చుట్టం వచ్చాడంట చెప్పులు ఎక్కడ వదిలాడో చూచిరా అన్నట్లు

chuttam vachchadanta cheppulu ekkada vadilado chuchira annatlu

Translation

Like saying, a relative has arrived, go see where he left his sandals.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who is overly suspicious or focused on trivial, petty details instead of showing proper hospitality or respect. It highlights a mean-spirited nature where one looks for a reason to find fault or protect their belongings even before welcoming a guest.

Related Phrases

Like fire becoming cold.

This expression is used to describe something that is impossible, highly improbable, or contrary to its inherent nature. It is often used to refer to a person who is usually very angry or aggressive suddenly acting calm or gentle, which feels unnatural to their character.

When an unimportant relative arrived, they were asked to hold an old winnowing basket as an umbrella.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is treated with total disregard or lack of respect because they are perceived as unimportant or overly familiar. It is used when hospitality is minimal or insulting, or when someone is given a useless or broken item instead of a proper one due to their low status in the eyes of the host.

A relative who came to a funeral cried for a colorful saree.

This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves selfishly or inappropriately in a serious situation. It refers to a person who attends a funeral (a place of mourning) but is more concerned about material things or personal gains, like wanting a beautiful saree, rather than showing sympathy for the deceased.

Do not walk behind a debtor or someone wearing sandals.

This proverb warns against following people who are in a hurry or in trouble. A debtor is always running away from creditors, and someone with footwear can walk fast or tread on rough ground where you might not be able to keep up. It is used as a metaphor to advise staying away from people who are either fleeing their responsibilities or have an advantage that might lead you into difficult situations.

Like saying the head is crooked because one doesn't know how to tie a turban

This expression describes a situation where someone blames external factors or others for their own lack of skill or failure. It is similar to the English proverb: 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'

Whether you have wealth or your sandals are torn, kinship cannot be avoided.

This proverb highlights that family relationships and kinship obligations remain constant regardless of one's financial status. Whether a person is wealthy (symbolized by having possessions) or poor (symbolized by torn footwear), they must still maintain their social and familial ties.

A maternal uncle who arrives at twilight and a relative who arrives at mid-morning never leave.

This proverb is used to describe guests or situations that are poorly timed and likely to result in an extended, perhaps unwanted, stay. It implies that certain timings naturally lead to people overstaying their welcome or creating more work for the hosts.

They say one shouldn't ask 'Where are you going?' at an auspicious time, but do tell me where you are going before you leave.

This proverb describes a hypocritical or contradictory behavior where someone pretends to follow a tradition or rule while simultaneously breaking it. In Telugu culture, asking 'Where are you going?' right as someone departs is considered a bad omen (shakunam). This saying mocks people who acknowledge the taboo but proceed to ask the question anyway out of curiosity.

Old relative - Old tamarind chutney

This expression is used to describe a long-standing relationship or someone who has been known for a very long time. Just as tamarind chutney (Chintakaya Pachadi) is a staple in Telugu households that improves or maintains its value as it ages, an 'old relative' refers to a familiar, dependable, and deeply rooted connection. It is often used jokingly or affectionately when meeting a relative after a long time or discussing a very old family friend.

A relative in words, but not a relative at mealtime.

This expression describes people who offer verbal sympathy or make grand promises but disappear when actual help or hospitality (like providing a meal) is required. It refers to someone who is friendly only on the surface and avoids the responsibility of true friendship or kinship.