కంటే సుంకం, కానకుంటే బింకం
kante sunkam, kanakunte binkam
Tax if seen, pride if not seen.
This proverb describes a person who behaves dishonestly or illegally when they think they can get away with it, but acts submissive or pays up only when caught. It is used to refer to people who evade rules or taxes as long as they aren't observed, but maintain a facade of arrogance or innocence otherwise.
Related Phrases
కాంతా కనకం కశ్యపులే కయ్యాలకు మూలం
kanta kanakam kashyapule kayyalaku mulam
Women, wealth, and land are the root causes of all quarrels.
This proverb highlights the three primary worldly desires that lead to conflicts, disputes, and wars throughout history: lust/desire for a woman (Kanta), greed for gold/wealth (Kanaka), and disputes over land/territory (Kashyapu/Kasini). It is used to explain the underlying motive behind most human rivalries.
నెత్తి మూటకు సుంకమడిగినట్టు
netti mutaku sunkamadiginattu
Like demanding duty for a bundle carried on the head.
This expression is used to describe an unreasonable or cruel demand for money or taxes from someone who is already struggling with a heavy burden or earning a meager living. It highlights the absurdity of taxing the very basic means of survival or small manual labor.
చూస్తే సుంకం, చూడకపోతే బింకం
chuste sunkam, chudakapote binkam
If seen—duty ; if not seen—bragging. The allusion is to a person attempting to smuggle goods through a custom house—If caught, double duty was exacted.
This proverb refers to a situation where someone is forced to pay or follow rules only when they are caught or watched. It describes a person who pretends to be upright or arrogant ('binkam') as long as they aren't caught, but becomes submissive or pays the price ('sunkam') the moment they are under observation or caught red-handed. It is used to mock those whose integrity depends solely on being monitored.
చూచిందెల్లా సుంకము, పాసిందెల్లా పంకము
chuchindella sunkamu, pasindella pankamu
Everything seen is a tax, and everything expired/leftover is mud.
This proverb is used to describe an extremely difficult or exploitative situation where one is taxed or charged for everything they see or do, while everything they possess or produce turns into waste or loses its value. It depicts a state of total loss or high-handedness where there is no benefit remaining for the individual.
చూడబోతే రంకు, చూడకుంటే బింకం
chudabote ranku, chudakunte binkam
If you look closely, it's a scandal; if you don't look, it's pride.
This proverb is used to describe a situation or person that appears respectable and dignified on the outside, but hides shameful or immoral secrets within. It highlights the hypocrisy of maintaining a grand public image while being corrupt or unethical in private.
దారికి సుంకం చెల్లించమన్నట్లు.
dariki sunkam chellinchamannatlu.
Like asking to pay a tax for the path.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone demands payment or a bribe for something that should be free, accessible, or is a basic right. It highlights unnecessary obstacles or exploitation encountered in a straightforward process.
పిరికివాని బింకం పిసరులో ఇంకు
pirikivani binkam pisarulo inku
A coward's boast vanishes in a pinch.
This proverb is used to describe how a coward's arrogance or boastful talk disappears instantly the moment they face even a tiny bit of real trouble or a challenging situation. Their bravery exists only in words and not in action.
వినకు, అనకు, కనకు
vinaku, anaku, kanaku
Do not hear, do not say, do not see.
This is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle. It serves as a moral guideline to avoid evil: do not listen to evil, do not speak evil, and do not see evil. It is used to encourage people to maintain purity of mind and avoid participating in gossip or negativity.
చూచినదెల్లా సుంకము, పాశినదెల్లా పంకము
chuchinadella sunkamu, pashinadella pankamu
Every thing that is seen [is subjected to the payment of] duty; and every thing that is rotten [is thrown away in the] mud. Excessive demands.
This proverb describes a state of extreme greed or exploitation where an authority tries to tax or claim everything they lay their eyes on. It also suggests a situation where things have deteriorated to a point where everything useful is being exploited and everything left over is useless waste. It is often used to criticize greedy rulers or systems that leave nothing for the common person.
నెత్తిన మూటకు సుంకమడిగినట్లు
nettina mutaku sunkamadiginatlu
Like asking for a tax on the bundle carried on one's own head
This expression describes an act of extreme greed or unreasonable demands. It refers to a situation where a person who is already struggling with a heavy burden is further troubled by someone demanding taxes or fees for that very labor. It is used when authorities or individuals impose unfair costs on basic necessities or hard-earned work.