కంచం పొత్తేగాని, మంచం పొత్తులేదు
kancham pottegani, mancham pottuledu
Dining plates may be shared, but the bed is not shared.
This expression is used to describe a relationship between people (often relatives or friends) who are close enough to eat together or share a meal, but are not close enough to share a household, intimate secrets, or a marital bond. It highlights the boundaries of social intimacy and the distinction between formal friendship and private life.
Related Phrases
లంచం లేనిదే మంచమెక్కదు
lancham lenide manchamekkadu
Without a bribe, one cannot even get onto the bed.
This expression is used to highlight extreme corruption. It suggests that nothing, even the most basic or essential action, can be accomplished without paying a bribe. It is typically used when criticizing a system where illegal gratification has become mandatory for every step of a process.
ఉండ ఇల్లు లేదు, పండ మంచము లేదు.
unda illu ledu, panda manchamu ledu.
No house to stay in, no bed to lie on.
This expression describes a state of absolute poverty or homelessness. It is used to refer to someone who possesses no assets, shelter, or basic comforts, indicating a complete lack of resources.
మంచం కింద మంత్రసాని, మంచం పైన దొంగచూలాలు
mancham kinda mantrasani, mancham paina dongachulalu
The midwife is under the bed, while the woman pretending to be pregnant is on the bed.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to deceive others with a lie, but they are doing so in the presence of someone who knows the absolute truth. It highlights the futility of trying to trick an expert or an eyewitness who is already aware of the reality.
పొట్టిదాని గట్టితనం పట్టెమంచం ఎక్కినప్పుడు చూడు
pottidani gattitanam pattemancham ekkinappudu chudu
Observe a short woman's strength when she gets onto the woven bed.
This proverb suggests that one's true capability or talent is only revealed during action or when the appropriate opportunity arises, rather than by judging based on physical appearance or stature.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమంతా కంతలు చేసినాడు.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamanta kantalu chesinadu.
When called a good man, he made holes all over the cot.
This proverb describes a situation where someone takes undue advantage of the praise or kindness shown to them. It refers to people who, when trusted or given freedom due to their 'good' reputation, end up causing damage or acting irresponsibly. It is used to caution against blind trust or to describe someone who lacks common sense despite being called 'good'.
కంచంత బలగమున్నా కంచంలో కూడువేసే దిక్కులేదు
kanchanta balagamunna kanchamlo kuduvese dikkuledu
Even if there are relatives as large as a fence, there is no one to put food in the plate.
This proverb describes a situation where a person has a vast network of relatives or supporters, yet finds themselves completely neglected or without help in their time of need. It highlights the irony of having 'quantity' in relationships without any 'quality' or genuine care.
కంచం పొత్తేగాని మంచం పొత్తు లేదు
kancham pottegani mancham pottu ledu
Shared plate but not a shared bed.
This expression describes a relationship where people are close enough to eat together or share social meals, but do not share a deep, private, or familial intimacy. It is often used to define the boundaries of a friendship or a formal association where one's private life remains separate.
కంచం అమ్మి మెట్టులు కొన్నట్లు
kancham ammi mettulu konnatlu
Like selling the plate to buy anklets.
This proverb describes a situation where someone sacrifices a basic necessity or a useful tool for a luxury or a useless ornament. It refers to poor financial judgment or misplaced priorities, specifically trading something essential for survival for something that is merely for show.
లంచమిస్తేగాని మంచమెక్కదు.
lanchamistegani manchamekkadu.
It won't get on the bed unless a bribe is given.
This expression is used to describe an extreme state of corruption where nothing moves or functions without a bribe. It satirically suggests that even a basic or inanimate object requires a payoff to perform its duty.
మంచివాడు మంచివాడంటే, మంచమెక్కి గంతులు వేశాడటా.
manchivadu manchivadante, manchamekki gantulu veshadata.
When he was called a good man, he jumped onto the cot and started leaping.
This expression is used to describe someone who takes undue advantage of others' kindness or praise. It refers to a person who, when treated with respect or leniency, behaves recklessly or exceeds their boundaries due to overconfidence or lack of discipline.