is thrown away in the] mud. Excessive demands.
This proverb describes a state of extreme greed or exploitation where an authority tries to tax or claim everything they lay their eyes on. It also suggests a situation where things have deteriorated to a point where everything useful is being exploited and everything left over is useless waste. It is often used to criticize greedy rulers or systems that leave nothing for the common person.