మాట కటిక, మనసు మెతక
mata katika, manasu metaka
Word is harsh, heart is soft
This expression is used to describe a person who speaks bluntly or harshly on the outside but is actually kind-hearted and compassionate on the inside. It is similar to the English idiom 'His bark is worse than his bite.'
Related Phrases
మనసు లేని మనుము
manasu leni manumu
An unhappy match.
This expression refers to a union or marriage entered into without the consent or emotional willingness of the individuals involved. It is used to describe a forced relationship or a task undertaken without any genuine interest or passion.
పూజ కన్నా బుద్ధి, మాటల కన్నా మనసు ప్రధానం
puja kanna buddhi, matala kanna manasu pradhanam
Character is more important than worship, and intent is more important than words
This expression emphasizes that internal purity and sincerity are superior to outward rituals or eloquent speech. It suggests that one's conscience and true intentions define their character more than formal religious acts or mere promises.
పూజ కన్నా బుద్ధి, మాట కన్నా మనసు ప్రధానం
puja kanna buddhi, mata kanna manasu pradhanam
Character is more important than worship; intent is more important than words.
This proverb emphasizes that inner purity and genuine intentions are far more significant than outward religious rituals or superficial speech. It is used to remind people that having a clean heart and a good conscience defines a person's true nature better than mere displays of piety or eloquence.
మనసు మహమ్మేరు దాటుతున్నది, కాలు కడప దాటలేదు.
manasu mahammeru datutunnadi, kalu kadapa dataledu.
The mind travels over Mahammeru, but the foot does not pass over the threshold.
This expression describes a situation where someone has grand ambitions or lofty thoughts but lacks the physical capability, resources, or courage to take even the smallest first step. It is used to point out the gap between one's vast imagination and their actual capacity for action.
Meru or Mahammeru is the fabulous mountain on which Brahmâ is said to reside attended by Rishis, &c. It appears really to be the high land of Tartary immediately north of the Himâlayas. ( Wilson ). *Twee appelen met dénen stok afwerpen.
మీకు మాట, నాకు మూట
miku mata, naku muta
A word to you, a bag to me. An influential person can by a word do great things for others.
This proverb is used to describe a transaction or a deal where one party receives credit, fame, or verbal praise while the other party receives the material profit or payment. It highlights a situation where one person gets the glory and the other gets the money.
మనసులోని వెతకు మందులేదు
manasuloni vetaku manduledu
There is no medicine for the pain in the heart
This expression refers to emotional or mental suffering that cannot be cured by physical medication. It is used to describe deep sorrow, psychological distress, or the pain of a broken heart which requires time, change, or emotional healing rather than a physician's prescription.
మనసు కుదిరితే మల్లి, మనసు కుదరకపోతే ఎల్లి
manasu kudirite malli, manasu kudarakapote elli
If the heart agrees, she is Malli; if the heart does not agree, she is Elli.
This expression highlights how human perception and relationships are entirely dependent on one's mindset or mood. When you like someone or are in a good mood, you treat them with respect (Malli - a respectful name); when you are displeased or lose interest, you treat the same person with disregard (Elli - a derogatory or casual way to address someone). It is used to describe fickle-mindedness or how subjective feelings dictate one's behavior toward others.
కఠినచిత్తు మనసు కరగింపగారాదు
kathinachittu manasu karagimpagaradu
A hard-hearted person's mind cannot be melted.
This expression is used to describe individuals who are emotionally cold, stubborn, or lacking in empathy. It suggests that no matter how much effort one puts into pleading, reasoning, or appealing to their emotions, such people will not change their mind or show compassion. It is often used as a cautionary advice to avoid wasting effort on those who are fundamentally unfeeling.
చితికిన మనసు అతకదు
chitikina manasu atakadu
A broken heart cannot be mended.
This expression is used to describe a situation where trust is shattered or deep emotional hurt is caused. Just as a crushed object cannot be restored to its original state, once a person's heart or spirit is broken by betrayal or severe disappointment, the relationship or their mental peace can never truly be the same again.
కాటికి పోయినా కాసు తప్పదు.
katiki poyina kasu tappadu.
Even if one goes to the cremation ground, the coin is inevitable.
This proverb highlights the persistent nature of greed or the inevitable burden of taxes and expenses. It refers to the tradition of placing a coin on a deceased person's body or paying a fee at the funeral pyre, implying that financial obligations or worldly attachments follow a person until the very end.