ముఖము తేట, ముడ్డి తీట

mukhamu teta, muddi tita

Translation

The face is clear, but the bottom is itchy.

Meaning

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe a person who appears calm, innocent, or polite on the outside (face), but possesses a mischievous, restless, or troublesome nature internally. It highlights the hypocrisy or hidden behavioral issues of an individual who looks decent but constantly looks for trouble.

Related Phrases

Is your sweet face like Garuḍasēva? Garuḍasēva is the name of a feast held at Conjeveram in honor of Vara- darázulu ( Vishṇu ) whose vehicle is the man bird ( Garuḍa ). Said ironically to an ugly fellow.

This is a satirical expression used to humble someone who has high ambitions or desires something grand despite lacking the basic qualifications, status, or preparation. It compares a person with an unwashed face wanting to participate in or lead the 'Garuda Seva' (a grand, sacred procession in Hindu temples).

Telugu is clear, Tamil is messy

This is a historical linguistic idiom expressing the perceived clarity and musicality of the Telugu language (compared to 'clear water') in contrast to the complex or harsh phonetics of Tamil. It is used to praise the simplicity and sweetness of Telugu.

Churn the buttermilk, young shepherdess; wiggle your waist, old lady.

This is a rhythmic folk saying often used in songs or to describe the repetitive, rhythmic motions of domestic chores like churning buttermilk. It reflects the traditional rural lifestyle where different generations (young and old) participate in household activities in their own way, sometimes used playfully to tease someone's movements or to highlight the bustle of a household.

The whole village faces one way, while the Dasari faces the palm trees.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is eccentric or stubborn and refuses to conform to the group. When everyone is heading in one direction or agreeing on a common path, this person intentionally chooses a different, often illogical, direction or opinion.

Happiness [is followed by ] trouble. Grief borders on the extremes of gladness. (Latin.) If you laugh to-day you may cry to-morrow.

This expression means that true happiness or comfort can only be achieved after enduring hard work or difficulty. It emphasizes that the reward of pleasure is the result of previous struggle.

If I lose my brass pot and bell metal dish, can I not beat you by getting others made of earth ? A determined man will not be discouraged by difficulties.

This expression is used to show defiance, resilience, or self-sufficiency in the face of loss or insult. It implies that if one loses expensive or sophisticated things (represented by the brass vessel and plate), they can still survive and maintain their dignity using simpler, humbler alternatives (the clay pot and lid) just to prove a point to those who look down on them.

No happiness in the face, no strength in the knees

This expression describes a state of total exhaustion, aging, or complete lack of vitality. It is used when a person is both mentally dejected (no glow/happiness on the face) and physically weak (knees failing), indicating they are no longer fit for strenuous work or are feeling the heavy toll of hardship.

A story without head or tail, a child without nose or face.

This expression is used to describe something that lacks structure, logic, or clarity. It refers to a situation or a story that is incoherent and makes no sense, much like a body without a head/tail or a face without features.

A story without a head. (Greek.)*

A person whose nose and face are unknown.

This expression is used to describe a complete stranger or someone with whom one has no prior acquaintance or connection. It is often used when emphasizing that a person is totally anonymous or unknown to a particular circle or individual.

A child without face or posteriors, a song without beginning.

This expression is used to describe something that lacks structure, logic, or a clear purpose. It refers to a situation, story, or task that is disorganized, incoherent, and makes no sense from the start to the end.