ముడ్డి గిల్లి జోలపాడినట్లు

muddi gilli jolapadinatlu

Translation

Pinching the bottom and then singing a lullaby.

Meaning

This expression describes a hypocritical or manipulative action where someone intentionally causes harm or distress to another person and then pretends to offer comfort or sympathy. It is often used to call out those who create a problem just to act as the savior later.

Related Phrases

Do not follow a person in debt, nor a person wearing sandals.

This proverb warns against following people who might cause trouble or leave you behind. A debtor might flee suddenly to escape creditors, leading you into their mess, while someone with sandals can walk faster through rough terrain, potentially leaving you stranded or forcing you to keep an unsustainable pace.

Do not walk behind a debtor or someone wearing sandals.

This proverb warns against following people who are in a hurry or in trouble. A debtor is always running away from creditors, and someone with footwear can walk fast or tread on rough ground where you might not be able to keep up. It is used as a metaphor to advise staying away from people who are either fleeing their responsibilities or have an advantage that might lead you into difficult situations.

Like a grandfather groping around in a house where there is no child.

This proverb is used to describe a situation that is purposeless, lonely, or lacks the intended joy and activity. Just as a grandfather might search for a child to play with in a house where none exists, it signifies efforts made in vain or being in a place that feels empty and devoid of its primary charm or necessity.

If the speaker has no shame, shouldn't the listener at least have some wisdom?

This proverb is used when someone is telling blatant lies, making absurd claims, or giving nonsensical advice. It suggests that even if the speaker is being unreasonable or shameless, the listener should use their own common sense and critical thinking to not be fooled.

When told the housewife is not at home, he reportedly called out 'Wife!'

This proverb is used to mock someone's foolishness or lack of common sense. It describes a situation where a person is told a fact using one word (housewife/illalu) but fails to understand it until the exact same concept is repeated using a synonym (wife/pellama). It refers to people who don't grasp the essence of a situation despite clear information.

Like a grandfather groping for the children in a house where there are none.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where subordinates or children behave uncontrollably or misbehave in the absence of an authority figure or supervisor. It is equivalent to the English expression 'When the cat is away, the mice will play.'

If the teller has no shame, shouldn't the listener have some common sense?

This expression is used when someone is telling blatant lies, making absurd claims, or giving bad advice. It suggests that even if the speaker is being unreasonable or shameless, the listener should use their own intelligence and discretion to evaluate the information rather than blindly believing or following it.

Do not fight with a person wearing footwear or a person who is in debt.

This proverb advises caution when picking fights. A person with footwear has a physical advantage in a scuffle, while a person in heavy debt has nothing left to lose and may act desperately or recklessly. It serves as a warning to consider the opponent's situation before engaging in conflict.

Those with children and those with debts should not have shame.

This proverb suggests that people in certain responsibilities must set aside their pride or hesitation to get things done. Parents often have to ask for help or behave in ways they normally wouldn't for the sake of their children, and debtors must be humble and persistent while working to clear their obligations.

Pinching the butt and then singing a lullaby.

This expression describes the hypocritical behavior of a person who first causes harm, pain, or trouble to someone and then pretends to offer comfort, sympathy, or a solution. It is used to call out double-dealing or insincere kindness.