కాదు కాదు అంటే నాది నాది అన్నాడట

kadu kadu ante nadi nadi annadata

Translation

When one said 'No, no', the other said 'It's mine, it's mine'.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely greedy or opportunistic. It refers to a situation where a person tries to claim ownership of something even when others are denying it belongs to them or trying to distance themselves from it. It highlights a tendency to grab everything available without considering whether it is appropriate or right.

Related Phrases

He said it's not a small hole, it's a large hole.

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to sound clever or correct others by using a different word that means exactly the same thing. It highlights a distinction without a difference, mocking someone who argues over trivial terminology or semantics when the end result is identical.

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.

When asked, 'You donkey! Why do you give birth every year?', it replied, 'If I get angry, I will give birth in the middle of the year too.'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person, when questioned about their mistakes or undesirable repetitive behavior, responds with defiance or a threat to do even worse instead of rectifying themselves. It highlights stubbornness and a lack of remorse.

If seen it's yours, if not seen it's mine. The trick of a thief or a shoplifter who, if noticed, pretends that his intentions were not dishonest.

This expression is used to describe the mindset of a thief or someone dishonest. It implies that a person will claim ownership of something only as long as they aren't caught stealing it. It highlights a lack of integrity where honesty depends entirely on being observed by others.

When told 'The house is burning, brother!', he replied 'Let's warm ourselves by the fire then.'

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely selfish, opportunistic, or indifferent to a disaster. It refers to someone who looks for a personal advantage or a silver lining even in a catastrophic situation that is causing great loss to others.

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.

If it comes for free, he said he has another person of his own.

This proverb is used to describe human greed. It refers to a person who, upon finding something available for free, immediately tries to claim more for their family or associates, rather than being satisfied with what is given. It is used to mock people who exploit generosity or freebies.

If you say Kādu, it is a Tamilian's ear.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely stubborn or completely ignores a refusal or a 'no'. It suggests that no matter how much you deny or refuse, the person remains unaffected and continues to behave as they please, much like an old stereotype of someone pretending not to hear or understand.

What he dances is a dance, what he sings is a song.

This expression is used to describe a person who holds absolute power, influence, or authority in a particular situation. It implies that the person can do whatever they want without any opposition, and others must follow their rules or whims.

As if saying, it's not mine, it's my mother-in-law's property

This proverb is used to describe a person who is reckless, wasteful, or irresponsible with resources or money simply because they do not belong to them personally. It highlights the attitude of lack of accountability when using someone else's wealth or belongings.