మాటాడితే మల్లెలు, కాటాడితే కందిరీగలు వెలుకుతవి.
matadite mallelu, katadite kandirigalu velukutavi.
When he talks his words are jasmine, but when he wrangles they are hornets.
This proverb describes a person whose behavior changes drastically depending on the situation. When they are in a good mood or speaking kindly, their words are as sweet and fragrant as jasmines. However, when provoked or in a conflict, their words become sharp, painful, and aggressive like a swarm of wasps.
Related Phrases
ఇంట్లో కందిరీగల తెట్టెలు పెడితే ఇల్లాండ్రు గర్భవతులౌతారట
intlo kandirigala tettelu pedite illandru garbhavatulautarata
If wasps build nests in the house, it is said that the women of the house will become pregnant.
This is a traditional Telugu folk belief or superstition. It suggests that the appearance of a wasp nest inside a home is an auspicious sign or an omen indicating that a woman in that household will soon conceive or is already pregnant.
మాట్లాడితే మడమ తిప్పడం
matladite madama tippadam
Turning the heel as soon as one speaks
This expression is used to describe someone who is inconsistent, frequently changes their stance, or fails to stand by their word. It characterizes a person who lacks integrity or goes back on promises immediately after making them.
జిల్లేళ్ళకు మల్లెలు పూయునా?
jillellaku mallelu puyuna?
Will jasmine flowers bloom on Calotropis plants?
This proverb is used to emphasize that one's inherent nature or upbringing cannot be changed. It suggests that good qualities or noble results cannot be expected from something that is fundamentally bad or inferior, just as a fragrant jasmine cannot grow on a bitter Calotropis (Jilledu) shrub.
ఆ వేలుకు, ఇంకొక వేలుకు ఎడం
a veluku, inkoka veluku edam
The distance between that finger and this finger.
This expression is used to describe a very subtle, marginal, or slight difference between two things. It suggests that while there is a gap, it is relatively small or nearly indistinguishable.
అయితే ఆముదాలు, కాకపోతే కంది.
ayite amudalu, kakapote kandi.
If it happens, it's castor seeds; if not, it's pigeon peas.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is prepared for two possible outcomes, often in farming or business. Castor plants grow in low rainfall, while pigeon peas need more rain. It signifies a win-win strategy or a fallback plan where regardless of the circumstances, there will be some form of harvest or benefit.
వేలుకు వేలు ఎడము.
veluku velu edamu.
There is a gap between one finger and another.
This proverb is used to signify that no two people are exactly alike, even if they are closely related or belong to the same group. It highlights individual differences and the uniqueness of every person.
కదిపితే కందిరీగల తుట్టె
kadipite kandirigala tutte
If disturbed, it is a wasp's nest.
This expression is used to describe a person or a situation that appears calm but will react with intense hostility or create a massive problem if provoked or interfered with. It suggests that touching a sensitive issue will trigger a swarm of complications or an aggressive response.
జిల్లేళ్ళకు మల్లెలు పూస్తాయా?
jillellaku mallelu pustaya?
Do jasmine flowers bloom on crown flower plants?
This expression is used to signify that good results or noble qualities cannot be expected from someone who is inherently bad or from a source that is inferior. It is similar to the English proverb 'You cannot gather grapes from thorns'.
వేలుకు వేలు ఎడము
veluku velu edamu
There is space between each finger. Said by a distant connexion envying the favor conferred on a near relative.
This expression is used to highlight that even closely related people or things have their own individual differences, boundaries, or limitations. It suggests that complete equality or perfect similarity is impossible, even among members of the same family or group.
కదిపితే కందిరీగల తుట్టె
kadipite kandirigala tutte
If disturbed, it is a wasps' nest
This expression is used to describe a person, situation, or topic that, when provoked or touched upon, results in a massive and aggressive reaction. It suggests that a seemingly quiet matter could lead to a swarm of problems or fierce opposition if interfered with.