కామమ్మ మొగుడంటే కాబోలు అనుకున్నా, కాదంటే కావడి కుండలు బయటపెట్టండి

kamamma mogudante kabolu anukunna, kadante kavadi kundalu bayatapettandi

Translation

I assumed he was Kamamma's husband; if you say he is not, then bring out the carrying-pole and pots.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a bold or convenient assumption, but when challenged, they demand immediate proof or material evidence. It highlights the tendency of people to shift the burden of proof onto others or to act stubborn when their assumptions are questioned, often used in contexts where someone is trying to save face after a false claim.

Related Phrases

(kavadi), in villages for carrying water from the village pond/river

In life, happiness and unhappiness, wealth and poverty are both inevitable. It is necessary for us to maintain the proper balance between them and we should not get either over-joyed or depressed, but ought to retain optimum poise.

If you give authority to a dog, won't it mess with the pots?

This proverb is used to describe the consequences of giving responsibility or authority to an unworthy, incompetent, or untrustworthy person. It suggests that such individuals will inevitably misuse their power or cause a mess, as they lack the character or skill to handle the position properly.

If the Âruga fails, we shall have Kandi. These are both sown together. The Âruga crop sometimes perishes. To have two strings to one's bow. Good riding at two anchors men have told ; For if one break, the other may hold.

This proverb is used to describe a 'hit or miss' situation or a risky venture where there are only two extreme possibilities. It signifies a state of uncertainty where one will either get a quick, small result or a delayed, substantial one, often used when someone takes a gamble without being sure of the specific outcome.

* Aut Cæsar aut nullus.

Perhaps they'll ask you to dine with Timmanna.

This expression is used sarcastically or humorously when someone receives an unexpected or formal invitation to a place where they expect to be treated with great respect or served a grand meal. It is often used to describe situations where one anticipates being the center of attention or expects a reward for their presence.

Timmanna is a jocose term for a monkey. The boisterous fun at the time of investing a Brahmachâr with the sacerdotal thread is called in joke Timmannabanti, the monkey feast.

A frown for the husband, but a glow for the lover.

This proverb describes hypocrisy or a lack of affection in a relationship. It refers to a person who acts grumpy, annoyed, or indifferent toward their legitimate partner or responsibilities, yet becomes cheerful, vibrant, and enthusiastic when dealing with illicit interests or outside attractions.

When a woman comes of age, she needs at least a monkey for a husband.

This proverb emphasizes the traditional social pressure or necessity of marriage once a woman reaches maturity. It suggests that once a person reaches a certain stage or age, even a basic or less-than-ideal option is better than nothing, often used to highlight the urgency of settling down.

If you have food, it is like having ten million.

This expression emphasizes that food is the most basic and essential wealth. If one has a meal to eat, they are as rich as a millionaire, highlighting that basic sustenance is more important than extreme wealth.

If it works out, it's Kodo millet; if not, it's Pigeon pea.

This proverb is used to describe a 'win-win' situation or a situation where there are only two possible outcomes, both of which are acceptable or manageable. It highlights a state of being prepared for either of two specific results, often implying that even if the primary goal isn't met, the alternative is still useful.

A kept man is not a husband, an adopted one is not a son.

This traditional proverb suggests that certain relationships formed through convenience or external arrangements may lack the genuine legal, social, or biological permanence of original roles. It is often used to imply that something acquired or temporary cannot fully replace the original or legitimate version.

If the crying woman's husband returns, then my husband will return too.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone waits for others to act before taking their own initiative, or expects a result only after someone else in a similar or worse situation achieves it first. It often highlights a lack of self-confidence or a dependency on others' progress.