ఎద్దును ముద్దు పెట్టుకోబోతే ఎడమకాలితో తన్నింది
eddunu muddu pettukobote edamakalito tannindi
When one went to kiss the ox, it kicked with its left leg
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person's kind gesture or affection is met with hostility or a negative reaction. It implies that being overly friendly with the ungrateful or the ill-mannered can result in getting hurt.
Related Phrases
తన దీపమని ముద్దు పెట్టుకుంటే తన మీసాలు కాలకుండా ఉంటాయా
tana dipamani muddu pettukunte tana misalu kalakunda untaya
If you kiss a lamp because it is your own, will your mustache not get burnt?
This proverb highlights that certain laws of nature or consequences are inevitable, regardless of ownership or affection. Just because something belongs to you doesn't mean it won't harm you if you handle it recklessly. It is used to caution people that favoritism or personal attachment cannot protect one from the negative results of a dangerous action.
ఇంటి దీపమని ముద్దు పెట్టుకుంటే, మూతి మీసాలన్నీ తెగగాలినవట.
inti dipamani muddu pettukunte, muti misalanni tegagalinavata.
When he kissed the lamp belonging to his own house, all his mustaches were burnt off. Undue familiarity. Extravagant demonstration. A man may love his wecl, and no ride on the riggin o't. (Scotch. )
This proverb is used to warn that being overly familiar or careless with something potentially dangerous—just because it is 'ours' or familiar—can lead to harm. It highlights that certain things (like fire, power, or laws) maintain their inherent nature regardless of our relationship with them, and one must maintain a respectful distance or caution.
కోడలికి కొడుకు ముద్దు, అత్తకి అల్లుడు ముద్దు
kodaliki koduku muddu, attaki alludu muddu
A son is dear to the daughter-in-law, a son-in-law is dear to the mother-in-law.
This expression highlights how people favor those who align with their personal interests or bring them status. In a traditional household, a daughter-in-law's position is strengthened by her son, while a mother-in-law often favors her son-in-law as he is a guest and a reflection of her daughter's well-being.
ఎద్దు అడుగులో ఏడు చావిడములుంటే పట్టుకోబోతే పది పారిపోయె
eddu adugulo edu chavidamulunte pattukobote padi paripoye
There were seven hiding spots in an ox's footprint; when tried to catch, ten escaped.
This proverb is used to describe an exaggerated claim or a situation that defies logic. It mocks someone who tells highly improbable lies or impossible stories, highlighting that the details of their story are not only false but increasingly ridiculous.
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.
కాకి తన్నిందంటే కీడు మూడినట్టు
kaki tannindante kidu mudinattu
If a crow hits you, it means bad luck has arrived
This expression is used to describe a situation where a minor incident is interpreted as a bad omen or a sign of impending trouble. In Telugu culture, a crow physically touching a person is traditionally considered an inauspicious sign or a warning of negative events to follow. It is often used to describe someone who is highly superstitious or to highlight a stroke of bad luck.
ఎద్దు పుండు కాకికి ముద్దు/ముద్దా?
eddu pundu kakiki muddu/mudda?
An ox’s ulcer is dear to a crow.
When a person is suffering, the other person is pleased. It shows the extreme inhumanness of certain people. Even if one cannot help others in their difficulties, at least they should not derive pleasure out of them. (If in the interrogative mudda, it signifies that one doesn’t care for another’s pain. Even that attitude is undesirable.)
ఇంటిదీపమని ముద్దు పెట్టుకుంటే, మీసాలన్ని తెగకాలినవట.
intidipamani muddu pettukunte, misalanni tegakalinavata.
When someone tried to kiss the lamp thinking it belongs to their house, all their whiskers got burnt.
This proverb describes a situation where being overly affectionate or familiar with something potentially dangerous—just because it is 'ours'—leads to harm. It serves as a warning that certain boundaries or precautions must be maintained even with familiar people or things, as their inherent nature (like fire) can still cause damage regardless of the relationship.
కుక్కను ముద్దు పెట్టుకుంటే మూతి అంతా నాకిందట
kukkanu muddu pettukunte muti anta nakindata
If you kiss a dog, it licks your whole face. The result of encouraging low people.
This proverb is used to warn against being overly friendly or familiar with unworthy or low-minded people. It suggests that if you give too much respect or freedom to someone who doesn't know how to handle it, they will eventually overstep their bounds and disrespect you.
తెడ్డు ఉండగా చేయి కాలినట్లు
teddu undaga cheyi kalinatlu
Getting the hand burnt when a ladle is available
This expression is used when someone suffers unnecessary harm or puts in avoidable effort despite having the right tools or resources to complete a task safely. It highlights a lack of common sense or the failure to use available means to protect oneself.