నంగీ నమలక మింగవే అంటే, ఉడికిన చేపలు కరుస్తవి అన్నదట

nangi namalaka mingave ante, udikina chepalu karustavi annadata

Translation

"Swallow without chewing, Nangi."—"The boiled fish are biting me" she replied.

Meaning

This proverb describes a person who pretends to be overly innocent, shy, or delicate to avoid work or to hide their true nature. It is used to mock someone who makes ridiculous, impossible excuses to act helpless (like claiming cooked/dead fish can bite) while trying to maintain a facade of extreme modesty or naivety.

Notes

Nangi is a name given to a woman who is never at a loss for an excuse however paltry.

Related Phrases

" O blanket where are you?" said he " Where you left me, you madman," it replied. A smart repartee.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no progress or change despite effort or passage of time. It highlights stagnation, laziness, or a repetitive cycle where things remain exactly as they were initially. It is often used to mock someone who asks for status updates when no action has been taken to move things forward.

Like soaking something without chewing or swallowing it.

This expression is used to describe a state of indecision or procrastination. It refers to someone who keeps a task or a decision lingering for a long time without either completing it or rejecting it, much like keeping food in the mouth without chewing or swallowing.

When four dosas were given to the innocent-acting woman, she swallowed them without even chewing.

This proverb is used to describe a hypocrite who pretends to be innocent, shy, or ascetic in public (a 'Nanganachi') but acts greedily when given the chance. It highlights the contrast between a person's fake outward humility and their inner greed.

"What is it that makes you limp, Reddi?" asked one. "My old leg is the same as ever," he replied. Habit.

This proverb is used to describe a person who tries to hide their current weakness, failure, or physical decline by pretending it is their normal state or a long-standing habit. It mocks those who are too proud to admit they have changed for the worse or are struggling, choosing instead to offer silly excuses to maintain their ego.

When the daughter-in-law said she was hungry, her mother- in-law told her to swallow the pestle.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone asks for a basic necessity or a small favor and receives a cruel, impossible, or mocking response instead of help. It highlights the lack of empathy or the hostile relationship between two people, often used to critique someone who gives heartless advice.

Rōkali is a wooden pestle, five or six feet long, used for pounding rice.

When a simpleton was told to swallow without chewing, she said the boiled fish might bite.

This proverb is used to describe people who act overly innocent or fake naivety to avoid work or to make excuses. It mocks someone who pretends to be so simple-minded that they fear impossible things (like a cooked fish biting) just to be difficult or to gain sympathy.

When asked, 'Why are you walking so bent, Reddy?', he replied, 'It is an old habit (of this leg).'

This proverb is used to describe someone who tries to hide their current weakness, failure, or decline by pretending it is an old habit or a choice. It mocks people who give silly excuses to cover up their present helpless situation or mistakes rather than admitting the truth.

If a big fish swallows a small fish, a fisherman swallows the big fish.

This expression refers to the 'food chain' or the hierarchy of power. It signifies that there is always someone more powerful or superior to oneself. It serves as a reminder to stay humble, as those who exploit the weak will eventually face a stronger force or a higher authority.

When the Jangam was told that the house had caught fire, he replied "I have my bag and bowl with me." Selfish indifference.

This proverb describes a person who is completely detached or indifferent to a situation because they have no personal stake or property at risk. It is used to remark on individuals who remain unconcerned about a general disaster or collective loss because their own minimal belongings are safe, or to describe those who prioritize their small interests over a major catastrophe affecting others.

Like saying "yes" when asked whether brinjals grow in the river. A time server.

This expression is used to describe a person who agrees with everything someone says, even if it is logically impossible or absurd, usually to avoid conflict, please someone, or out of pure sycophancy. It highlights a lack of independent thinking or honesty.