మానును చూచేవా, మానును పట్టిన భూతాన్ని చూచేవా?
manunu chucheva, manunu pattina bhutanni chucheva?
Will you look to the tree or the devil which has possessed the tree? You must pay respect even to a low fellow in power, because of his influence with those in authority.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is so overwhelmed by fear, obsession, or a specific problem that they fail to see the reality of the situation. It implies that a person is focusing on a perceived threat or an illusion rather than the actual object or facts in front of them.
Related Phrases
తల్లిని చూసి పిల్లను, పల్లును చూసి పశువును కొనాలి
tallini chusi pillanu, pallunu chusi pashuvunu konali
Look at the mother before choosing the daughter, look at the teeth before buying the cattle.
This proverb advises that one can judge the character, health, and future potential of something by looking at its origins or physical indicators. Just as a mother's traits often reflect in her child, or a cow's teeth indicate its age and health, we should evaluate the background and fundamental health of an entity before making a commitment.
ఆడదాన్ని చూచినా, అర్థాన్ని చూచినా బ్రహ్మకైనా పుట్టుణిమ్మ తెగులు.
adadanni chuchina, arthanni chuchina brahmakaina puttunimma tegulu.
Upon seeing a woman or wealth, even Lord Brahma is afflicted by the rot.
This proverb highlights the power of temptation. It suggests that the lure of beauty (lust) and money (greed) is so strong that it can compromise the integrity or stability of even the most enlightened or divine beings like Brahma. It is used to caution that everyone is susceptible to these worldly distractions.
ఇచ్చేవాణ్ని చూస్తే, చచ్చేవాడైనా లేచును
ichchevanni chuste, chachchevadaina lechunu
Even a dying man will rise up when he sees a liberal person. With the hope of receiving something from him.
This proverb highlights the power of generosity or the allure of receiving something for free. It implies that the prospect of receiving a gift or charity is so motivating that it can revitalize someone even in their weakest state. It is often used to describe situations where people suddenly become active or interested when there is a profit or benefit to be gained.
మొగుడిని చూస్తే దండుగ, మిండని చూస్తే పండుగ
mogudini chuste danduga, mindani chuste panduga
Seeing the husband is a waste, seeing the lover is a festival.
This is a bold, satirical proverb used to describe a person who neglects their duties or legitimate relationships (like a husband) in favor of forbidden or exciting external attractions (like a lover). It is used to mock people who find no value in the things they already possess but are overjoyed by things that are fleeting or improper.
తిప్పులాడీ మా అప్పను చూచినావా, తీర్థంలో మా బావను చూచినావా?
tippuladi ma appanu chuchinava, tirthamlo ma bavanu chuchinava?
Well, you affected creature, did you see my sister? Did you see my brother-in-law at the festival? An affected woman sees no one but herself.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is asking the wrong people for information or help. It mocks the absurdity of asking a busy person in a crowded place (like a pilgrimage) or a distracted person (a flirt) for specific details they wouldn't know. It highlights a lack of common sense in seeking assistance.
ఆర్చేవా, తీర్చేవా, అక్కర వస్తే ములిగేవా.
archeva, tircheva, akkara vaste muligeva.
Would you comfort me, or remove my grief, or if necessary would you plunge [ into the water to save me ] ? Asking proofs of professed friendship. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
This expression is used to question or describe the reliability of a person or a resource. It refers to three types of help: one who consoles or calms a situation (archeva), one who actually solves the problem (tircheva), or one who fails or 'drowns' (muligeva) exactly when they are needed most. It is often used to critique someone who is useless or unreliable during a crisis.
చేసిన పాపము చెప్పితే మానును.
chesina papamu cheppite manunu.
Sin is removed by confession. Confession of a fault makes half amends. A sin confessed is half forgiven. (Italian.)
This proverb emphasizes the importance of confession and accountability. It suggests that acknowledging one's mistakes or wrongdoings openly helps in reducing the burden of guilt and paves the way for forgiveness or self-correction. It is used to encourage people to be honest about their faults rather than hiding them.
వాపు మానునుగాని, వాతలు మానునా?
vapu manunugani, vatalu manuna?
The swelling may subside, but will the branding scars disappear?
This proverb is used to explain that while the immediate pain or visible effects of a mistake or misfortune might fade away, the permanent consequences or the stigma associated with it remain forever. It highlights the lasting nature of certain actions or damages.
నాడు లెంచేవారేగాని, గోడు చూచేవారు లేరు
nadu lenchevaregani, godu chuchevaru leru
They count the days (spent), but nobody looks at the sorrow (endured).
This expression is used when people are quick to count the benefits, time, or wages given to someone, but completely ignore the hardships, pain, or effort that person went through to complete the task. It highlights the lack of empathy in a transactional or judgmental society.
ముదిమాను చేవ
mudimanu cheva
An old tree has a firm core. A brave heart in a weak body.
This expression refers to the inherent strength, wisdom, or resilience that comes with age and experience. Just as an old tree has a strong, dense core (heartwood), an elderly or experienced person possesses deep-rooted knowledge and character that youngsters might lack. It is used to praise the sturdiness or capability of someone despite their old age.