ముందు చూస్తే అయ్యవారి గుర్రముగా ఉన్నది, వెనక చూస్తే సాయెబు గుర్రముగా ఉన్నది.
mundu chuste ayyavari gurramuga unnadi, venaka chuste sayebu gurramuga unnadi.
Looking from the front it seems to be the Brahman's horse, looking from behind it seems to be the Śāhib's. The Kômati's evidence . The words are ambiguous and bear another meaning viz. " Before, this was the Brahman's horse—now, it is the Śāhib's" ( i. e. the Śāhib has taken possession of it ).
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that is inconsistent, ambiguous, or lacks a clear identity. It refers to a situation where a single thing presents two completely different or contradictory appearances depending on how one looks at it, often implying deception or a lack of authenticity.
Related Phrases
ఎన్నడూ ఎరగని రెడ్డి గుర్రమెక్కితే, ముందూ వెనక ఆయెను
ennadu eragani reddi gurramekkite, mundu venaka ayenu
The Reddi who had never mounted a horse before, sat with his face to the tail.
This proverb is used to describe an inexperienced or unskilled person who tries to do something for the first time and ends up making a mess of it due to over-excitement or lack of knowledge. It highlights how someone might struggle or behave awkwardly when suddenly put in a position of authority or given a new responsibility they are not prepared for.
గాడిద గాడిదే, గుర్రం గుర్రమే
gadida gadide, gurram gurrame
An ass is an ass, a horse is a horse.
This expression is used to emphasize that things or people have inherent qualities that cannot be equated. It highlights that no matter how much one tries to compare two things of different nature or caliber, they will always remain distinct in their value or utility. It is often used to remind someone that a lesser person or object cannot replace a superior one.
వాని పని ఏకాదశి మంగళవారములా ఉన్నది.
vani pani ekadashi mangalavaramula unnadi.
His business is flourishing greatly, even to the extent of begging alms. A sarcastic speech used with reference to the downfall of a bad man.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two unfortunate or difficult events occur simultaneously. Since Ekadashi is a day of fasting and Tuesday is often considered an inauspicious or 'harsh' day in certain traditional contexts, the combination implies a state of double trouble or a completely ruined situation.
దిక్కులేని దివాణముగా ఉన్నది.
dikkuleni divanamuga unnadi.
A government which affords no protection.
This expression is used to describe a place or an organization that is disorganized, neglected, or lacks proper leadership and supervision. It implies a state of chaos or abandonment despite having a grand structure.
చూడగా చూడగా గుర్రము గాడిదె అయినది.
chudaga chudaga gurramu gadide ayinadi.
As he looked and looked the horse turned out a donkey.
This proverb describes a situation where something that initially appeared promising, high-quality, or valuable gradually deteriorated or revealed itself to be mediocre and disappointing. It is often used to criticize a decline in standards, poor maintenance, or the realization that one's high expectations were misplaced.
By close inspection the true state is known.
కంఠగత ప్రాణముగా ఉన్నది
kanthagata pranamuga unnadi
The life has reached the throat, (i. e. all but departed ). Being placed in a most difficult position.
This expression is used to describe a state of extreme distress, agony, or a critical situation where one is barely surviving or hanging on by a thread. It often refers to someone being in the final moments of life or facing an unbearable crisis.
రౌతు కొద్దీ గుర్రము
rautu koddi gurramu
Horse behaves (runs) to suit (the ability of) the rider.
The worker in any setup works as directed/controlled by the master. If the master/manager is incompetent/lenient, there will be no discipline and the entire setup will be disorganized.
నలపాకము భీమపాకముగా ఉన్నది
nalapakamu bhimapakamuga unnadi
It is like the cooking of Nala and Bhîma. Said ironically to a bad cook.
This expression is used to describe food that is exceptionally delicious or exquisitely prepared. In Indian mythology, King Nala and Bhima (one of the Pandavas) were both legendary chefs known for their extraordinary culinary skills. When someone says a meal is like 'Nala-Bhima Pakamu', they are giving the highest possible compliment to the cook.
రామరాజ్యముగా ఉంది
ramarajyamuga undi
Like Râma's kingdom.
This expression is used to describe a place or a period of time characterized by perfect peace, prosperity, justice, and ideal governance. It implies that people are living happily without any troubles, much like the legendary utopian rule of Lord Rama in the epic Ramayana.
Neglected.
ఊరు ఉన్నది, చిప్ప ఉన్నది
uru unnadi, chippa unnadi
There is the village and here is my cup. Said by a beggar.
This expression is used to describe a state of complete carelessness, detachment, or having nothing to lose. It implies that as long as there is a society to live in and a basic means to survive (even by begging), one need not worry about responsibilities or property. It is often said by or about people who are wandering or living a carefree, nomadic life without any attachments.