మనువు చెడి ముండ బుద్ధిమంతురాలయినది
manuvu chedi munda buddhimanturalayinadi
When the good match was broken off, the jade became wise.
This expression is used to describe a person who only gains wisdom or mends their ways after a great loss or after the opportunity is already gone. It refers to someone attaining sense or maturity after it's too late to benefit from it in the original context.
Related Phrases
మానవతి ముండ బుద్ధిమంతురాలయింది.
manavati munda buddhimanturalayindi.
A woman who lost her self-respect has become wise.
This is a sarcastic proverb used to describe someone who starts acting very righteous or follows the rules strictly only after they have already lost their reputation or after the damage is done. It implies that their current display of virtue is ironic given their past actions.
దొంగకు దొంగ బుద్ధి, దొరకు దొర బుద్ధి.
dongaku donga buddhi, doraku dora buddhi.
A thief has a thief's thoughts, a gentleman has a gentleman's thoughts.
This proverb means that a person's behavior and thinking are dictated by their character and inherent nature. A person with bad intentions will always act according to their devious nature, while a person of noble character will act with dignity and honor, regardless of the situation.
కోడలికి బుద్ధి చెప్పి అత్త రంకుపోయినది.
kodaliki buddhi cheppi atta rankupoyinadi.
The mother-in-law gave good counsel to her daughter-in-law and went astray herself.
This proverb is used to describe hypocritical behavior where a person advises others on morality and ethics but fails to follow those same principles themselves. It highlights the irony of someone acting as a teacher or moral compass while secretly engaging in the very activities they condemn.
జాతి బుద్ధి జాతిది - కులం బుద్ధి కులానిది
jati buddhi jatidi - kulam buddhi kulanidi
Species trait stays with the species - Clan trait stays with the clan
This expression suggests that inherent characteristics or basic instincts associated with one's origin, upbringing, or lineage are difficult to change. It is often used to point out that a person's fundamental behavior inevitably reflects their roots or true nature, regardless of external changes.
మొగుడు చచ్చిన వెనక ముండకు బుద్ధి వచ్చినది.
mogudu chachchina venaka mundaku buddhi vachchinadi.
After her husband's death, the jade came to her senses.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone realizes their mistake or understands the importance of something only after it is permanently lost or when it is too late to rectify the damage. It highlights the futility of late realization.
తనువు చేసేది మనవు చేసేది మంచిదే అవుతుంది
tanuvu chesedi manavu chesedi manchide avutundi
What the body does and what the mind does will result in good.
This expression reflects a philosophical or fatalistic outlook, suggesting that whatever happens—whether driven by physical actions or mental intentions—is ultimately for the best or part of a larger destiny. It is often used to provide consolation during unexpected outcomes or to emphasize that things work out for the better in the long run.
అత్త బుద్ధి, కోడలు బుద్ధి ఒకటవుతాయా?
atta buddhi, kodalu buddhi okatavutaya?
Will the mother-in-law's mindset and the daughter-in-law's mindset ever be the same?
This proverb highlights the inherent differences in perspectives, upbringing, and priorities between two people of different roles or generations. It is typically used to explain why conflicts or misunderstandings arise between people in a relationship, suggesting that their ways of thinking are naturally distinct and unlikely to perfectly align.
ఆడదాని బుద్ధి అపర బుద్ధి
adadani buddhi apara buddhi
A woman's sense is wrong sense.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to suggest that women think differently or more deeply than men, often implying that they come up with clever solutions later or have a unique perspective that isn't immediately obvious. While historically sometimes used dismissively, it is also used to acknowledge a woman's intuitive or strategic thinking.
Lit. in the back of the head.
ఎద్దుకు గడ్డి, పీతకు బుద్ధి
edduku gaddi, pitaku buddhi
The porcupine has sense in the back of its head. Said of a man without brains.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone behaves perversely or acts contrary to logic and common sense. It highlights a mismatch in expectations or a stubborn, backward way of thinking, much like how a crab moves sideways instead of straight.
చేటు కాలానికి చెడ్డ బుద్దులు
chetu kalaniki chedda buddulu
Bad thoughts come during bad times.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person starts making poor decisions or loses their sense of judgment when they are facing a period of misfortune or ruin. It suggests that one's intellect or character often declines when their downfall is near.