నంగనాచి వంగముల్లు

nanganachi vangamullu

Translation

A hypocritical saint and a bent thorn.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who appears innocent, shy, or harmless on the outside but is actually cunning, manipulative, or sharp-tongued. It highlights hypocrisy where someone's outward behavior contradicts their true, often mischievous, character.

Related Phrases

A deceptive innocent - a hidden viper

This expression is used to describe a person who pretends to be extremely innocent, naive, or shy on the outside but is actually very cunning, manipulative, or mischievous on the inside. It is often used to call out hypocrisy or deceptive behavior.

A sky calendar.

This expression refers to baseless predictions, guesswork, or 'building castles in the air.' It is used to describe someone who makes claims or plans without any solid foundation or evidence, similar to predicting the future by simply staring at the sky without actual astronomical data.

A fanciful tale.

Will that which does not bend as a sapling, bend as a tree?

This proverb emphasizes that habits and character are best formed during childhood. If someone is not disciplined or taught good values when they are young and flexible (like a sapling), they are unlikely to change or improve once they are older and set in their ways (like a sturdy tree). It is commonly used when discussing the importance of early education and discipline.

When hypocrites seek refuge, will the bodiless one (Cupid) give spiritual advice?

This expression is used to mock hypocritical people who pretend to be virtuous. It implies that deceitful people (nanganachulu) cannot expect divine wisdom or a change of heart just by making a superficial show of surrender. It is often used to describe situations where people with bad intentions try to appear pious or reformed.

A hypocrite's smile leads to ruin in four directions.

This proverb is used to describe a person who appears innocent or modest (a hypocrite) but is actually cunning. It warns that relying on or being deceived by the fake sweetness of such a person will lead to trouble or loss from all sides.

The hypocrite's saree supposedly fell off in the middle of the street.

This proverb is used to describe a person who pretends to be extremely modest, virtuous, or innocent (a 'Nanganachi'), but whose true character or secrets are eventually exposed in a public and embarrassing way. It highlights that hypocrisy cannot be hidden forever.

Will that which does not bend as a sapling, bend as a tree?

This proverb emphasizes that habits, discipline, and character are best formed during childhood or the early stages of a process. If a person is not molded or corrected when they are young and flexible, it becomes nearly impossible to change them once they are grown and set in their ways. It is commonly used in discussions regarding parenting and early education.

A hypocrite who acts as if they wouldn't bite even if you put a finger in their mouth.

This expression is used to describe a person who pretends to be extremely innocent, naive, or harmless on the outside, while actually being cunning or manipulative. It characterizes someone putting on an act of extreme docility to hide their true nature.

Eggplant should be old, and Paddy should be young.

This is an agricultural proverb indicating the ideal stages for transplantation. Eggplant (brinjal) seedlings should be mature/sturdy before being replanted, whereas paddy (rice) seedlings should be young and tender for the best crop yield.

Even if the leg bends, even Goddess Gangamma wouldn't hold it.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person. It suggests that even in a situation where they are forced to bow or humble themselves (like bending a leg), they are so tight-fisted that even a deity associated with cleansing and mercy wouldn't be able to get anything out of them, or they wouldn't offer anything even in extreme circumstances.