ఏడుస్తున్నావెందుకు బ్రాహ్మడా అంటే ఒకనాడు నా మొహం నవ్వి చచ్చిందా అన్నాడట

edustunnavenduku brahmada ante okanadu na moham navvi chachchinda annadata

Translation

When asked 'Why are you crying, O Brahmin?', he replied, 'Has my face ever laughed once in its life?'

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who is perpetually gloomy, pessimistic, or has never experienced joy/luck in their life. It refers to a situation where someone is so habituated to sorrow or failure that asking them why they are sad is pointless, as misery is their permanent state.

Related Phrases

When they asked what idle Pâpa Râzu was about, they were told that he was carving lines on a hare's horn.

This expression is used to describe a person who is engaged in completely useless, absurd, or impossible tasks because they have nothing productive to do. Since rabbits do not have horns, 'drawing lines on a rabbit's horn' signifies wasting time on non-existent or futile activities.

She didn't cry because her husband hit her, but because her sister-in-law laughed at it.

This proverb describes a situation where the humiliation or mockery from peers is more painful than the actual suffering or punishment itself. It is used when someone is more bothered by public embarrassment or the reactions of others than by the core problem they are facing.

When she asked, 'O husband with no charm, why did you come during the day?', he replied, 'Not for that, I just came for some fire.'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to hide their true intentions or feelings with a silly or weak excuse after being snubbed or rejected. It highlights awkward attempts to save face when one's presence or actions are questioned.

When told that two of his own cattle died of a disease, he asked how many of his relatives' cattle died.

This proverb describes a person with a malicious or jealous mindset. Instead of worrying about his own loss, he seeks comfort or satisfaction in knowing that others have suffered more. It is used to mock people who find solace in the misfortunes of others.

She said she was crying for 'Nandu'.

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is pretending to be sad or upset for a noble reason, while their true motive is hidden or entirely different. It highlights hypocrisy or deceptive behavior.

When someone said 'Oh Ekaadasi Brahmin', he replied 'Will calamities come and live with me?'

This proverb is used to describe a person who is recklessly indifferent to warnings or signs of impending trouble. It mocks someone who, when cautioned about a small problem or a specific ritualistic requirement (like fasting on Ekaadasi), responds with extreme exaggeration or sarcasm instead of addressing the issue.

One day a feast, one day medicine

This expression warns about the consequences of overindulgence. It implies that if you feast excessively today, you will have to take medicine for health issues tomorrow. It is used to advise moderation in eating and lifestyle habits.

The children of the deceased woman are under the feet of the newcomer.

This proverb describes the plight of motherless children who are often neglected or mistreated by a stepmother or a new person entering the household. It is used to highlight situations where vulnerable individuals lose their protection and are left at the mercy of someone who may not care for their well-being.

The doctor won't leave you until you die, the priest won't leave you even after you die.

This proverb highlights how human life is constantly surrounded by various dependencies from birth to death and even beyond. It is often used humorously or cynically to describe how professionals or certain systems continue to extract fees or influence a person's life and their family's affairs throughout all stages of existence.

One day a feast, one day medicine.

This expression highlights the consequence of overindulgence. It suggests that if you indulge in a lavish feast or overeat today, you will likely end up taking medicine for health issues tomorrow. It serves as a warning for moderation in eating habits.

One day favor, one day disfavor. To-day in finery, to-morrow in filth. (German.)