కుచమర్దనం (తన్ను తాను పొగడుకొనుట) - స్వకంఠాభరణం
kuchamardanam (tannu tanu pogadukonuta) - svakanthabharanam
Massaging one's own chest - An ornament for one's own neck
This expression is used to describe self-praise or self-flattery. It refers to a person who boastfully talks about their own achievements or virtues, often to an annoying degree. The corrected idiom is 'Swakanthabharanam', used sarcastically to mean that praising oneself is like wearing a self-made garland.
Related Phrases
తాడి తన్నే వానిని తలతన్నే వాడుంటాడు
tadi tanne vanini talatanne vaduntadu
For someone who can kick a palm tree, there will be someone who can kick their head.
This expression is used to remind people that no matter how powerful, clever, or skilled they think they are, there is always someone more capable or superior to them. It is a warning against arrogance and a reminder that every expert has a master.
ఏనుగు తన నెత్తిన తానే మన్ను పోసుకున్నట్లు
enugu tana nettina tane mannu posukunnatlu
Like an elephant pouring sand on its own head
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone brings trouble upon themselves or ruins their own reputation through their own foolish actions, despite having power or status. Just as an elephant takes a bath and immediately throws dust on itself, it refers to self-destructive behavior.
తన్ను కట్టే తాళ్ళు తానే తెచ్చుకున్నట్లు
tannu katte tallu tane techchukunnatlu
As if bringing the very ropes used to tie oneself up.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone inadvertently creates their own troubles or provides the means for their own downfall. It is similar to the English idiom 'digging one's own grave' or 'handing someone a stick to beat you with'.
తన్ను తప్పించి, ఆకాశమంత పిడుగు పడమన్నట్లు.
tannu tappinchi, akashamanta pidugu padamannatlu.
Asking for a lightning bolt as big as the sky to strike, as long as it misses oneself.
This expression describes extreme selfishness or indifference. It refers to a person who doesn't care if a massive disaster occurs or if others suffer, as long as they personally remain safe and unaffected. It is used to criticize someone who prioritizes their own safety to the point of wishing ill upon the world.
తన్ను తాను పొగుడుకుంటే, తన్నుకొని చచ్చినట్లుంటది
tannu tanu pogudukunte, tannukoni chachchinatluntadi
If you praise yourself, it is like kicking yourself to death.
This proverb warns against excessive self-praise or narcissism. It suggests that boasting about one's own achievements or qualities is socially destructive and diminishes one's own reputation, effectively 'killing' one's dignity and respect in the eyes of others.
తాడి తన్ను వాని తల తన్ను వాడు ఉండును.
tadi tannu vani tala tannu vadu undunu.
There will be one who can kick the head of the one who kicks the top of a palm tree.
There are always people who are of superior abilities. One should try for the best in life, but after achieving a good position in life, one should not feel that one is at the top of the world; there are still higher peaks to reach.
తన అన్నం తాను తింటూ, తన గుడ్డ తాను కట్టుతూ ఊరికి భయపడవలెనా
tana annam tanu tintu, tana gudda tanu kattutu uriki bhayapadavalena
While eating one's own food and wearing one's own clothes, should one fear the village?
This expression is used to assert independence and self-reliance. It implies that if a person is self-sufficient, works hard for their own livelihood, and does not depend on others for basic needs like food or clothing, they do not need to worry about societal criticism or be intimidated by others' opinions.
ఆకాశం గద్ద తన్నుకుపోయింది
akasham gadda tannukupoyindi
The sky was kicked away by the kite. Said in answer to an impertinent question.
This expression is used to describe an impossible or absurd claim. It refers to a situation where someone makes a statement that is clearly false or unbelievable, yet expects others to believe it. It is often used to mock gullibility or to point out a blatant lie.
సుఖం స్వర్గం, దుఃఖం నరకం
sukham svargam, duhkham narakam
Happiness is heaven, suffering is hell.
This expression simplifies the philosophical concept that heaven and hell are not physical places one goes to after death, but are states of mind experienced in the present life based on one's circumstances and mental outlook. It is used to emphasize that living happily is equivalent to being in paradise.
కుచమర్దనం వల్ల రంభకైనా సుఖం లేదు.
kuchamardanam valla rambhakaina sukham ledu.
Even the celestial nymph Rambha finds no pleasure in the mere squeezing of breasts.
This expression is used to signify that doing things roughly, superficially, or focusing only on physical force without emotional depth or proper context leads to no real satisfaction or result. It emphasizes that quality, subtlety, and genuine engagement are more important than mere physical effort or mechanical action.