గొంగట్లో గుద్దులాట (ముసుగులో గుద్దులాట)
gongatlo guddulata (musugulo guddulata)
Wrestling under a blanket (or wrestling behind a mask/veil)
This expression refers to a conflict, fight, or struggle that happens secretly or behind the scenes, away from public view. It is used when two parties are working against each other while maintaining an outward appearance of normalcy, or when internal politics are occurring within a group that others cannot clearly see.
Related Phrases
మొదటికే మోసం, లాభానికి గుద్దులాట
modatike mosam, labhaniki guddulata
Cheating the principal while fighting for the profit
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone risks or loses their original investment (the base/capital) while greedily fighting for additional gains or profits. It highlights the foolishness of endangering the foundation for the sake of small extra benefits.
చీకట్లో చిందులాట
chikatlo chindulata
Dancing in the dark
This expression refers to activities done in secrecy or efforts that go unrecognized and wasted because they are performed where no one can see. It is used to describe futile actions or deceptive behavior carried out away from public scrutiny.
మొదటికే మోసం, లాభానికి గుద్దులాట
modatike mosam, labhaniki guddulata
Fighting for the profits after losing the capital. Neglecting great things for small.
This expression describes a situation where someone is so focused on gaining extra benefits or profits that they risk losing their original investment or the base itself. It is used to caution against greed that leads to the loss of what one already has.
మూతి ముద్దులకేడిస్తే, వీపు గుద్దులకేడ్చిందట
muti muddulakediste, vipu guddulakedchindata
When the mouth cried for kisses, the back cried for punches.
This proverb describes a situation where someone's attempt to gain affection or a favor results in an unexpected punishment or a harsh consequence. It is often used to mock someone who expected a reward but received a reprimand instead, or when a situation backfires completely.
తనలో తప్పు లేకపోతే గురువుతో గుద్దులాడవచ్చును
tanalo tappu lekapote guruvuto gudduladavachchunu
If there is no fault in oneself, one can even argue with a teacher.
This proverb emphasizes that if you are righteous and certain that you are right, you have the moral authority to challenge or debate even someone as superior or respected as a teacher. It highlights the power of truth and integrity over hierarchy.
పింజారి పీకులాట కురువ గుద్దులాట
pinjari pikulata kuruva guddulata
The cotton cleaner's tugging and the shepherd's thumping
This proverb is used to describe a situation where people are engaged in tedious, endless, and noisy disputes or trivial struggles that lead to no productive outcome. It refers to the characteristic repetitive sounds and actions of traditional cotton carding (Pinjari) and sheep herding/weaving (Kuruva), signifying a chaotic or noisy commotion over petty matters.
గురువుతో గుద్దులాటా?
guruvuto guddulata?
May a man fight with his Guru ?
This expression is used when someone challenges, argues with, or tries to outsmart their own mentor, expert, or the person who taught them everything they know. It implies that such a conflict is disrespectful, foolish, or a losing battle for the student.
గుద్దులాడిన ఇంట్లో గుప్పెడు గింజలు నిలువవు.
gudduladina intlo guppedu ginjalu niluvavu.
In a house where people fight, not even a handful of grains will remain.
This proverb emphasizes that constant conflict and lack of harmony within a family lead to poverty and instability. Prosperity only stays in a home where there is peace and cooperation; whereas internal strife exhausts resources and leads to ruin.
తన్నులాటలూ వద్దు - గుద్దులాటలూ వద్దు
tannulatalu vaddu - guddulatalu vaddu
No kicking fights and no punching fights.
This expression is used to advise against physical brawls or intense conflicts. It is often said to settle disputes amicably or to tell people to stop fighting and maintain peace. It emphasizes avoiding violence and unnecessary confrontation.
గుద్దులాడుకునే ఇంట్లో గుప్పెడు గింజలు నిలవవు
gudduladukune intlo guppedu ginjalu nilavavu
In a quarrelsome family not a handful of grain will be left.
This proverb emphasizes that constant internal conflict, bickering, and lack of harmony lead to poverty and the loss of wealth. It suggests that prosperity cannot reside in a place where people are always at odds with each other.