ముందు ముచ్చట్లు వెనుక తప్పట్లు

mundu muchchatlu venuka tappatlu

Translation

Sweet talks in the front, claps (mockery) behind the back.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe people who speak very pleasantly and flatteringly to your face, but criticize, mock, or gossip about you as soon as you are gone. It highlights hypocrisy and two-faced behavior.

Related Phrases

Chatter is abundant in old age.

This proverb is used to describe how elderly people often have many stories to tell or a tendency to talk excessively about the past. It literally means that as one grows old, the desire for conversation or 'chatting' increases significantly.

Like remembering the conversations of the wedding night while on a day of fasting.

This proverb describes the act of dwelling on past pleasures or happy memories while currently experiencing hardship or deprivation. It is used when someone fruitlessly reminisces about a time of abundance or joy during a period of struggle, highlighting the stark contrast between better days and the current difficult reality.

A well in front, a pit behind

This expression is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where one is trapped between two equally difficult or dangerous alternatives. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English idiom 'between a rock and a hard place.'

A sneeze from behind is good for what lies ahead.

In Telugu culture, sneezing is often considered an ill omen when starting a task. However, this specific proverb suggests that if someone sneezes from behind you as you are about to leave or start something, it is actually a positive sign or a good omen for the future success of that endeavor.

Stepping on a thorn first and then saying 'safety behind'

This expression is used to describe someone who acts recklessly or makes a mistake first, and only tries to be cautious or offers advice on safety after the damage is already done. It highlights the irony of being careful too late.

A three-day pleasure

This expression refers to something that is short-lived or a temporary joy. It is used to describe situations, relationships, or trends that are transient and do not last for a long time.

A stab in the front, a kick from the back.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is facing troubles or attacks from all directions simultaneously. It highlights a state of being trapped or victimized by multiple sources of misfortune or betrayal at once.

A sneeze from behind results in a gain ahead.

This is a traditional Telugu superstition or belief. It suggests that if someone sneezes from behind you just as you are about to start a task or leave for work, it is considered a good omen that will lead to success or profit in the upcoming endeavor.

If a mistake made in the past is hiding in the corner, a mistake made later will follow you all the way to your bed.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where past errors or secrets eventually catch up with a person, often at the most inconvenient or personal moment. It emphasizes that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions, as they will eventually manifest and confront the individual directly.

A three-day pleasure

This expression is used to describe something that is short-lived, fleeting, or temporary. It refers to a situation, trend, or happiness that lasts for a very brief period and then vanishes, similar to the English phrase 'nine days' wonder'.