మందికి చెప్పాను కానీ, మనకు చెప్పానా?
mandiki cheppanu kani, manaku cheppana?
I told the crowd, but did I tell myself?
This expression is used to describe a person who gives advice to everyone else but fails to follow that same advice in their own life. It highlights hypocrisy or the gap between preaching and practicing, similar to the English idiom 'Practice what you preach.'
Related Phrases
తనకు చెప్ప తడికల చాటు, ఒకరికి చెప్ప ఒప్పులకుప్ప
tanaku cheppa tadikala chatu, okariki cheppa oppulakuppa
Hiding behind a fence when told to do it oneself, but acting like a master of virtues when telling others.
This proverb is used to describe a hypocritical person who avoids responsibility or hides when it is their turn to perform a task, yet eagerly gives advice and lectures others on how to do things perfectly. It is similar to the English expression 'Practicing what you preach.'
కాలికి రాని చెప్పును కంచెలో వేయమన్నారు
kaliki rani cheppunu kanchelo veyamannaru
They said to throw the footwear that doesn't fit the foot into the hedge.
This proverb suggests that if something is not useful or suitable for its intended purpose—no matter how valuable it might seem—it should be discarded. It is often used in the context of relationships, jobs, or possessions that cause more discomfort than utility, advising one to move on from things that don't fit their life.
కంటికి రెప్ప కాలికి చెప్పు
kantiki reppa kaliki cheppu
An eyelid for the eye, a sandal for the foot
This expression refers to things that are essential for protection and safety. Just as an eyelid protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot, it describes someone or something that acts as a constant guardian or a basic necessity for one's well-being. It is often used to describe a protective person or a relationship where one takes care of another's safety.
అదుపుకురాని ఆలిని, అందిరాని చెప్పును విడవమన్నారు.
adupukurani alini, andirani cheppunu vidavamannaru.
They said to let go of a wife who is not in control and a sandal that does not fit.
This proverb suggests that things which do not serve their purpose or are constantly causing trouble and friction should be abandoned. Just as an ill-fitting shoe causes pain with every step, a relationship without mutual understanding or discipline causes constant misery, and it is better to distance oneself from such sources of grief.
వచ్చే కీడు వాక్కే చెబుతుంది
vachche kidu vakke chebutundi
The incoming evil is announced by the word itself
This proverb suggests that one's own words or speech can often foreshadow or invite impending trouble. It is used to caution people to speak carefully, as negative words or slips of the tongue can sometimes manifest as bad luck or problems.
తనకు చెప్ప తడికెలచాటు, ఒకరికి చెప్ప ఒప్పుల కుప్ప.
tanaku cheppa tadikelachatu, okariki cheppa oppula kuppa.
When [the priest] applies [the law] to himself he screens himself [from its penalty]; but in laying down [the law] for others he is a beauty.* Justice, but not in my own house. (Spanish.)† No one likes justice brought home to his own door. (Italian.)
This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves hypocritically. It refers to someone who hides their own faults or avoids responsibility (hiding behind a screen) but gives moral lectures and acts like a paragon of virtue (pile of virtues) when judging others.
తలకు చుట్ట అడిగినట్లు
talaku chutta adiginatlu
Like asking for a head wrap for the head.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a request or demand that is redundant, obvious, or perfectly suited to the immediate need, often implying that what is being asked for is already essential or inevitable. It is frequently used when a person asks for something they are clearly entitled to or which is a natural fit for the context.
చెప్పంత పొలము చెప్పినట్లు కొనాలి.
cheppanta polamu cheppinatlu konali.
One should buy land that is exactly as described.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of verifying facts and ensuring transparency in transactions. It suggests that if someone describes a piece of land to be a certain way, it must be acquired only if it matches that description exactly, warning against deceptive marketing or hidden flaws in deals.
చెప్పుడు మాటలు చేటు.
cheppudu matalu chetu.
Listening to gossip leads to ruin.
This proverb warns that paying attention to hearsay, rumors, or others' manipulative talk without verifying the facts will eventually lead to harm or disaster. It is used to advise someone to be wary of people who try to influence them with gossip.
తల్లి పాలు దూడకే ఎరుక
talli palu dudake eruka
Only the calf knows the mother's milk.
This proverb is used to convey that only those directly involved or experiencing a situation can truly understand its depth, value, or pain. It emphasizes that personal experience is the only way to truly know the reality of a matter, much like only a calf knows the taste and comfort of its mother's milk.