కట్టిన ఇంటికి వంకలు చెప్పేవారు వెయ్యిమంది

kattina intiki vankalu cheppevaru veyyimandi

Translation

Those who criticize the design of a built house are a thousand. He that buildeth upon the highway hath many advisers. ( Dutch. )* Every fool can find faults that a great many wise men can't remedy.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe how easy it is for others to criticize or find faults in a project or task once it has been completed, despite not contributing to the effort themselves. It highlights that critics are plentiful, while workers are few.

Notes

* Die aan den weg timmert, heeft veel berechts.

Related Phrases

A house already built has many critics.

This proverb is used to describe how people find numerous faults or suggest unnecessary improvements only after a task is completed. It is similar to the English expression 'Hindsight is 20/20' or 'Everyone is a master after the event.'

There are many who preach the morals of Srirangam, but none who practice them.

This expression is used to describe hypocrites who give lofty moral advice to others but fail to follow it themselves. It is similar to the English proverb 'Practice what you preach' or 'Do as I say, not as I do.' It highlights the gap between words and actions.

One should not trust a person who invites you to a house that has changed (or a person whose nature has changed).

This proverb serves as a warning against trusting people who are inconsistent or who have suddenly changed their behavior or circumstances without a clear reason. It suggests that one should be cautious when someone with a dubious past or an unstable nature suddenly shows unexpected hospitality or friendliness.

There are many who preach the morals of Srirangam, but none who practice them.

This expression is used to describe hypocrites who give great moral lectures or advice to others but fail to follow those same principles in their own lives. It highlights the gap between preaching and practicing.

An elephant is worth a thousand when alive, and worth a thousand even when dead.

This expression is used to describe someone or something of immense value, status, or reputation that remains significant regardless of their current state or circumstances. Just as an elephant provides labor while alive and valuable ivory/hides after death, a great person's legacy or a high-quality asset continues to command respect and value even after its prime.

An attire/disguise can deceive or strike a thousand people.

This expression highlights the power of appearance and external form. It suggests that if one dresses the part or puts on a convincing disguise, they can influence, deceive, or command respect from a large group of people regardless of their true nature.

For the one who asks, the one who answers seems inferior in status.

It is easier to put questions than to answer them. It is therefore necessary to be considerate to others and raise only genuine doubts for proper clarification.

There are a thousand people to point out defects in a house already built.

This proverb is used to describe how people find it easy to criticize or find faults in a completed task, even though they did not contribute to the effort. It highlights the human tendency to offer unsolicited advice or pinpoint mistakes after the hard work is done.

He who speaks to make you laugh, speaks to your ruin; he who speaks to make you weep, speaks to your profit. A friend's frown is better than a fool's smile.

This proverb highlights the difference between a sycophant and a true well-wisher. Someone who always tells you what you want to hear (making you laugh/happy) might be leading you toward a downfall by ignoring your mistakes. In contrast, a true friend or mentor who criticizes you or tells you harsh truths (making you cry/sad) actually helps you improve and succeed in life.

I told the crowd, but did I tell myself?

This expression is used to describe a person who gives advice to everyone else but fails to follow that same advice in their own life. It highlights hypocrisy or the gap between preaching and practicing, similar to the English idiom 'Practice what you preach.'