మావి మాకిస్తే, మడిమాన్యాలిచ్చినట్లు

mavi makiste, madimanyalichchinatlu

Translation

If you give us what belongs to us, it is as if you have gifted us fertile lands.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone acts as if they are doing a great favor or charity by simply returning something that already belonged to the recipient. It highlights the irony of a person seeking credit for doing the bare minimum or fulfilling a basic obligation.

Related Phrases

The path walked by ten people is a road, the word spoken by ten people is the truth.

This proverb emphasizes the power of collective opinion and consensus. It suggests that when a large group of people follows a certain path or agrees on a particular statement, it gains legitimacy and becomes the established norm or truth. It is used to highlight that communal agreement carries more weight than individual opinion.

Like giving the keys to a thief

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person mistakenly entrusts a valuable object or a sensitive responsibility to someone who is likely to misuse it or take advantage of it. It highlights the foolishness of putting a wrong or untrustworthy person in charge.

When told that two of his own cattle died of a disease, he asked how many of his relatives' cattle died.

This proverb describes a person with a malicious or jealous mindset. Instead of worrying about his own loss, he seeks comfort or satisfaction in knowing that others have suffered more. It is used to mock people who find solace in the misfortunes of others.

When asked who granted this tax-free land, he said, "I gave it to myself."

This proverb is used to describe a self-proclaimed status or honor that lacks external validation. It refers to situations where someone boasts about an achievement or a position they gave themselves without any official recognition or authority. It is often used to mock someone who is being self-important or self-congratulatory.

Through words, one can earn estates or honors.

This expression emphasizes the power of effective communication and eloquence. It suggests that if one speaks wisely, politely, or persuasively, they can gain great wealth, lands, or respect in society without physical labor.

Giving what was given and taking back what was taken

This expression is used to describe a situation where an exchange or transaction results in no net gain or change, essentially returning to the original state. It is often used to describe futile efforts or circular logic where one ends up exactly where they started.

Like giving a vessel to a bad man named Venkayya.

This proverb describes a situation where an unreliable or irresponsible person is given a task or an object, which they will inevitably ruin or lose. It is used when someone entrusts something valuable to a person known for their carelessness or bad character, leading to a predictable failure.

When asked " Who gave you the freehold?" he said " I gave it to myself." Said of one who helps himself without regard to the law of meum and tuum.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks legitimate authority or external validation and instead relies on self-proclamations or self-awarded honors. It mocks those who boast about achievements or titles they have unilaterally claimed without any basis in truth or merit.

One bow to the donor who gives, a thousand bows to the miser who stays.

This proverb is used sarcastically to describe the frustration of dealing with a miser. While a donor gives what is asked and moves on, a person who refuses to give (a miser) often stays back and demands more attention, time, or negotiation, ironically requiring more 'bows' or effort to deal with than the generous person.

Giving me back my own money will be giving me glebe land. Said by a creditor.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone returns something that already belongs to you, but acts as if they are doing you a massive favor or giving you a grand gift. It highlights the irony of being treated like a beneficiary for receiving what is rightfully yours.