ఒకణ్ణి చూస్తే పెట్టబుద్ది, ఇంకొకణ్ణి చూస్తే మొట్టబుద్ది

okanni chuste pettabuddi, inkokanni chuste mottabuddi

Translation

Looking at one person makes you want to give, looking at another makes you want to hit.

Meaning

This expression describes how human behavior and generosity are often reactive to a person's character or attitude. It implies that some people naturally evoke kindness and charity, while others, due to their behavior or nature, provoke irritation or anger.

Related Phrases

Seeing a soft person makes one want to strike them

This expression refers to the human tendency to take advantage of or bully those who are gentle, submissive, or overly kind. It is used to describe situations where someone's politeness is mistaken for weakness, leading others to exploit them.

A man's mind is a blunt mind, a woman's mind is a subtle/sharp mind.

This proverb contrasts the psychological natures of men and women. It suggests that men tend to be more straightforward, rough, or simple-minded (motu), whereas women possess a more complex, strategic, or far-reaching intelligence (apara buddhi). It is often used to comment on how women can see through situations or plan more effectively than men.

The sight of a beggar rouses a poor man's anger.

This expression describes the envy or resentment felt between people in similar unfortunate circumstances. It is often used when someone who is struggling themselves looks down upon or feels competitive towards another person who is also in need, rather than showing empathy.

Said impertinently by a beggar when he gets nothing.

Upon seeing a soft-natured person, one feels like hitting them.

This proverb describes the human tendency to exploit or take advantage of those who are mild-mannered, gentle, or submissive. It suggests that people often bully or dominate those who do not resist or stand up for themselves.

Looking at the husband causes irritation, but looking at a widow (mistress) brings delight.

This proverb is used to describe a person who dislikes or finds fault with their own family or legitimate responsibilities but shows great enthusiasm and affection for outsiders or improper things. It highlights misplaced priorities and hypocrisy in one's behavior.

When going to play, one feels like watching; when going to watch, one feels like playing.

This expression describes a state of indecision or fickle-mindedness. It refers to a person who is never satisfied with their current choice and constantly wishes they were doing the opposite of what they are presently engaged in.

My legs start aching the moment I see a horse.

This proverb describes a person who is naturally lazy but looks for excuses to avoid effort. Just by seeing a horse (a means of transport), the person pretends their legs hurt so that they can get a ride instead of walking. It is used to mock someone who suddenly acts weak or incapable when an easy way out presents itself.

Man's intellect is crude, woman's intellect is subtle/deeper.

This proverb highlights a traditional observation about gendered thinking styles. It suggests that men tend to have a blunt or straightforward approach (motu), whereas women possess a more refined, intricate, or farsighted perspective (avara). It is used to contrast the simplicity of a man's logic with the complexity and depth of a woman's intuition.

Seeing one person makes you want to give, seeing another makes you want to hit

This proverb describes how different people's behavior or character evokes different reactions. One person's kindness or need inspires generosity, while another person's arrogance or annoyance provokes irritation and the urge to scold or strike them.

When she looked at her husband with the eye which had beheld the king, she had a mind to thump him.

This proverb describes a situation where a person, after witnessing someone of great power, beauty, or wealth, starts to find their own humble circumstances or partner inferior. It is used to caution against comparing one's own blessings with extraordinary exceptions, which leads to unnecessary discontentment or disdain for what one already has.