కాటేసేది చెరుకు, పట్టేది హనుమంతుడు
katesedi cheruku, pattedi hanumantudu
The one who bites is the sugarcane, the one who catches it is Hanuman.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a difficult task but the credit or the consequence goes to someone else, or when expectations are mismatched with reality. It is often a humorous take on misattribution or the peculiar nature of a task.
Related Phrases
మనసు లేని మనుము
manasu leni manumu
An unhappy match.
This expression refers to a union or marriage entered into without the consent or emotional willingness of the individuals involved. It is used to describe a forced relationship or a task undertaken without any genuine interest or passion.
ఒరగబెట్టి తాగేది చెడిచెరా కంచరవాడు
oragabetti tagedi chedichera kancharavadu
The brass-smith was ruined by drinking with a tilted head.
This proverb is used to describe how people can ruin themselves or their reputation by adopting habits or postures that are inappropriate for their status or the context. It suggests that even a small, improper change in behavior can lead to downfall.
కోటి పెట్టేవాడు కొడుకు, కూడు పెట్టేది కూతురు
koti pettevadu koduku, kudu pettedi kuturu
A son may provide a fortune (crore), but a daughter provides sustenance (food).
This traditional proverb highlights different roles and emotional support systems within a family. It suggests that while a son might bring financial wealth or inherit the family lineage, a daughter is often the one who provides care, nourishment, and emotional support to her parents in their old age.
నలుగురు నడిచేది దారి, పదుగురు చెప్పేది నీతి.
naluguru nadichedi dari, paduguru cheppedi niti.
The path many walk is the road, the principle many speak is the ethics.
This proverb suggests that collective wisdom and common practice define what is right or acceptable in a society. It is used to emphasize following established traditions or conforming to the consensus of the community rather than acting in isolation.
అతి చేస్తే గతి చెడుతుంది
ati cheste gati chedutundi
Excessive action ruins one's fate.
This proverb warns that overdoing anything or acting with excessive pride or greed will eventually lead to one's downfall. It is similar to the English saying 'Too much of anything is good for nothing' and is used to advise moderation in behavior and lifestyle.
కరిచే కుక్కకు కర్ర అడ్డము
kariche kukkaku karra addamu
A stick is an obstacle for a biting dog.
This proverb suggests that for every threat or nuisance, there is a specific deterrent or solution. Just as a stick can keep a biting dog at bay, certain measures can be taken to prevent or manage troublesome people or situations.
తెడ్డు ఏది అంటే, కొయ్య ఏది అన్నట్టు
teddu edi ante, koyya edi annattu
One said " Where's the ladle ?" the other said " Where's the stick ?" Two lazy fellows.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gives an irrelevant, evasive, or overly literal answer to a specific question. It highlights a lack of common sense or a deliberate attempt to avoid addressing the actual point by shifting the focus to the basic material or a different subject altogether.
కులికేది కోడలు, అరిచేది అత్త
kulikedi kodalu, arichedi atta
The daughter-in-law flaunts herself, while the mother-in-law shouts.
This proverb describes a domestic dynamic where one person (often the daughter-in-law) enjoys a relaxed or stylish lifestyle, while another person (the mother-in-law) is left with the stress, frustration, or the burden of managing things, often leading to constant complaining or yelling. It is used to highlight situations where one person's comfort causes another's irritation.
చెడి చెన్నాపట్నం చేరు
chedi chennapatnam cheru
Ruined, go to Chennâpaṭṭaṇam. To recover your fortune.
This proverb suggests that if one loses their livelihood or property in their village, they should head to a big city (historically Madras, now Chennai) to find new opportunities and start over. It highlights that large cities provide diverse ways to make a living and survive even when one has hit rock bottom.
ఇస్తే చెడేది లేదు, చస్తే వచ్చేది లేదు.
iste chededi ledu, chaste vachchedi ledu.
If a man gives, he will not be ruined ; when a man dies, he carries nothing with him. Give and spend, and God will send. The charitable give out at the door, and God puts in at the window. " When he dieth he shall carry nothing away." · Psalm xlix. 17.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of charity and generosity. It suggests that one does not become poor by helping others, and since we cannot take our wealth with us after death, it is better to use it for good while alive.
* Giv Skalken et Spand, han tager vel heel Alen. † Con una cautela otra se quiebra. ‡ A celui qui a son paté au four on peut donner de son gâteau.