కూర్చుంటే లేవలేడు, కూటి కుండ దించలేడు, వాడు కొట్టొస్తాడే నాకు నవ్వొస్తాదే

kurchunte levaledu, kuti kunda dinchaledu, vadu kottostade naku navvostade

Translation

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.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

The pot broken by the mother-in-law was a cracked pot, the pot broken by the daughter-in-law was a new pot.

This proverb highlights double standards and hypocrisy in judgment. It describes a situation where the same mistake is viewed differently depending on who committed it. If someone in a superior position (like a mother-in-law) makes a mistake, it is dismissed as insignificant, but if a subordinate (like a daughter-in-law) makes the same mistake, it is exaggerated and treated as a major offense.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Like saying 'I haven't cooked or strained the rice, so where did the soot on my nose come from?'

This proverb is used to describe someone who tries to feign innocence or ignorance about an act they have committed, but their own physical evidence or behavior gives them away. It is similar to the English expression 'caught red-handed' or 'the guilty conscience needs no accuser.' It highlights the hypocrisy of denying something when the proof is plain to see.

He could not rise from his seat and yet he proposed to crawl to the holy place.

This expression is used to mock someone who talks about undertaking massive, ambitious tasks when they are incapable of performing even the simplest, basic chores. It highlights a lack of self-awareness regarding one's own limitations or laziness.

Offering to do that which is difficult, when unable to do that which is easy. * Crea el cuello, y sacarte ha los ocios. 16

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.

Even a dog will not bite you if you sit down.

This proverb suggests that when someone is angry or aggressive, adopting a humble or submissive posture can prevent a conflict. It is used to teach that humility and avoiding provocation can defuse dangerous situations or hostile behavior from others.

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.

He cannot even get up from a sitting position, but he says he will jump and kick a palmyra fruit.

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks the basic ability or resources to perform a simple task, yet makes boastful claims about achieving something incredibly difficult or impossible. It mocks overambition and empty boasting by highlighting the gap between a person's actual capacity and their tall claims.