మాటలు మా తల్లి మాటలు, పెట్టు మా మారు తల్లి పెట్టు
matalu ma talli matalu, pettu ma maru talli pettu
She talks like a mother, but she feeds me like a step mother.
This expression describes a person who speaks very kindly and affectionately but fails to provide any actual help or substance. It is used to point out the hypocrisy of someone whose actions do not match their sweet words, particularly in contexts of hospitality or generosity.
Said of a step mother.
Related Phrases
మాటలు మంచి చేతలు చెడ్డ
matalu manchi chetalu chedda
Words are good, but deeds are bad
This expression describes hypocrisy or a situation where someone talks very politely or makes grand promises but acts in a harmful or contrary manner. It is used to describe people whose actions do not match their virtuous words.
నీలి మాటలు, గాలి మూటలు
nili matalu, gali mutalu
Blue words, bundles of air
This expression refers to deceptive talk or empty promises that have no substance. 'Blue words' implies deceitful or fraudulent speech, while 'bundles of air' represents something that appears significant but is actually empty and worthless. It is used to describe someone who makes tall claims or tells lies that cannot be fulfilled.
వంద మాటలు మాట్లాడవచ్చు, ఒక్కనికి పెట్టేది కష్టం
vanda matalu matladavachchu, okkaniki pettedi kashtam
One can speak a hundred words, but feeding even one person is difficult.
This proverb highlights the difference between theory and practice, or words and actions. It is easy to give advice, make promises, or talk grandly, but performing an actual act of charity or fulfilling a responsibility requires real effort and sacrifice.
మట్టు మీరిన మాటకు మారు లేదు
mattu mirina mataku maru ledu
There is no substitute or remedy for a word that has crossed its limits.
This proverb emphasizes the permanence and impact of spoken words. Once someone says something hurtful or excessive (crossing the boundary of decency or patience), the damage is irreversible. It is used to advise people to think before they speak and to maintain self-control in conversation.
చెప్పుడు మాటలు చేటు, చక్కని మాటలు ఘాటు.
cheppudu matalu chetu, chakkani matalu ghatu.
Listening to hearsay leads to ruin, while honest words can be sharp.
This expression warns that acting on gossip or others' manipulative words causes harm. Conversely, sincere or truthful advice may feel blunt or 'sharp' like a spice, but it is ultimately beneficial. It is used to advise someone to be wary of rumors and appreciate honest criticism.
చెప్పే మాటలకన్నా, తప్పని మాటలు నయం
cheppe matalakanna, tappani matalu nayam
Actions that don't fail are better than words that are merely spoken.
This expression emphasizes that keeping one's word or performing a duty reliably is far superior to making grand promises or giving empty advice. It highlights the importance of integrity and action over mere eloquence.
చెప్పిన మాటలకన్నా తప్పుడు మాటలు నయం
cheppina matalakanna tappudu matalu nayam
Lies are better than backbiting.
This expression is used to suggest that it is better to hear something blunt or even incorrect rather than being given false promises or misleading information that is never fulfilled. It emphasizes the frustration of broken commitments.
మట్టు మీరిన మాటకు మారు లేదు.
mattu mirina mataku maru ledu.
A person gets no answer when he transgresses the bounds of politeness. A rude speech gets no reply.
This proverb warns that once a person speaks words that exceed the boundaries of decency, respect, or truth, the damage is irreversible. Just as an arrow shot from a bow cannot be taken back, offensive or excessive words cannot be undone or rectified easily. It emphasizes the importance of thinking before speaking and maintaining self-restraint in communication.
* Non puci mal fare a nave rotta.
తల్లి మాటలేగాని పెట్టుమాత్రం పినతల్లిది
talli matalegani pettumatram pinatallidi
The words are of a mother, but the feeding is that of a step-mother.
This proverb is used to describe a person who talks very affectionately and kindly but acts selfishly or cruelly when it comes to providing help or resources. It highlights the hypocrisy between one's sweet words and their stingy actions.
ఉల్లి పది తల్లుల పెట్టు
ulli padi tallula pettu
Garlick is as good as ten mothers.
This proverb emphasizes the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. Just as a mother provides care and nourishment to her child, the onion is said to provide health protection equivalent to the care of ten mothers. It is used to highlight the importance of including onions in one's diet for overall well-being.