నాదెంత గడ్డం? ఉమ్మివేసి గొరగమన్నాడట
nadenta gaddam? ummivesi goragamannadata
How much beard do I even have? Just spit on it and shave it, he said.
This expression describes a person who is overly stingy or tries to get things done with zero investment or effort. It is used to mock someone who refuses to spend even a small amount of money (like for shaving soap) or effort for their own basic needs, often resulting in a poor or painful outcome.
Related Phrases
గవ్వన్నరకు గడ్డం గొరుగుతానంటే, వెంట్రుకన్నరకు ఎంత అన్నాడట?
gavvannaraku gaddam gorugutanante, ventrukannaraku enta annadata?
When told a beard would be shaved for one and a half cowrie shells, he asked how much it would cost for one and a half hairs.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely stingy or excessively calculative over trivial matters. It mocks someone who tries to negotiate or find a bargain even when the price is already negligibly low, often missing the bigger picture due to their pettiness.
అడ్డం తప్పుకో అంటే గడ్డం పట్టుకో అన్నట్టు
addam tappuko ante gaddam pattuko annattu
When asked to move out of the way, they grabbed the beard instead.
This proverb describes someone who behaves perversely or does the exact opposite of what is requested. It is used when a person responds to a simple request with an annoying or inappropriate action, or when someone misunderstands a situation so badly that they become a nuisance.
మంగలి వాని గొరగడం, చాకలి వాని ఉతకడం.
mangali vani goragadam, chakali vani utakadam.
A barber's shaving and a washerman's washing.
This expression refers to activities that are done routinely or mechanically without much thought or specialized effort because they are part of one's inherent nature or daily trade. It is used to describe tasks that are performed as a matter of course or things that are inevitable and expected based on a person's role.
కొండంత తన తప్పు గోరంత, గోరంత ఒరుతప్పు కొండంత
kondanta tana tappu goranta, goranta orutappu kondanta
One's own mountain-sized fault is seen as small as a fingernail, while another's fingernail-sized fault is seen as big as a mountain.
This proverb describes the common human tendency to be hypocritical. It refers to someone who minimizes or ignores their own massive mistakes while exaggerating and criticizing the smallest flaws in others. It is used to point out bias, lack of self-reflection, or unfair judgment.
కొత్త గదరా కొమ్మా అంటే మరగనీరా ఇరగ తందాం అన్నట్లు
kotta gadara komma ante maraganira iraga tandam annatlu
When someone said, "It's new, oh branch," the response was, "Let it soak, then we shall break it by kicking."
This proverb describes people who show excessive or reckless enthusiasm toward new things or situations, often to the point of being destructive. It is used to mock someone who wants to over-exploit a resource just because it is fresh or new, rather than being careful or patient.
అతడెంత ఘనుడైన అడుగక తీరదు.
atadenta ghanudaina adugaka tiradu.
No matter how great he is, one must ask.
This expression emphasizes that regardless of a person's status, wealth, or power, specific needs or permissions still require a formal request. It is often used to remind someone that things won't simply be handed over without communication or that certain protocols must be followed by everyone, no matter their importance.
ఎంత చెట్టుకు అంత గాలి
enta chettuku anta gali
As big as the tree is, so much is the wind.
This proverb suggests that responsibilities, problems, or rewards are proportional to one's stature, status, or capacity. For example, a larger business faces bigger risks, or a person with a high income has higher expenses.
గడ్డం కాలి ఏడుస్తుంటే, చుట్టకు నిప్పిమ్మని వెంటపడ్డాడట
gaddam kali edustunte, chuttaku nippimmani ventapaddadata
While one's beard was on fire and they were crying, another person chased them for a light for their cigar.
This proverb describes a situation where a person is incredibly insensitive or selfish, seeking a trivial favor from someone who is already in the midst of a major crisis or personal tragedy. It highlights a lack of empathy and the absurdity of prioritizing small needs over someone else's dire situation.
నడమంత్రపు సిరి వస్తే, నడిరేయి గొడుగు పట్టమన్నాడట
nadamantrapu siri vaste, nadireyi godugu pattamannadata
When sudden wealth arrives, he asked for an umbrella to be held at midnight.
This proverb is used to describe the arrogant or foolish behavior of people who suddenly become wealthy or acquire power. It mocks those who display their new status ostentatiously and unnecessarily, like asking for a sunshade (umbrella) in the middle of the night just to show off their importance.
కులానికి ఇంత అంటే తలా గోరంత అన్నట్లు
kulaniki inta ante tala goranta annatlu
If you give a little to the whole community, each individual gets only a tiny bit like a fingernail.
This proverb is used to describe situations where a resource, when distributed among a very large group of people, results in each person receiving a negligible or insignificant amount. It highlights the dilution of benefits in over-crowded or large-scale distributions.