దగ్గేవాని దగ్గర డొక్కలు ఎగురవేసినట్లు

daggevani daggara dokkalu eguravesinatlu

Translation

Like puffing one's chest or heaving ribs in front of a person who is coughing.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe someone who tries to show off or act superior in front of a person who is already an expert or much more experienced in that particular field. It highlights the foolishness of trying to impress someone with a small act when they are dealing with or performing a much larger version of the same thing.

Related Phrases

Like playing a Veena in front of a male buffalo.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one's efforts, talents, or advice are wasted on someone who cannot appreciate or understand them. It is similar to the English idiom 'Casting pearls before swine.'

One should not be shy or hesitant when it comes to food and business.

This proverb suggests that in certain situations, being overly modest or shy can lead to personal loss. Specifically, when eating (so you get enough to satisfy your hunger) and when conducting business or legal matters (so you ensure your interests are protected), you must be direct and outspoken.

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.

The one who cannot jump to reach the 'Utti' (low hanging net) says he will fly to heaven.

This proverb is used to mock someone who makes grand, ambitious claims or attempts complex tasks when they are incapable of performing even the simplest or most basic actions. It highlights the gap between a person's actual abilities and their unrealistic boasts.

Whether death approaches or a wife approaches, one loses their mind.

This proverb highlights two extremes where a person loses their rational thinking or common sense: when facing imminent death (due to fear and panic) and when overwhelmed by lust or infatuation. It is used to describe situations where a person acts irrationally under the influence of extreme fear or intense desire.

The advice is given at the ear, but it is heard at the mortar.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is told something important or confidential, but they are distracted or completely ignoring the advice. It signifies that the listener is not paying attention, similar to someone leaning towards a grinding stone (mortar) while someone else is trying to whisper in their ear.

If a halo forms far around the moon, rain is near; if it forms near, rain is far.

This is a traditional Telugu weather-lore proverb. It suggests that a large, wide halo around the moon indicates immediate rainfall, whereas a tight, small halo indicates that rain is still a long way off. It is used to predict weather based on atmospheric observations.

The words spoken at the graveyard do not remain at the dinner table.

This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of philosophical realizations or remorse. People often express deep wisdom or regret during somber moments (like a funeral), but quickly return to their usual habits and desires once they are back in the comfort of their daily lives.

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.

If they are with kings they are gems, if they are with the poor they are just pebbles.

This proverb highlights how society perceives the same object or quality differently based on a person's status or wealth. When a powerful or rich person possesses something, it is highly valued and praised, but when a poor person has the same thing, it is often dismissed as worthless or ordinary. It is used to describe social bias and the unfair weight given to status.