ఎద్దును చూస్తే ముద్దు వస్తుంది, ఈడ్పు చూస్తే పడ్పు వస్తుంది
eddunu chuste muddu vastundi, idpu chuste padpu vastundi
Looking at the ox brings affection, but looking at its struggle to pull brings weariness.
This proverb highlights the contrast between the attractive appearance or potential of something and the harsh reality of the hard work or effort required to manage it. It is used when someone likes the idea or the look of a project or responsibility, but is discouraged once they see the difficult labor involved in executing it.
Related Phrases
గుడ్డు పెట్టలేక పెట్ట చస్తుంటే, తొక్కను పుంజు చూస్తుందట.
guddu pettaleka petta chastunte, tokkanu punju chustundata.
While the hen is dying because she cannot lay the egg, the rooster is busy staring at the eggshell.
This proverb describes a situation where one person is undergoing extreme suffering or a life-threatening struggle, while another person nearby is indifferent and only cares about a trivial or selfish detail. It is used to criticize lack of empathy and misplaced priorities during a crisis.
అమ్మ కడుపు చూస్తుంది, ఆలి జేబు చూస్తుంది
amma kadupu chustundi, ali jebu chustundi
The mother looks at the stomach, the wife looks at the pocket.
This proverb contrasts maternal love with the practical expectations of marital life. It suggests that a mother's primary concern is always her child's well-being and hunger, whereas a wife (metaphorically) focuses on the husband's financial stability and ability to provide for the family.
ఏరు వస్తే వాన వెలుస్తుంది.
eru vaste vana velustundi.
When the river arrives, the rain stops.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a minor concern or source of relief is superseded by a larger event, or specifically, that once a major outcome is achieved (the river flowing), the preliminary signs (the rain) are no longer needed. It is often used to imply that after a long-awaited result occurs, the struggles leading up to it come to an end.
పగలు చూస్తే రాత్రి కలలో వస్తుంది అన్నట్లు
pagalu chuste ratri kalalo vastundi annatlu
As if what you see during the day appears in your dreams at night
This expression refers to things that leave such a strong impression on the mind that they continue to haunt or reappear in thoughts. It is used to describe someone who is obsessed with a particular thought or a traumatic/intense event that they cannot stop thinking about even when asleep.
మూసిచూస్తే కాసు లేదు, ముండను చూస్తే ముద్దొస్తుంది
musichuste kasu ledu, mundanu chuste muddostundi
If you open the purse there is not a single coin, but if you look at the widow, you feel like kissing her.
This proverb is used to mock a person who has no financial resources or means to survive, yet indulges in romantic or lustful desires. It highlights the irony of someone pursuing pleasure or luxury while being in absolute poverty.
ఇల్లు చూస్తే తెలుస్తుంది ఇల్లాలి అందం
illu chuste telustundi illali andam
A home's appearance reveals the housewife's beauty.
This proverb suggests that the cleanliness, organization, and upkeep of a home are a direct reflection of the character, competence, and management skills of the person in charge of it. It is used to emphasize that true beauty or worth is seen in how one maintains their responsibilities and environment.
ఒకణ్ణి చూస్తే పెట్టబుద్ది, ఇంకొకణ్ణి చూస్తే మొట్టబుద్ది
okanni chuste pettabuddi, inkokanni chuste mottabuddi
Looking at one person makes you want to give, looking at another makes you want to hit.
This expression describes how human behavior and generosity are often reactive to a person's character or attitude. It implies that some people naturally evoke kindness and charity, while others, due to their behavior or nature, provoke irritation or anger.
మొగుడిని చూస్తే పైత్యం, ముండను చూస్తే ముచ్చట.
mogudini chuste paityam, mundanu chuste muchchata.
Looking at the husband causes irritation, but looking at a widow (mistress) brings delight.
This proverb is used to describe a person who dislikes or finds fault with their own family or legitimate responsibilities but shows great enthusiasm and affection for outsiders or improper things. It highlights misplaced priorities and hypocrisy in one's behavior.
చూస్తే చుక్క, లేస్తే కుక్క
chuste chukka, leste kukka
A star when seen (sitting), a dog when it gets up.
This expression is used to describe someone who appears calm, beautiful, or well-behaved while stationary or silent, but turns out to be aggressive, loud, or ill-mannered once they start acting or speaking. It is often used to warn that appearances can be deceptive.
అంతంతవాళ్లే చూస్తే ఆవు పెయ్యే కుమ్మ వస్తుంది.
antantavalle chuste avu peyye kumma vastundi.
If one looks at the great and mighty, even a cow's calf will try to gore them.
This proverb is used to describe an underdog or a less significant person gaining courage or audacity to challenge powerful people when they see others doing the same, or when the mighty appear vulnerable. It reflects on how influence or momentum can make even the weak act boldly against those who are traditionally superior.