మిరపకాయ చిన్నదని మేలమాడరాదు
mirapakaya chinnadani melamadaradu
Do not mock a chili pepper just because it is small.
This proverb warns against judging something or someone based solely on their physical size or appearance. Just as a small chili can be extremely spicy, a person who looks small or insignificant may possess great strength, wisdom, or capability. It is used to advise others not to underestimate their opponents or subordinates.
Related Phrases
చిత్తడి చేల చినుకులు, చిన్నదాని చిందులు
chittadi chela chinukulu, chinnadani chindulu
Raindrops on marshy fields, and the playful antics of a young girl.
This poetic expression draws a parallel between the unpredictability and refreshing nature of rain falling on muddy agricultural fields and the lively, spontaneous, and sometimes erratic behavior of a young girl. It is used to describe things that are natural, lively, and captivating in their own messy or unpredictable way.
ఏమిరా వెర్రిమొఖమా అంటే, ఏమి చిన్నాయనా అన్నాడంట.
emira verrimokhama ante, emi chinnayana annadanta.
When asked 'What is it, you foolish-faced one?', he replied, 'What is it, dear uncle?'
This proverb is used to describe someone who is so oblivious, thick-skinned, or foolish that they mistake a blatant insult for a term of endearment or a friendly greeting. It highlights a lack of self-respect or an inability to understand the tone and intent of others' words.
లేని చిన్నాయనా, విడిచిన చిన్నమ్మను ఇంకా కొడుతువా?
leni chinnayana, vidichina chinnammanu inka kodutuva?
Oh Uncle who is already gone, will you still beat Aunt whom you have already left?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone continues to harass or trouble a person even after their relationship or formal connection has ended. It highlights the absurdity of persistent hostility or demands from someone who no longer has a legitimate role or right in a situation.
కొండ మిరపకాయకు కారం జాస్తి, పొట్టివాడికి బుద్ధులు జాస్తి
konda mirapakayaku karam jasti, pottivadiki buddhulu jasti
A hill chili is extra spicy; a short man is extra clever.
This proverb suggests that physical size is not an indicator of capability or intelligence. Just as a small hill chili (bird's eye chili) can be much hotter than a large one, a person of short stature is often perceived to be exceptionally sharp-witted, cunning, or resourceful to compensate for their size. It is used to caution others not to underestimate someone based on their physical appearance.
గూట్లో మిరపకాయ గుంటలో బువ్వ
gutlo mirapakaya guntalo buvva
Chili in the niche and food in the pit.
This expression describes a situation where things are ready or easily accessible in their respective places. It is often used to refer to a simple, humble, and satisfied lifestyle where one has the basic necessities (like a bit of spice/chili and a bowl of rice) arranged and ready to be consumed without much fuss.
గూట్లో మిరపకాయ చూస్తూ అన్నం తినమన్నట్లు
gutlo mirapakaya chustu annam tinamannatlu
Like asking someone to eat rice while just looking at a chili in the niche.
This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy person or a situation of extreme austerity. It refers to someone who is so miserly that they won't even provide a basic chili to eat with rice, instead asking the person to satisfy their taste just by looking at it from a distance.
సందెయ్య సందెయ్య అంటే చిచ్చెయ్య చిచ్చెయ్య అన్నదట
sandeyya sandeyya ante chichcheyya chichcheyya annadata
When said 'Evening, evening', she replied 'Fire, fire'
This proverb describes a situation where someone gives an irrelevant or nonsensical reply to a simple statement, often due to a lack of understanding or attention. It highlights a breakdown in communication where the response has no connection to the context provided.
నాళ్ళలో కెల్లా చిన్ననాడే మేలు
nallalo kella chinnanade melu
Of all the days, childhood days are the best.
This expression highlights that childhood is the most carefree, happy, and golden period of a person's life compared to adulthood or old age. It is used when reminiscing about the simplicity and joy of one's early years, often implying that as we grow older, responsibilities and worries increase.
ఉప్పు మిరపకాయ ఊరకే రాగా, ఆలిని గొట్ట చేతుల తీటనా?
uppu mirapakaya urake raga, alini gotta chetula titana?
If a salted chili pepper comes for free, is it an itch in your hands to beat your wife?
This proverb is used to criticize people who take out their frustrations or arrogance on their family members or dependents just because they have gained a small, insignificant benefit or have found some petty reason to exercise power. It highlights the irrationality of being aggressive or abusive over trivial matters.
చిన్నమ్మకు మీసాలుంటే చిన్నాయన
chinnammaku misalunte chinnayana
If the aunt had a mustache, she would be the uncle.
This proverb is used to point out the pointlessness of 'if' and 'but' scenarios that involve impossible conditions. It suggests that speculating about hypothetical changes to fundamental facts is a waste of time and does not change reality.