దగ్గరికి పిలిచి దాసరీ నీ కన్ను లొట్ట అన్నట్టు
daggariki pilichi dasari ni kannu lotta annattu
Calling a servant closer only to tell him that his eye is sunken.
This proverb describes a situation where someone goes out of their way to call or approach another person, not to help or offer something positive, but merely to point out a flaw or insult them. It is used to describe mean-spirited behavior or unsolicited criticism delivered under the guise of personal attention.
Related Phrases
చావు తప్పి కన్ను లొట్టపోయినట్టు
chavu tappi kannu lottapoyinattu
Escaping death, but losing an eye.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone narrowly escapes a major disaster or death, but still suffers a significant loss or minor injury in the process. It is similar to the English phrase 'a narrow escape' or 'escaping by the skin of one's teeth' with a focus on the collateral damage sustained.
దగ్గరికి పిలిచి దాసరీ నీ కన్ను లొట్ట అన్నట్టు.
daggariki pilichi dasari ni kannu lotta annattu.
Beckoning to a religious mendicant and then telling him that one of his eyes is hollow. Leading a person to suppose you wish to confer a benefit on him, and then insulting him.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone invites another person or calls them near with a pretense of kindness or intimacy, only to insult, criticize, or point out their flaws once they are close. It refers to people who use proximity or friendship as an opportunity to be rude or hurtful.
నా దగ్గర ధనం ఉన్నంతవరకు నన్ను అందరూ 'అన్నా' అని పిలిచినారు
na daggara dhanam unnantavaraku nannu andaru anna ani pilichinaru
As long as I had wealth, everyone called me 'Brother'
This expression highlights the fickle nature of human relationships and social status, suggesting that people are often drawn to others only for their money or power. Once the wealth is gone, the respect and relationships often disappear as well.
దగ్గరకు పిలిచి దాసరీ! నీ కన్ను లొట్ట అన్నట్టు.
daggaraku pilichi dasari! ni kannu lotta annattu.
Calling someone close and then telling them they have a hollow eye.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is invited or welcomed under the guise of hospitality or friendship, only to be insulted, criticized, or humiliated once they arrive. It highlights the rudeness of offending a guest after specifically seeking their company.
గొడ్డలి దెబ్బకు అన్నాడట
goddali debbaku annadata
He said 'brother' to the axe blow
This expression describes a situation where someone suddenly becomes humble, respectful, or starts calling an enemy 'brother' only when faced with an immediate, life-threatening danger or severe punishment. It is used to mock people who only show manners or submission when they are under duress.
బిత్తు విసిరి బిరస అంబలి కాచి, ఇంటికి నలుగురిని పిలిచి విందు చేసినట్లు
bittu visiri birasa ambali kachi, intiki nalugurini pilichi vindu chesinatlu
Throwing a handful of flour, boiling gruel quickly, and inviting four people home for a feast.
This expression is used to describe a person who makes a huge fuss or show over a very small, cheap, or insignificant act of charity or hospitality. It satirizes those who pretend to host a grand banquet when they are actually serving something basic and low-cost.
మంచివారి దగ్గరకు మంచివారిని పంపినారు, నీ దగ్గరకు నన్ను పంపినారు
manchivari daggaraku manchivarini pampinaru, ni daggaraku nannu pampinaru
Good people were sent to good people, and I was sent to you.
This is a witty or self-deprecating expression used to highlight compatibility or a shared level of mischief/character between two people. It implies that just as 'like attracts like' for good people, the speaker and the listener are a perfect match for each other, often used humorously among close friends or partners to acknowledge their shared quirks or flaws.
పిల్లి తిన్న కోడి పిలిచినా పలుకదు
pilli tinna kodi pilichina palukadu
A chicken eaten by a cat will not respond even if called.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has suffered a loss or been exploited, and no matter how much you try to reach out or rectify it, the damage is irreversible. It is often applied to someone who has gone missing or something that has been stolen/consumed, implying it is futile to expect a response or return.
చావు తప్పి కన్ను లొట్టబోయినట్లు
chavu tappi kannu lottaboyinatlu
Escaping death only to lose an eye.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone narrowly escapes a major disaster but still suffers a significant, though less fatal, loss or injury. It is similar to the English expression 'to have a narrow escape' or 'out of the frying pan into the fire', but specifically emphasizes surviving a catastrophe with some remaining damage.
తాళం నీ దగ్గర, చెవి నా దగ్గర
talam ni daggara, chevi na daggara
The lock is with you, the key is with me.
In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.