ఎడ్డెమంటే తెడ్డెమనడం
eddemante teddemanadam
If one says 'straight', the other says 'paddle'.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being intentionally stubborn, contrary, or uncooperative. It refers to a person who gives an irrelevant or opposite response to whatever is said, making it impossible to have a productive conversation or reach an agreement.
Related Phrases
వేమనూరు వేమన్న వలె.
vemanuru vemanna vale.
Like Vemanna of Vemanuru.
This expression refers to a person who is incredibly stubborn, unyielding, or sticks firmly to their own way of doing things regardless of external influence. It is often used to describe someone who behaves in a peculiar or unpredictable manner, much like the legendary character Vemanna who was known for his eccentric or firm traits.
ముసలివాడయినా బసిరెడ్డి మేలు
musalivadayina basireddi melu
Even if he is old, Basireddy is better
This expression is used to suggest that an experienced person, despite their age or current limitations, is still more capable or reliable than an inexperienced person. It emphasizes that quality and experience hold value over time.
నీ ముక్కున చీమిడేమమ్మా అంటే నీ చేతితోనే తుడిచి పొమ్మన్నదట
ni mukkuna chimidemamma ante ni chetitone tudichi pommannadata
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.
పులగము మీదికి తెడ్డెడు పప్పు
pulagamu midiki teddedu pappu
A ladleful of Dâl on Pulagam. )—To add more dâl is considered barbarous.
This expression is used to describe an extra benefit or a bonus added to something that is already good or sufficient. It is similar to the English idiom 'icing on the cake' or 'a cherry on top,' signifying an additional advantage that makes a situation even better.
తెగించిన వానికి తెడ్డే లింగము.
teginchina vaniki tedde lingamu.
The man who is determined [to worship] uses his ladle as a lingam. Where there's a will, there's a way. The will is everything. (Italian.)* The will is the soul of the work. (German.)
This proverb refers to a person who has become desperate, reckless, or completely shameless. Once a person loses their fear or sense of social propriety, they stop caring about the sacredness or rules of society, treating even a common kitchen tool like a ladle with the same (or lack of) regard as a holy deity. It is used to describe someone who has nothing left to lose and acts without inhibition.
మింగిన పిడసకు రుచి ఏమన్నట్లు
mingina pidasaku ruchi emannatlu
What is the point of asking about the taste of a morsel that has already been swallowed?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where it is useless to analyze, critique, or regret something that has already happened or been consumed. It suggests that once an action is complete or an opportunity is gone, worrying about its quality or details is a waste of time.
ఎద్దేమి యెరుగురా అటుకుల చవి, గాడ్డేమి యెరుగురా గంధపొడి వాసన
eddemi yerugura atukula chavi, gaddemi yerugura gandhapodi vasana
What does a bullock know of the taste of parched grain ? what does an ass know of the smell of perfume ? To throw pearls before swine. Strew no roses before swine. (Dutch.)
This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks the refinement or knowledge to appreciate the value or quality of something superior. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.' It suggests that offering something sophisticated to an ignorant person is a waste, as they cannot perceive its true worth.
కడి అంటే నోరు తెరిచి కళ్ళెమంటే మూసినట్లు
kadi ante noru terichi kallemante musinatlu
Opening the mouth for a morsel but closing it for the bridle.
This expression describes someone who is very eager and cooperative when there is a benefit (like being fed) but becomes uncooperative or stubborn when there is work to be done or discipline to be maintained (like being bridled). It is used to mock people who are opportunistic and shirk responsibilities.
రైతే రాజు, బుధుడే మంత్రి
raite raju, budhude mantri
The farmer is the king, and the intellectual is the minister.
This traditional Telugu proverb emphasizes the foundational importance of agriculture and wisdom in society. It suggests that while the farmer provides the essential sustenance (food) making him the 'king' of life, the learned or wise person (intellectual/scientist) provides the guidance and strategy necessary for a prosperous society.
యజ్ఞానికి ముందేమిటంటే, తలక్షవరం అన్నట్లు.
yajnyaniki mundemitante, talakshavaram annatlu.
Like saying a head shave comes before the sacrificial ritual.
This proverb describes a situation where a minor, trivial, or sometimes unpleasant task is prioritized or highlighted over the grander, more significant event. It is used to mock someone who focuses on the trivialities or the preliminary hardships rather than the actual importance of a major undertaking.