నోట్లో వేలుపెడితే కొరకలేడు
notlo velupedite korakaledu
If you put a finger in his mouth, he doesn't even know how to bite it.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely innocent, naive, or harmless. It implies that the person is so simple-minded or gentle that they wouldn't react even if provoked or presented with an obvious opportunity to act.
Related Phrases
రెండు నలుపులు కలిసి ఒక తెలుపు కానేరదు
rendu nalupulu kalisi oka telupu kaneradu
Two blacks cannot come together to make one white
This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Two wrongs don't make a right.' It suggests that combining two negative actions, lies, or mistakes will not result in a positive outcome or the truth.
బతుకనేరని బిడ్డ బారెడుండు
batukanerani bidda baredundu
A child who doesn't know how to survive grows to be a fathom long.
This proverb describes a person who lacks practical life skills or common sense despite being physically grown or having significant resources. It is used to mock someone who is old enough or 'big' enough to be capable, yet remains helpless, lazy, or foolish in managing their own affairs.
మొత్తుకో వద్దనగా లింగం కట్టారు గానీ మొక్క చేతులు తేగలరా?
mottuko vaddanaga lingam kattaru gani mokka chetulu tegalara?
They tied the Lingam despite the person screaming and protesting, but can they bring back the amputated hands?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone forces a decision or a lifestyle on another person without considering the practical consequences or the damage already done. It highlights that while one can enforce a rule or a symbol (like the Lingam), they cannot restore the fundamental ability or loss (the hands) suffered by the individual. It is used when an action is taken too late or when a symbolic gesture cannot fix a functional tragedy.
అరిచే కుక్క కరవదు
ariche kukka karavadu
A barking dog never bites. Great barkers are nae biters. (Scotch.) A barking cur does not bite. (Italian.)
This proverb is used to describe people who make loud threats or talk aggressively but rarely take any real action. It suggests that those who boast or bluster the most are often the least dangerous.
కాకి గూడుపెడితే కడపటి వర్షం
kaki gudupedite kadapati varsham
If the crow builds a nest, it's the final rain.
This is a traditional agricultural observation or weather-lore. It suggests that when a crow begins building its nest, it signifies the end of the rainy season or the arrival of the final rains for that cycle. It is used to predict seasonal shifts based on animal behavior.
వేలు వంకర పెడితేనేగాని, వెన్న రాదు.
velu vankara peditenegani, venna radu.
Butter won't come out unless the finger is curved.
This proverb is used to say that some tasks cannot be achieved through straightforward or gentle means; one must use a bit of cunning, force, or a change in tactics to get the job done. It is similar to the English expression 'Sometimes you have to play dirty to get what you want'.
నా నోట్లో వేలు పెట్టు, నీ కంట్లో వేలు పెడతానన్నట్లు
na notlo velu pettu, ni kantlo velu pedatanannatlu
Like saying, 'Put your finger in my mouth, and I will poke your eye.'
This expression describes a situation where someone invites or encourages an action only to use it as an opportunity to harm or betray the other person. It signifies a trap, treacherous behavior, or a tit-for-tat response where a seemingly harmless or cooperative gesture is met with a calculated attack.
నేరక నేరక నేరేడు పళ్ళు తినబోతే, నేరాలు ఒడిగట్టినట్లు
neraka neraka neredu pallu tinabote, neralu odigattinatlu
When someone who rarely does anything goes to eat jamun fruits, crimes were pinned on them.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent or inexperienced person tries to do something simple or enjoy a rare treat, but ends up being blamed for something wrong or getting into unexpected trouble. It signifies bad timing or being caught in a streak of misfortune.
నోట్లో వేలు పెట్టినా కరవలేని నంగనాచి
notlo velu pettina karavaleni nanganachi
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.
పెడితే పెళ్ళి, పెట్టకపోతే పెటాకులు
pedite pelli, pettakapote petakulu
If given, it's a marriage; if not, it's shattered pieces.
This proverb describes a fickle or opportunistic person who is pleasant and supportive only as long as they receive favors or benefits. If their demands are met, everything is celebrated (like a wedding); if not, they turn hostile and create trouble (represented by the sound of crackers or destruction).