మెచ్చి మేకతోలు కప్పమన్నాట్టు

mechchi mekatolu kappamannattu

Translation

Appreciating someone and then asking them to wear a goatskin.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where someone offers praise or appreciation initially, but follows it up with a suggestion or action that is actually insulting, downgrading, or harmful. It is used when a person's supposed 'reward' or 'compliment' turns out to be a burden or a mockery of their true status.

Related Phrases

Like buying leather from a shoemaker. Purchasing at unreasonable prices. The shoemaker buys his leather to make up, not to retail to others.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is overly cautious or suspicious about getting a fair deal. Historically, a cobbler (godari) would know every flaw in the leather, so a customer would be extra wary of being cheated or given inferior scraps. It signifies dealing with an expert in a way that involves extreme scrutiny or hesitation.

They praise and cover with goat skin, then choose and cover with sheep skin.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is deceived by superficial praise or false appreciation. It suggests that while people may outwardly compliment or flatter you, their underlying intentions might involve imposing burdens or exploiting you under the guise of 'honor' or 'favor'.

The pig likes mud - the lady likes rose-water

This proverb highlights how different individuals have different tastes and standards based on their nature or upbringing. It is used to explain that what is delightful to one person might be repulsive or trivial to another, emphasizing that everyone has their own unique preferences.

A pig likes mud; will it ever like rose water?

This proverb is used to describe people with low tastes or vulgar habits who cannot appreciate refined, noble, or high-quality things. It suggests that one's inherent nature dictates their preferences, and a person accustomed to 'dirt' or negativity will never understand the value of something 'pure' or superior.

Coming alone but ending up with goats

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone starts a task or a journey with a specific, often simple or solitary intention, but ends up involved in something much more complex, crowded, or messy than anticipated.

What the king likes is the law, and who the husband likes is Rambha.

This proverb highlights the subjectivity of beauty and authority. It means that power determines what is right, and personal affection determines what is beautiful. Just as a king's word is final regardless of logic, a person's preference defines their standard of beauty or excellence, regardless of objective reality.

That's the word, which pleases the king; she is Rambhâ, who is loved by her husband.

This proverb highlights the subjectivity of taste and authority. It means that power and personal affection define value. If a king approves of something, it becomes the rule or truth; similarly, if a man loves his wife, she is as beautiful as a celestial nymph (Rambha) to him, regardless of others' opinions.

He said he would herd the goats if provided with broken rice.

This expression is used to describe someone who demands a reward or payment even for a task that is inherently beneficial or provides for them anyway. It highlights the absurdity of asking for extra incentives to do something that is basic or self-serving.

If they approve of you they will cover you with a goat- skin; and if they choose you, with a sheepskin.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's kindness or simple needs are exploited. It suggests that when a person is too accommodating or humble, others take advantage of them by giving them low-quality things or burdens under the guise of 'honoring' or 'favoring' them. It highlights how modesty can sometimes invite mistreatment.

Like asking a naked man to pay tribute to a person who has only a loincloth.

This proverb describes a situation where one poor or needy person is asked to help or pay another person who is also in a similarly desperate or slightly better state. It highlights the irony and futility of seeking resources from those who have nothing to give.