మనిషి కోతి అయ్యేది ఎప్పుడంటే, తాను అద్దం చూసుకునేటప్పుడు.

manishi koti ayyedi eppudante, tanu addam chusukunetappudu.

Translation

When does a person become a monkey? When they look at themselves in the mirror.

Meaning

This is a humorous or sarcastic expression used to humble someone or point out vanity. It suggests that even the most serious or dignified person can look foolish, grimace, or act weirdly when observing their own reflection. It is often used to tease someone who is spending too much time admiring themselves or making faces in a mirror.

Related Phrases

When something with no identity looked into a mirror, it became multi-faced.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person of no consequence or status suddenly gains power or attention and starts acting overly important or arrogant. It highlights how someone with no background or merit can become vain and complex when given a little recognition.

When money is leaving or when a physical blow hits, one's senses do not function.

This proverb highlights human nature's lack of foresight or awareness during critical moments. It suggests that people often fail to be careful or sensible when they are in the process of losing their wealth or when they are about to face a misfortune/accident. It is used to remark on how hindsight is always clearer than foresight.

When will the waves stop, and when will one take a bath?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone keeps making excuses or waiting for 'perfect' conditions that will never occur. Just as the waves in the ocean never stop, certain life challenges or obstacles are constant; if you wait for them to disappear completely before acting, you will never get anything done.

Is it enough to just look at your armpits and feel happy? Look at the road ahead, he said.

This expression is used to caution someone who is overly confident or celebrating a small success without considering the future challenges or the difficult journey ahead. It highlights the foolishness of being self-satisfied while ignoring upcoming obstacles.

Only when two hands come together, a clap is made.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'It takes two to tango.' It is used to suggest that in a conflict or a collaborative effort, one person alone is usually not responsible; both parties involved contribute to the outcome or the argument.

A victim's curse will not fail, and the pellet bow's strike will not miss.

This proverb warns that the consequences of causing deep distress or grief to others are inevitable. Just as a pellet from a skilled archer's bow finds its mark, the 'usuru' (a sigh of grief or a curse from a victim) will eventually bring misfortune to the perpetrator. It is used to caution people against being cruel or unjust to the vulnerable.

Even if you go to Kashi, your karma will not leave you.

This proverb emphasizes that one cannot escape their destiny or the consequences of their past actions simply by changing their location or visiting holy places. It is used to suggest that fate is inevitable regardless of external efforts to avoid it.

No man is useless.

This expression is used to emphasize the dignity, value, and resilience of a human being. It suggests that a person should not be treated as something trivial, disposable, or easily crushed like a blade of grass. It is often used to assert one's self-respect or when reminding others to treat someone with the importance they deserve.

Is a bamboo screen an obstacle for a person if it cannot even stop a dog?

This proverb is used to describe something that is very weak or ineffective. It suggests that if a barrier or a rule is too flimsy to stop a simple animal like a dog, it certainly won't stop a determined human being. It is often applied to weak laws, poor security, or flimsy excuses.

Giving is like Kāma's festival, taking is like the feast of Dīpāvali.

This proverb describes a person's hypocritical attitude towards money or favors. They are extremely enthusiastic and happy when receiving something (like the bright celebration of Diwali), but they become miserable, reluctant, or delay indefinitely when it is time to give back or pay a debt (referring to the bonfire/mourning aspect of Kamuni Pandaga/Holi).

Kāmadāhana is the mournful commemoration of the burning of Kandarpa or Kāmadeva ( the god of love ) by the fire from Śiva's eye, when he in- terrupted the god in his devotions. Dīpāvali or Dīpāḷi is a joyous festival with nocturnal illuminations in honour of Kārtikeya. The name signifies " a row of lamps."