నత్తి నాలిగింటి కర్ణం
natti naliginti karnam
Stammering is the ear of the fourth.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person with a speech impediment or a slow-witted person tries to convey information, and by the time it reaches the fourth person through a chain of communication, it becomes completely distorted or misunderstood. It highlights how information loses its original meaning or becomes delayed when passing through unreliable sources.
Related Phrases
పొరిగింటి కలహము విన వేడుక
poriginti kalahamu vina veduka
Quarrelling in one's neighbour's house is pleasant to listen to.
This proverb is used to describe the human tendency to find interest or amusement in the problems or disputes of others, as long as they do not affect oneself. It highlights the schadenfreude or curiosity people have regarding private matters of their neighbors.
మిన్ను విరిగినా, కన్ను పోయినా కారకమానవు
minnu virigina, kannu poyina karakamanavu
Even if the sky breaks or an eye is lost, you will not stop doing it.
This expression is used to describe an extremely stubborn person or someone who is persistent to a fault. It suggests that regardless of major disasters or personal injury, the individual refuses to change their course of action or stop a specific behavior.
తిన్న ఇంటి వాసాలు లెక్కపెట్టడం
tinna inti vasalu lekkapettadam
Counting the rafters of the house where you were fed.
This expression is used to describe an act of extreme ingratitude or treachery. It refers to someone who seeks to harm or find faults in the person or household that provided them with food and shelter. It is commonly used to criticize those who betray their benefactors.
కాకి పుట్టి నలుపే పెరిగి నలుపే
kaki putti nalupe perigi nalupe
The crow is black when it is born, and black when it is grown.
This expression is used to describe something or someone that remains unchanged regardless of time or circumstances. It implies that certain inherent traits, habits, or characters are permanent and will not change as one grows or matures. It is often used to refer to people who do not learn from experience or who maintain their original nature (often a negative one) forever.
What's bred in the bone will never be out of the flesh. The wolf changes his hair but not his nature. (Latina.)!
నల్లి నలిగింది, పొత్తు పోలేదు
nalli naligindi, pottu poledu
The bug is crushed but the remains are not to be seen. Robbers' slang, referring to a murdered man.—Chetta means literally 'rubbish,' 'sweepings.'
This expression refers to a situation where a minor nuisance or problem was dealt with, but the underlying relationship or the main issue remains intact. It is often used to describe how a small incident should not destroy a larger, significant bond or to show that a superficial change hasn't altered the fundamental situation.
ఆ ఇంటి కాకి ఈ ఇంటి మీద వాలదు, ఈ ఇంటి కాకి ఆ ఇంటి మీద వాలదు
a inti kaki i inti mida valadu, i inti kaki a inti mida valadu
That house's crow doesn't land on this house, and this house's crow doesn't land on that house.
This expression is used to describe an extreme state of enmity or total lack of communication between two families or individuals. It signifies that there is absolutely no relationship or interaction remaining between two parties, often due to a severe dispute or long-standing rivalry.
కర్ణ ప్రతాపము
karna pratapamu
The valour of Karṇa. A blusterer.
This expression refers to 'empty boasting' or 'self-praise'. In the Mahabharata, Karna often spoke grandly about his prowess before the battle but failed to deliver the promised results at crucial moments. It is used to describe someone who talks big about their abilities or intentions but fails to back them up with actions.
రాతిబొమ్మకు చంకలిగింతలు పెట్టినట్టు
ratibommaku chankaligintalu pettinattu
Like trying to tickle a stone statue.
This expression is used to describe a futile effort or an action that yields no response. It refers to situations where one tries to evoke an emotion, reaction, or change in someone who is completely indifferent, stoic, or stubborn.
అత్తింటి కాపురము కత్తిమీది సాము
attinti kapuramu kattimidi samu
Living in the in-laws' house is like walking on the edge of a sword.
This proverb describes the delicate and difficult nature of a woman's life in her husband's home. It suggests that she must be extremely careful, balanced, and tactful in her behavior to avoid conflicts and maintain harmony, as even a small mistake can lead to trouble, much like a sword dance.
కలిగినవారింటి కడగొట్టుకోడలు అయ్యేటంతకన్నా పేదవారింటి పెద్దకోడలు అయితే మేలు.
kaliginavarinti kadagottukodalu ayyetantakanna pedavarinti peddakodalu ayite melu.
Better be the eldest daughter-in-law in a poor man's house, than the youngest daughter-in-law in a rich man's house. The eldest son's wife has authority in a household next to a mother-in- law and in the case of the latter's death she becomes mistress of the estab- lishment. The youngest son's daughter, though generally petted, is allowed no voice in the management of the household affairs.
This proverb highlights the importance of status, responsibility, and respect over mere material wealth. In traditional households, the eldest daughter-in-law (Pedda Kodalu) holds significant authority and decision-making power, even if the family is poor. Conversely, the youngest (Kadagottu Kodalu) in a rich family may have luxuries but often lacks a voice or status in family matters. It is used to suggest that it is better to lead in humble circumstances than to be a subordinate in affluent ones.