పగలు పక్కచూచి మాట్లాడు, రాత్రి అదీ మాట్లాడ వద్దు.
pagalu pakkachuchi matladu, ratri adi matlada vaddu.
When you speak in the day time, look around ; at night don't speak at all. ( Hills see, walls hear. ( Spanish. ) )
This proverb warns about the importance of secrecy and caution when discussing sensitive matters. It suggests that even in daylight, one must check their surroundings for eavesdroppers, but at night, when sounds travel further and silence is unpredictable, it is better to remain completely silent to avoid being overheard.
Related Phrases
చుట్టకాలిస్తే మాట్లాడనీయదు
chuttakaliste matladaniyadu
If a cigar is lit, it won't let you talk.
This expression is used to describe a person who is so self-centered or obsessed with their own activity that they completely ignore others or refuse to engage in conversation. It can also refer to a situation where a small task or habit becomes a distraction that prevents meaningful communication.
మాట్లాడితే మడమ తిప్పడం
matladite madama tippadam
Turning the heel as soon as one speaks
This expression is used to describe someone who is inconsistent, frequently changes their stance, or fails to stand by their word. It characterizes a person who lacks integrity or goes back on promises immediately after making them.
కూలికి వచ్చి పాలికి మాట్లాడినట్లు
kuliki vachchi paliki matladinatlu
Coming for daily wages but asking for a share in the property.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is hired for a small task or holds a subordinate position oversteps their boundaries and demands authority, ownership, or a share in the profits. It highlights the audacity of a person who forgets their actual status and expects more than what they are entitled to.
కూలికి వచ్చి పాలికి మాట్లాడినట్టు.
kuliki vachchi paliki matladinattu.
He came for hire, and asked for a share [in the business]. A cool request.
This proverb is used to describe a person who, despite having a very minor or temporary role in a task or organization, tries to claim ownership, authority, or a large share of the profits. It highlights the audacity of someone overstepping their boundaries.
మంచివానికి మాటకన్నా మందు లేదు
manchivaniki matakanna mandu ledu
To a good man silence is reproof.
This proverb highlights that a simple, kind, or honest word is sufficient to correct or influence a person of good character. While a stubborn or wicked person might require force or punishment, a virtuous person understands and responds to reason and gentle communication.
వెనకా ముందూ చూచి మాట్లాడండి
venaka mundu chuchi matladandi
Having looked before and behind, speak, Sir. A story is told of a corrupt judge behind whose seat one of the parties in a suit placed a bag of money and when he perceived that the case was going against him, called out " Look before and behind you Sir, and decide." The judge, perceiving the bribe, adroitly turned his judgment against the opposite party.
This expression is used as a piece of advice or a warning to someone to be cautious with their words. It suggests thinking about the consequences, the context, and the people present before speaking, ensuring one doesn't say something regrettable or inappropriate.
మాట్లాడనేరిస్తే పోట్లాడరాదు
matladaneriste potladaradu
If you know how to speak properly, there will be no need to fight.
This proverb emphasizes the power of communication and diplomacy. It suggests that if a person possesses the skill of speaking tactfully, politely, and effectively, they can resolve any conflict or misunderstanding without it escalating into a physical or verbal fight.
పట్టు కత్తిరించినట్టు మాట్లాడవలెను
pattu kattirinchinattu matladavalenu
You should speak as silk is cut. i. e. give a decided answer, as unmistakable as the cut of silk is clean.
This expression means that one's speech should be precise, brief, and very clear, similar to the clean and smooth cut of a sharp pair of scissors through silk fabric. It is used to advise someone to be straightforward and articulate without unnecessary ambiguity.
నోరు మూస్తే పెడతల మాట్లాడినట్లు
noru muste pedatala matladinatlu
Like the back of the head speaking when the mouth is closed.
This expression is used to describe a person who is exceptionally stubborn, argumentative, or persistent. It implies that even if you manage to silence them or win an argument, they will still find a way to have the last word or continue their defiance through some other means.
పగటి మాటలు పనికి చేటు, రాత్రి మాటలు నిద్రకు చేటు.
pagati matalu paniki chetu, ratri matalu nidraku chetu.
Talking in the day time spoils one's business ; talking in the night time spoils one's sleep.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of time management and focus. It suggests that gossiping or talking excessively during the day hinders productivity, while doing the same at night disturbs necessary rest. It is used to advise someone to stop talking and get back to their responsibilities or to sleep.