కూర్చుంటే లేవలేడు, కూరచట్టి దించలేడు, మా బావ కొట్టొస్తాడే నాకు నవ్వొస్తదే

kurchunte levaledu, kurachatti dinchaledu, ma bava kottostade naku navvostade

Translation

He can't stand up once he sits down, he can't even lift a curry pot, but my brother-in-law comes to beat me, and it makes me laugh.

Meaning

This is a humorous and sarcastic folk saying used to mock someone who is physically weak, lazy, or incompetent yet tries to act tough or exert authority. It highlights the irony of a person who lacks the strength for basic daily tasks but puts on an aggressive front.

Related Phrases

When asked to fetch firewood, Timma says his stomach hurts.

This proverb is used to describe a person who makes silly or lazy excuses to avoid doing work. It highlights the tendency of people to suddenly claim illness or problems the moment a task is assigned to them.

When the son-in-law arrives, even a crooked rope stands up straight.

In traditional Telugu culture, the son-in-law (alludu) is treated with such extreme respect and hospitality that everyone in the household becomes hyper-vigilant and formal. This proverb uses hyperbole to describe how even inanimate objects would straighten up in his presence, signifying the pressure on the bride's family to ensure everything is perfect and orderly when he visits.

He can't get up if he sits down, he can't even lift a rice pot, yet he comes to hit me, and it makes me laugh.

This proverb is used to mock someone who is extremely weak, lazy, or incompetent, yet makes grand threats or tries to act tough. It highlights the irony of a person who lacks the strength for basic daily tasks pretending to be aggressive or capable of physical confrontation.

Neither learned the new, nor forgotten the old.

This expression describes a state of stagnation or lack of progress. It is used to mock someone who is unable to adapt to new changes or learn new skills, while also failing to move on from or effectively use their existing knowledge. It highlights a situation where someone is stuck in limbo, making no advancement.

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.

No effort was put in then, and no worry is felt now.

This proverb describes a state of total negligence or lack of foresight. It is used to describe a person who did not take action or plan during the appropriate time (the past) and consequently feels no regret or concern about the failure in the present. It often implies a sense of indifference toward one's responsibilities.

If the person serving food is our person, it doesn't matter even if we sit in the last row.

This proverb highlights the influence of nepotism and favoritism. It suggests that if the person in power or the person distributing resources is your ally, you will get your share regardless of your position or timing. It is used to describe situations where having connections ensures one's interests are protected.

If there is no word, there is no place.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and social interaction. It suggests that if you do not speak or express yourself properly, you will not find a place for yourself in society or in a specific situation. It is often used to encourage people to speak up or to highlight that social status and inclusion are built through speech and reputation.

Lame while sitting, a deer when standing.

This expression is used to describe a person who pretends to be lazy, weak, or incapable when asked to do work, but becomes extremely quick, active, and energetic when it comes to their own interests, food, or play.

He cannot get up if he sits, he cannot sell bundles of vegetables, but he comes to beat me, and it makes me laugh.

This expression is used to describe a person who is physically weak, incompetent, or incapable of performing basic tasks, yet tries to show off their power or authority by threatening or bullying others. It highlights the irony and absurdity of a weak person making aggressive gestures.