కూసుముండ నోరు కుట్టుపెట్టితే, అయ్యవారా, ఏం టెంకాయకు పసుపు పూయ లేదు అన్నదట
kusumunda noru kuttupettite, ayyavara, em tenkayaku pasupu puya ledu annadata
When a talkative woman's mouth was sewn shut, she reportedly asked 'Sir, why haven't you applied turmeric to the coconut?'
This proverb is used to describe people who are incorrigibly talkative or habituated to interfering in everything. It suggests that even when someone tries to silence them or put them in a restrictive situation, they will find some trivial reason to speak or complain, often about things that are none of their business.
Related Phrases
కూసుముండ నోరు కుట్టు పెట్టినా నిలవదు
kusumunda noru kuttu pettina nilavadu
Even if you sew the mouth of a gossip-monger shut, it won't stay quiet.
This proverb is used to describe a person who cannot keep secrets or stop talking ill of others. It implies that a habitual gossip or a person with a loose tongue will always find a way to blabber, regardless of any attempts to restrain or silence them.
పుస్తె, పూస పసుపు పుణ్యానికే
puste, pusa pasupu punyanike
The wedding locket, the beads, and the turmeric are all just for the sake of sanctity.
This expression is typically used to describe a situation where one performs duties or maintains appearances solely for the sake of tradition, honor, or sanctity, often implying that there is no deeper benefit or joy beyond fulfilling the basic requirements of a role or relationship. It highlights the sacrifices made to uphold the sacredness of a bond.
వంకాయ కూరకు టెంకాయ మసాలా
vankaya kuraku tenkaya masala
Coconut spice/masala for brinjal curry
This expression refers to a perfect combination or an ideal match. Just as coconut masala enhances the taste of brinjal curry, it is used to describe two things or people that complement each other perfectly to produce a great result.
ప్రాసకేడ్డానే కూసుముండా అన్నట్లు
prasakeddane kusumunda annatlu
As if saying 'The rhyme is more important than my own husband dying'
This proverb is used to describe a person who prioritizes trivial or superficial things (like rhyming words) over grave, serious, or tragic realities. It highlights a lack of common sense or misplaced priorities in a critical situation.
అయ్యవారంతంత, అయ్యవారి పెండ్లాము ముంతంత.
ayyavarantanta, ayyavari pendlamu muntanta.
The master is only this much, and the master's wife is as small as a pot.
This proverb is used to describe a couple or a pair of things where both are equally insignificant, small, or mediocre. It is often used humorously or mockingly to point out that neither person in a partnership has any superior quality or stature over the other.
అయ్యవారయ్యవారు అటికంత, అయ్యవారి పెండ్లాము పుటికంత, పుటిక తీసుకొని పోయి మూల యింట్లో పెట్టితే, నక్క యెత్తుకొని పోయినది నారాయణా.
ayyavarayyavaru atikanta, ayyavari pendlamu putikanta, putika tisukoni poyi mula yintlo pettite, nakka yettukoni poyinadi narayana.
The priest, the priest is like a pot with a large mouth, the priest's wife is like a small basket—when the basket was put in the corner a jackal walked off with it, O Nârâyaṇa!
This is a humorous and rhythmic folk nursery rhyme or a playful 'sameta' used to mock situations that are absurdly small, fragile, or comical. It describes a tiny couple and a series of ridiculous events where the wife is so small she fits in a basket and gets stolen by a fox. It is often used to tease someone about their small stature or to describe a chaotic, nonsensical situation.
జాతి టెంకాయవలె.
jati tenkayavale.
Like a high-quality coconut.
This expression refers to a person who may appear tough, hard, or indifferent on the outside but possesses a soft, kind, and pure heart within. It is used to describe someone with a strong exterior but a compassionate nature.
పసులముండా అంటే పట్టుతల్లీ అన్నట్టు
pasulamunda ante pattutalli annattu
When called a cattle-widow, she interpreted it as being called a golden mother.
This proverb describes a person who is so thick-skinned, delusional, or foolish that they interpret a harsh insult as a great compliment. It is used to mock someone who fails to understand criticism or remains blissfully unaware of being mocked.
అయ్యవారు అటికంత, అయ్యవారి పెండ్లాము పుటికంత.
ayyavaru atikanta, ayyavari pendlamu putikanta.
The Brâhman is like a small pot, and his wife is like a basket. Spoken of things which do not match.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an assistant, a subordinate, or a spouse overshadows the main person in terms of presence, demands, or scale. It highlights a humorous or ironic disproportion between two closely related people or things.
వంకాయ దొంగిలించినవాడు టెంకాయకు రాడా?
vankaya dongilinchinavadu tenkayaku rada?
Will the person who stole a brinjal not come for a coconut?
This proverb suggests that a person who commits a small crime or dishonesty will eventually move on to bigger ones. It is used to imply that character is defined by the act of stealing itself, not the value of the object stolen. If someone can justify small wrongdoings, they are capable of larger ones as well.