నన్ను కొడితే కొట్టావుగాని, మా బావను కొట్టు చూద్దాం అన్నట్లు
nannu kodite kottavugani, ma bavanu kottu chuddam annatlu
It's like saying, 'You hit me, that's fine, but let's see you try to hit my brother-in-law'
This expression is used to describe someone who, when bullied or defeated, tries to hide their weakness or save face by challenging the opponent to take on someone stronger. It reflects a hollow threat or a desperate attempt to appear tough by relying on someone else's strength instead of one's own.
Related Phrases
కొట్టక ముందే ఏడుస్తావేమంటే, ముందు కొట్టబోతావని ఏడుస్తున్నానన్నట్లు
kottaka munde edustavemante, mundu kottabotavani edustunnanannatlu
When asked why you are crying before being hit, the reply is 'I am crying because you are about to hit me'
This expression refers to people who anticipate trouble or react to a situation before it even occurs. It is used to describe overly anxious behavior or someone who complains in advance to gain sympathy or avoid an impending consequence.
నన్ను కొడితే కొట్టావుగాని మా బావను కొట్టు చూద్దాం అన్నాట్ట
nannu kodite kottavugani ma bavanu kottu chuddam annatta
He said, 'You hit me, fine, but try hitting my brother-in-law and see what happens.'
This expression is used to mock someone who, after being defeated or intimidated, tries to act tough by bragging about the strength of their relatives or associates. It highlights cowardice and the tendency to take borrowed pride when one cannot defend themselves.
నన్ను చూస్తే, నిన్ను కాస్తా.
nannu chuste, ninnu kasta.
If you look after me, I will protect you.
This is a popular Telugu saying often used in the context of money or savings (Dhanam). It suggests that if you manage your resources wisely and take care of your wealth, it will in turn protect you during difficult times or when you are in need.
అత్తను కొడితే కోడలు ఏడ్చినట్లు
attanu kodite kodalu edchinatlu
Like the daughter-in-law crying when the mother-in-law is beaten.
This proverb describes a situation where someone feigns sympathy or performs a fake reaction out of obligation or fear, rather than genuine emotion. It refers to hypocritical behavior where a person pretends to be upset about something that actually benefits them or that they are secretly indifferent to, similar to 'crocodile tears'.
నక్క నోట్లో మన్ను కొట్టినట్టు
nakka notlo mannu kottinattu
He threw mud into the mouth of the jackal. i. e. he cheated him. Said of the surprising recovery of a sick man who had been given up, and whose body it was expected might provide food for the jackals.
This expression is used when someone unexpectedly ruins another person's opportunity or takes away something they were about to enjoy. It describes a situation where a person's expectations or efforts are suddenly thwarted by someone else's interference, leaving them disappointed.
రోళ్ళు కొత్తవైతే తిరగళ్ళు కొత్తవా?
rollu kottavaite tiragallu kottava?
If the mortars are new, are the grinders also new?
This proverb is used to mock someone who is acting as if they are experiencing something for the first time, despite it being a common or recurring task. It points out that even if the tools or environment change, the work remains the same, or that a person is pretending to be naive about something they should already know.
మొగుడు కొట్టినందుకు కాదు గానీ, ముక్కు చీమిడి వదిలినందుకు సంతోషం
mogudu kottinanduku kadu gani, mukku chimidi vadilinanduku santosham
It is not about the husband's beating, but the joy that the nasal mucus is gone.
This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone tries to find a trivial or absurd silver lining in a bad or humiliating situation. It points out the irony of ignoring a major problem (being beaten) while focusing on a minor, irrelevant benefit (clearing a stuffy nose).
భూమి కొత్తదైనా భూమెలు కొత్తవా
bhumi kottadaina bhumelu kottava
Even if the land is new, are the boundaries new?
This expression suggests that while appearances or specific circumstances might change, the fundamental nature, history, or inherent qualities of a situation remain the same. It is used to point out that basic truths or deep-rooted behaviors do not change simply because of a change in scenery or time.
రోళ్లు కొత్తవి అయితే, తిరగండ్లు కొత్తవా?
rollu kottavi ayite, tiragandlu kottava?
Though the Âllu be new, are the mill stones new ? An answer to a lame excuse.
This proverb is used to point out that while some circumstances or people in a situation might be new, the fundamental problems, habits, or nature of the task remain the same. It is often used when someone tries to act as if a situation is completely different just because of minor changes, reminding them that the core reality hasn't changed.
కొడితే కొట్టాడుగాని కొత్త కోకెట్టాడు
kodite kottadugani kotta kokettadu
He might have beaten me, but he gave me a new saree.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone endures some hardship, insult, or mistreatment because they received a significant benefit or compensation in return. It highlights a trade-off where the material gain outweighs the temporary suffering or loss of dignity.