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.
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'.
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.
చెంబు కంచం పోతే, ముఖంమీద కొట్టినట్లు ముంతా మూకుడూ తెచ్చుకోలేనా
chembu kancham pote, mukhammida kottinatlu munta mukudu techchukolena
If the vessel and the plate are lost, can I not get a mug and a lid just to show off?
This proverb is used to express resilience or defiance in the face of loss. It suggests that even if one loses their valuable possessions, they can still manage to acquire basic alternatives to maintain their self-respect and carry on, often used to tell critics that one is not completely helpless.
కప్పకాటు లేదు, బాపన పోటు లేదు
kappakatu ledu, bapana potu ledu
Neither the bite of a frog, nor the blow of a Brahmin.
This expression is used to describe something that is completely harmless or insignificant. Since frogs do not bite and Brahmins (traditionally viewed as non-violent scholars) do not strike, the phrase suggests that there is no danger or impact to worry about from a particular source or situation.
కంచం అమ్మి మట్టెలు చేయించినట్లు.
kancham ammi mattelu cheyinchinatlu.
Like selling a dining plate to get toe-rings made.
This expression is used to describe a foolish act where someone sacrifices a basic necessity or something of great utility for the sake of a useless luxury or a decorative item. It highlights poor prioritization and a lack of common sense.
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.