దండమయ్యా బాపనయ్యా అంటే నీ తండ్రి నాటి పాత బాకీ ఇచ్చి పొమ్మన్నాడట

dandamayya bapanayya ante ni tandri nati pata baki ichchi pommannadata

Translation

When someone offered a respectful salute to the priest, he replied by asking to pay back the old debt owed by the person's father.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an act of courtesy or a friendly gesture is met with an unwelcome demand or a harsh reminder of past obligations. It characterizes people who cannot look past their own interests or greed even when being treated with respect.

Related Phrases

Dammanna's raid won't leave even if told to go

This proverb is used to describe a persistent problem, an unwanted guest, or a stubborn situation that refuses to go away despite several attempts to get rid of it. It refers to a nuisance that has overstayed its welcome.

When the Śūdra saluted the Brahman, the latter in return asked him to pay an old debt due by his father. Rudeness in return for civility.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an attempt to be polite or respectful towards someone results in them taking undue advantage or bringing up old grievances. It signifies that being over-courteous to certain demanding or opportunistic people can sometimes invite trouble or unwanted obligations.

The rotten brinjals to the Brahmans.

This proverb is used to describe a stingy or hypocritical attitude where people donate or give away only useless, damaged, or spoiled items to others (traditionally referring to priests in this context) while keeping the good ones for themselves. It highlights the tendency to offer charity only when the item is of no value to the giver.

She that gave neither food nor drink, beat [me] and said "be off." Said by a beggar.

This proverb describes a person who is not only uncharitable or unhelpful but also behaves rudely or aggressively towards those seeking help. It is used to highlight a situation where instead of receiving expected hospitality or assistance, one receives harsh treatment.

His father and my father are real males. An answer given to an impertinent question regarding relationship.

This is a sarcastic expression or proverb used to mock someone who tries to establish a non-existent or irrelevant relationship between two people. It highlights that the connection being mentioned is so obvious or general (like both being men) that it isn't a real relationship at all. It is used to dismiss someone's attempt to claim kinship or closeness where none exists.

When asked 'What is that mucus on your nose, lady?', she replied, 'Wipe it off with your own hand and go'.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is so lazy, entitled, or shameless that when a flaw or problem of theirs is pointed out, they expect the person who pointed it out to fix it for them. It is used to mock people who take advantage of others' kindness or helpfulness.

When asked 'What is with this showing off, brother?', he replied 'I don't have a single paisa, younger brother.'

This proverb is used to mock people who boast or show off their status and lifestyle while actually being broke or having no resources. It highlights the irony of people maintaining a grand facade despite having an empty pocket.

When asked, "Come sir, have some food," he replied, "I have already gone back (declined/left)."

This expression is used to describe a person who is overly sensitive, unnecessarily prideful, or plays hard to get even when someone is being hospitable. It depicts a situation where a guest feels offended or acts dramatic over a perceived delay in an invitation, responding with a sarcastic or stubborn attitude despite actually wanting the favor.

When the brother-in-law said 'I will come', the woman replied 'No, it is an inauspicious time'.

This proverb describes people who use silly or unnecessary excuses to avoid something that is actually desirable or appropriate. It specifically mocks those who observe superstitions (like 'Varjyam' or inauspicious timing) at the wrong moments or to an absurd extent, thereby missing out on opportunities or natural events.

When asked who is passing by on the path, someone replies 'It is me, the one who gets scolded'

This expression describes a situation where an innocent bystander or a random person unnecessarily gets involved in trouble or becomes a scapegoat for no fault of their own. It is used to mock one's own misfortune of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.