ఇవ్వని మొండికి విడువని చండి

ivvani mondiki viduvani chandi

Translation

A stubborn person who doesn't give meets a persistent person who doesn't let go.

Meaning

This proverb describes a confrontation between two equally obstinate individuals. It is used to illustrate a situation where a person who refuses to yield or pay up is met with someone who is equally relentless and persistent in their demand until they get what they want.

Related Phrases

The one who has nothing is daring, the one who has everything is stubborn.

This proverb highlights how people's attitudes are shaped by their circumstances. A person with no possessions or status often acts with great courage or recklessness because they have nothing to lose (tempu), whereas a wealthy or powerful person may become stubborn or obstinate (mondi) because of their ego or desire to protect what they have.

The brinjal gardener is blind, though he sees; the betel gardener is deaf, though he hears. In the first case, the gardener on being asked to give brinjals pretends he cannot find any; in the second case, the gardener when called to by some one outside the garden for betel pretends he cannot hear.—(Brah- mans and some high caste Sûdras are forbidden by their Sâstras to enter a betel garden). None so deaf as he that won't hear. (French.)

This proverb describes professional biases and intentional ignorance. A brinjal gardener ignores the ripeness or pests they see to suit their convenience, and a betel leaf gardener (who needs silence for the delicate plants) pretends not to hear others. It is used when someone deliberately ignores obvious facts or calls to action for their own benefit.

* Panadera erades antes, aunque ahora traeis guantes. † Il n'est pire sourd que celui qui ne veut pas entendre.

It won't say it on the forehead painfully, but it won't let go of the person who arrived.

This proverb describes someone who lacks the courage to speak their mind directly or reject someone to their face, yet holds onto a grudge or continues to trouble the person in an indirect, lingering way. It is often used to describe passive-aggressive behavior or people who act politely while harboring ill intentions.

One obstinate man who wouldn't give and another who wouldn't take a refusal.

This expression describes a situation where two equally stubborn or determined individuals clash. It is used when a person who refuses to yield meets someone who is relentlessly persistent in their demand or pursuit. It highlights a stalemate between a 'stubborn refuser' and a 'persistent pursuer'.

A customer who doesn't pay a single coin shows excessive aggression.

This proverb describes people who contribute nothing or have no real skin in the game, yet act overly demanding or authoritative. It is used to critique those who want the best results or services without paying or putting in any effort, often compensating for their lack of contribution with empty arrogance or bossiness.

To a hand that does not move water, the rules of rituals do not apply.

This proverb is used to criticize people who talk about rules, procedures, or high standards without actually doing any work. It suggests that if someone isn't willing to put in the basic effort (like even touching water for a task), they have no right to preach about how things should be done or worry about formal procedures.

A master fit for a skulk.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an extremely stubborn or difficult person finally meets someone who can control, match, or overpower them. It is equivalent to the English expression 'To meet one's match' or 'Diamond cuts diamond.'

A half-burnt log. Said of a mean spirited creature who resents no affront.

This expression refers to a person who is extremely stubborn, obstinate, or unresponsive to advice and logic. Just as a partially burnt, thick log of wood is difficult to handle and neither fully burns away nor remains useful, this phrase describes a person whose behavior is difficult to change or manage.

Stubborn Shikhandi

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely stubborn, obstinate, and refuses to listen to reason or change their mind. It combines 'Mondi' (stubborn) with 'Shikhandi' (a character from the Mahabharata known for being unshakeable in their purpose), signifying someone who stands their ground to a fault regardless of the consequences or arguments presented.

Like water not staying in a leaky pot

This expression refers to something that is transient, unstable, or impossible to preserve. It is used to describe situations where resources, wealth, or secrets are lost quickly due to an inherent flaw or lack of capacity, much like how a broken or unbaked pot cannot hold water for long.