కొట్టకమునుపే ఏడుస్తావేమంటే, ముందు కొట్టబోతావని ఏడుస్తానన్నట్టు

kottakamunupe edustavemante, mundu kottabotavani edustanannattu

Translation

"Why do you cry before being beaten?" he asked, "you are going to beat me in future" replied [ the boy ].

Meaning

This proverb describes a person who anticipates trouble or criticism and starts complaining or acting defensive even before the event occurs. It is used to mock someone who overreacts to a situation that hasn't happened yet based on their predictions.

Notes

Never yowl till you're hit. Let your trouble tarry till its own day comes. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.

Related Phrases

When asked why you are crying before being hit, the reply is 'I am crying because you are about to hit me'

This expression refers to people who anticipate trouble or react to a situation before it even occurs. It is used to describe overly anxious behavior or someone who complains in advance to gain sympathy or avoid an impending consequence.

He said, 'You hit me, fine, but try hitting my brother-in-law and see what happens.'

This expression is used to mock someone who, after being defeated or intimidated, tries to act tough by bragging about the strength of their relatives or associates. It highlights cowardice and the tendency to take borrowed pride when one cannot defend themselves.

If you want to scold, it's your sister's child; if you want to hit, she is a pregnant woman.

This expression describes a dilemma where one is stuck in a 'Catch-22' situation. It refers to a state of indecision or helplessness where you cannot take action against someone because of a sentimental bond or a vulnerable condition, even if their behavior is provoking or wrong.

Striking and striking, but striking in the side.

This expression describes a situation where someone waits for a long time to act, or makes a great effort, only to make a critical mistake or perform the action at the wrong time/place. It is used to highlight a significant failure or a blunder after much anticipation or effort.

It's like saying, 'You hit me, that's fine, but let's see you try to hit my brother-in-law'

This expression is used to describe someone who, when bullied or defeated, tries to hide their weakness or save face by challenging the opponent to take on someone stronger. It reflects a hollow threat or a desperate attempt to appear tough by relying on someone else's strength instead of one's own.

If the mortars are new, are the grinders also new?

This proverb is used to mock someone who is acting as if they are experiencing something for the first time, despite it being a common or recurring task. It points out that even if the tools or environment change, the work remains the same, or that a person is pretending to be naive about something they should already know.

" The bullock has calved" [ said one ] " Then tie it up in the shed" [ replied the other ].

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone blindly believes or reacts to an impossible or illogical statement without using any common sense. Since oxen are male and cannot give birth, the response to 'tie the calf' highlights the height of foolishness or gullibility.

Applied to a foolish speech.

Like asking for fire to light a cigar while the house is burning down and someone is crying.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is being extremely insensitive, selfish, or opportunistic during another person's tragedy. It is used when a person focuses on their own trivial needs or petty desires while ignoring a major crisis happening right in front of them.

Though the Âllu be new, are the mill stones new ? An answer to a lame excuse.

This proverb is used to point out that while some circumstances or people in a situation might be new, the fundamental problems, habits, or nature of the task remain the same. It is often used when someone tries to act as if a situation is completely different just because of minor changes, reminding them that the core reality hasn't changed.

A lad when asked " Why are you crying my boy ?" answered " They say my people are going to beat me the day after tomorrow."

This proverb is used to describe a person who worries or grieves unnecessarily about hypothetical future problems that haven't even happened yet. It highlights the absurdity of being anxious about potential future events while ignoring the present.

Anticipating evils. You cry out before you are hurt.