ఇచ్చింది ఇస్తే, కరణాన్ని కాదు అన్నాడట

ichchindi iste, karananni kadu annadata

Translation

When given what was owed, he claimed he never said no to the village accountant (Karanam).

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who is uncooperative, stubborn, or evasive about a commitment, but immediately changes their tone and pretends they were always willing to comply once they receive an incentive or are held accountable. It highlights hypocrisy and opportunistic behavior.

Related Phrases

When asked if he would take the Bhagavad Gita, he said his stomach was full and he couldn't eat anymore.

This expression is used to mock someone's extreme ignorance or lack of common sense. It describes a person who doesn't understand the context of what is being offered, thinking that even a sacred book like the Bhagavad Gita is something to be eaten just because they were asked to 'take' (accept) it.

When asked who granted this tax-free land, he said, "I gave it to myself."

This proverb is used to describe a self-proclaimed status or honor that lacks external validation. It refers to situations where someone boasts about an achievement or a position they gave themselves without any official recognition or authority. It is often used to mock someone who is being self-important or self-congratulatory.

When one said "Kādu, Kādu" the other said "Nādi, Nādi."

This proverb describes a situation where someone persistently tries to claim ownership or credit for something even after being explicitly told it doesn't belong to them or is incorrect. It is used to mock people who are shamelessly stubborn or opportunistic despite being rejected.

Kādu in Telugu means " it is not," "no;" in Tamil it signifies " the ear." A Telugu man on one occasion accidentally stuck the barb of his spear into a Tamilian's ear, on which the latter cried out "Kādu! Kādu!" ( My ear! my ear! ) The Telugu man thinking he meant to say " Not yours, not yours" pulled at the spear all the harder, saying "Nādi! Nādi!" (It's mine! it's mine!). Said to a man who is obstinate in argument.

Do not trust a village clerk or a goldsmith even if they are on their way to the funeral pyre.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social distrust towards certain professions. It suggests that individuals in roles requiring extreme cunningness or dealing with precious materials (like the village record-keeper and the goldsmith) are inherently deceptive. It implies their deceitful nature remains unchanged until the very end of their lives.

Do not trust a woman who says she will come, nor a man who says he will give.

This traditional proverb suggests being cautious of empty promises. It highlights that intentions or verbal commitments regarding a woman's arrival or a man's generosity are often unreliable until they actually manifest. It is used as a cautionary advice against blind faith in words alone.

Like saying, 'If I get up, I am not a human'

This expression describes a person who makes grand, empty boasts or threats while being lazy or inactive. It is used to mock someone who talks big about their capabilities or temper but fails to take any actual action.

Giving what was given and taking back what was taken

This expression is used to describe a situation where an exchange or transaction results in no net gain or change, essentially returning to the original state. It is often used to describe futile efforts or circular logic where one ends up exactly where they started.

Do not believe the man who says he will give, nor the woman who says she will come.

This proverb warns against relying on verbal promises or superficial assurances regarding material gain or romantic interest. It suggests that people often make empty promises to please others or to get out of a situation, and one should only believe actions rather than words.

Don't trust a Karanaam even when he is being taken to the cemetery.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is habitually deceitful or manipulative. Historically, 'Karanams' were village officials known for clever record-keeping that often favored themselves. The saying suggests that some people are so inherently untrustworthy or cunning that you should remain cautious of them until your very last breath.

When asked who makes your heart beat/dance, he replied it is the same Ankadu who came for Anji.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gives a confusing, circular, or irrelevant answer to a straightforward question. It highlights a scenario where a person tries to sound knowledgeable or specific but ends up saying something that makes no sense to the listener.