కన్నతల్లి కడుపు తట్టి గమిడిదాటదు.
kannatalli kadupu tatti gamididatadu.
Striking the mother's womb and not crossing the threshold.
This expression refers to someone who makes big promises or boasts about great things but fails to perform even the simplest task or take the first step. It is used to describe an idle talker who lacks the initiative to move beyond their immediate surroundings despite their potential or claims.
Related Phrases
కరక్కాయ కన్నతల్లి
karakkaya kannatalli
The Myrobalan fruit is like one's own mother
This expression refers to the medicinal value of the Haritaki (Karakkaya) fruit in Ayurveda. It implies that just as a mother cares for her child's well-being and health without fail, this medicinal nut protects and heals the body from various ailments. It is used to emphasize the importance of traditional medicine and natural remedies.
ఉన్న ఊరు కన్నతల్లి లాంటిది.
unna uru kannatalli lantidi.
The village where one lives is like one's own mother.
This expression emphasizes the deep emotional bond and sanctity of one's birthplace or residence. Just as a mother nurtures and protects her child, one's hometown provides identity and sustenance. It is used to express patriotism, loyalty, and the importance of respecting and serving one's roots.
ఒకని ఆలి ఒకని కన్నతల్లి.
okani ali okani kannatalli.
One's wife is another's mother.
This proverb emphasizes respect and moral conduct towards women. It suggests that every woman should be treated with the same respect one gives to their own mother, highlighting that a woman who is a wife to someone is essentially a mother figure to others in society.
కన్నతల్లి బంగారమైనా కంసాలి వదలడు.
kannatalli bangaramaina kamsali vadaladu.
Even if the gold belongs to his own mother, a goldsmith will not spare it.
This proverb is used to describe people who are so professional, greedy, or habituated to their craft that they do not show bias or mercy even to their closest kin. It specifically refers to the old stereotype that a goldsmith invariably steals a small portion of gold during the making of jewelry, regardless of who the customer is.
కన్న తల్లికి కంటతడి, చవతితల్లికి కన్నుకుట్టు
kanna talliki kantatadi, chavatitalliki kannukuttu
Tears for the birth mother, envy for the stepmother.
This proverb contrasts true empathy with jealousy. It implies that while a birth mother (or a true well-wisher) feels genuine sorrow for one's struggles, a stepmother (or a rival) feels envious of one's success or status. It is used to describe situations where some people are saddened by your pain while others are spiteful of your happiness.
కడుపుకు పెట్టిందే కన్నతల్లి.
kadupuku pettinde kannatalli.
The one who feeds the stomach is the biological mother.
This proverb emphasizes that providing nourishment and care is the ultimate act of motherhood. It suggests that a person's true benefactor or caretaker deserves the same respect and status as one's own mother, highlighting that love and provision are the foundations of a parental bond.
ఉన్న ఊరు కన్నతల్లి వంటిది.
unna uru kannatalli vantidi.
The village where one lives is like one's own mother.
This proverb emphasizes the deep emotional connection and debt of gratitude one owes to their birthplace or hometown. Just as a mother nurtures and protects her child, the place where one grows up provides sustenance, identity, and a sense of belonging. It is used to encourage patriotism, loyalty to one's roots, or to remind someone never to forget their origins.
కన్నతల్లిని కాళ్ళు పట్టి ఈడ్చి, పినతల్లికి పిండప్రదానం చేసినట్టు
kannatallini kallu patti idchi, pinatalliki pindapradanam chesinattu
Dragging one's own mother by the legs while offering ritual food (Pindam) to the stepmother.
This proverb describes a person who neglects or mistreats those who are truly close to them and have a primary claim to their care, while performing grand, hypocritical acts of devotion or charity toward others for the sake of appearances. It highlights gross ingratitude and misplaced priorities.
తల్లి మాటలేగాని పెట్టుమాత్రం పినతల్లిది
talli matalegani pettumatram pinatallidi
The words are of a mother, but the feeding is that of a step-mother.
This proverb is used to describe a person who talks very affectionately and kindly but acts selfishly or cruelly when it comes to providing help or resources. It highlights the hypocrisy between one's sweet words and their stingy actions.
కన్నతల్లికి కడుపు కాలితే, పిన్నతల్లికి పిర్ర కాలిందిట
kannatalliki kadupu kalite, pinnatalliki pirra kalindita
When the biological mother's stomach was burning (with hunger), the stepmother's butt was burning.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is truly suffering or in need is ignored, while someone else makes a frivolous or exaggerated complaint to gain attention or compete. It highlights the contrast between genuine distress and fake or disproportionate grievances.