ఒక చేత పసుపు, ఒక చేత ముసుగు

oka cheta pasupu, oka cheta musugu

Translation

Turmeric in one hand, a veil in the other.

Meaning

This proverb describes a person who displays contradictory behavior or is prepared for two completely opposite situations at once (like a wedding and a funeral). It is used to mock hypocritical behavior or to describe someone who is being extremely cautious or deceptive by keeping both a 'cure' and a 'cover' ready.

Related Phrases

Women shine through their beauty, while men shine through their valor.

This proverb highlights traditional perceptions of excellence where a woman's grace or beauty and a man's courage or strength are considered their defining qualities. It is used to describe how different virtues bring recognition and success to individuals depending on their nature.

What you do with this hand, you will experience with the other hand.

This expression is similar to 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It implies that the consequences of one's actions—whether good or bad—will inevitably catch up to them, often sooner than expected. It is used to remind people that their current deeds determine their future outcomes.

Milk from one breast, blood from the other.

This expression is used to describe a person who is capable of being both extremely kind and extremely harsh, or someone who shows two contrasting sides of their nature depending on the situation. It signifies a person who can nurture like a mother (milk) but can also be fierce or ruthless (blood) when provoked.

A Mahabharata as large as a winnowing basket.

This expression is used to describe a story, explanation, or document that is unnecessarily long, tedious, or excessively detailed. It compares a small or simple matter to the epic Mahabharata, implying that someone is stretching a simple point into a never-ending saga.

One can gain respect through words.

This expression emphasizes the power of speech and communication. It suggests that by speaking politely, wisely, and kindly, a person can earn the admiration and respect of others in society. It is often used to advise someone to be mindful of their language.

One son is not a son, and one tree is not a grove.

This proverb emphasizes that relying on a single resource or individual is risky. Just as a single tree cannot provide the shade or abundance of an entire forest/grove, having only one child (in a traditional context) or one plan was seen as precarious because if that one fails, there is no backup or support system.

Doing with this hand, and receiving the reward with that. Said of the certain result of either a good or bad deed. As you sow you shall reap. As you make your bed, so you must lie on it.

This proverb refers to the concept of 'Instant Karma'. It describes a situation where the consequences of one's actions (good or bad) follow almost immediately, without much delay. It implies that justice or results are delivered within the same lifetime or very quickly.

In one hand turmeric, in the other hand a hood. Turmeric is much used on auspicious occasions such as marriages. Every woman, except she be a widow, also rubs it daily on her body before bathing. Musuku is the skirt of a woman's cloth thrown over the head ( by widows ) as a hood.

This expression is used to describe an extremely critical or dangerous situation where life and death are equally possible. It is often used in the context of high-risk medical procedures, difficult childbirths, or precarious battles, signifying that while one hand prepares for a celebration or recovery (turmeric), the other prepares for a funeral (shroud).

The veil costs three thousand, but the doll inside it is worth only three cents.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the external packaging, decoration, or hype significantly exceeds the actual value or quality of the person or object inside. It highlights hypocrisy or the disparity between outward appearance and inner reality.

Here is the turmeric, here is the veil

This expression describes a situation where things happen with extreme haste or immediate action, specifically referring to a wedding occurring instantly after the proposal. It is used to mock or describe someone who wants to finish a task as soon as it is mentioned, without any delay or preparation.