పాత చుట్టం - పాత చింతకాయ పచ్చడి
pata chuttam - pata chintakaya pachchadi
Old relative - Old tamarind chutney
This expression is used to describe a long-standing relationship or someone who has been known for a very long time. Just as tamarind chutney (Chintakaya Pachadi) is a staple in Telugu households that improves or maintains its value as it ages, an 'old relative' refers to a familiar, dependable, and deeply rooted connection. It is often used jokingly or affectionately when meeting a relative after a long time or discussing a very old family friend.
Related Phrases
కొత్త చింతకాయతొక్కు, కొత్త చుట్టరికము రుచి
kotta chintakayatokku, kotta chuttarikamu ruchi
New tamarind pickle and a new relationship are tasty.
This proverb highlights that in the initial stages, everything about a new relationship or a fresh batch of pickle feels delightful and exciting. It is often used to describe the honeymoon phase of a friendship, marriage, or any new association where people are on their best behavior and the experience feels uniquely pleasant before the novelty wears off.
ఫరవాలేని చుట్టం వచ్చింది, పాతచేట గొడుగు పట్టమన్నట్లు
pharavaleni chuttam vachchindi, patacheta godugu pattamannatlu
When an unimportant relative arrived, they were asked to hold an old winnowing basket as an umbrella.
This proverb describes a situation where someone is treated with total disregard or lack of respect because they are perceived as unimportant or overly familiar. It is used when hospitality is minimal or insulting, or when someone is given a useless or broken item instead of a proper one due to their low status in the eyes of the host.
బంగారం పోయిన తర్వాత బట్ట చుట్టమా
bangaram poyina tarvata batta chuttama
Why wrap the cloth after the gold is lost?
This proverb is used to describe an act of being cautious or taking measures when it is already too late. It highlights the pointlessness of guarding an empty container or vessel after the valuable contents have already been stolen or lost. It is similar to the English expression 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted.'
చుట్టం వచ్చాడంట చెప్పులు ఎక్కడ వదిలాడో చూచిరా అన్నట్లు
chuttam vachchadanta cheppulu ekkada vadilado chuchira annatlu
Like saying, a relative has arrived, go see where he left his sandals.
This expression is used to describe a person who is overly suspicious or focused on trivial, petty details instead of showing proper hospitality or respect. It highlights a mean-spirited nature where one looks for a reason to find fault or protect their belongings even before welcoming a guest.
చింతకాయలు ఎరుగని దొరసాని, చింతకాయలను చూచి కొడవళ్ళా అన్నదట
chintakayalu erugani dorasani, chintakayalanu chuchi kodavalla annadata
The lady who had never seen tamarinds asked if they were sickles upon seeing them.
This proverb describes someone who is completely ignorant of common, everyday things but tries to act sophisticated or superior. It is used to mock people who lack practical knowledge or those who make ridiculous assumptions about simple matters due to their lack of exposure.
గోంగూరలో చింతకాయ వేసినట్టు
gonguralo chintakaya vesinattu
Like mixing unripe tamarinds with Gôgu greens. Gôgu or Gôngguṛa is the Hibiscus Cannabinus. A combination of evil persons.
This expression describes a situation where something unnecessary or redundant is done, particularly when one sour ingredient is added to another already sour base. It is used to mock actions that are repetitive or when someone tries to over-emphasize a point that is already clear.
చింత చచ్చినా పులుపు చావదు
chinta chachchina pulupu chavadu
The tamarind may be dried, but it loses not its acidity. Retaining vigour of mind though weakened in body.
This proverb is used to describe a person who has lost their wealth, status, or power but still retains their old ego, arrogance, or habits. Just as the acidic quality remains in tamarind even after it dries up, some people refuse to change their stubborn nature despite a change in their circumstances.
చింత చిగురింత ఏపు
chinta chigurinta epu
Tamarind sprouts as much as its growth.
This proverb is used to describe something that is growing or expanding rapidly. It is often applied to people who have suddenly gained wealth, influence, or physical height, or to situations where a small beginning has quickly led to significant development.
అత్త చచ్చిందని అత్త చీర కట్టుకుంటే, చచ్చినాక దయ్యమై పట్టిందట
atta chachchindani atta chira kattukunte, chachchinaka dayyamai pattindata
When the daughter-in-law wore her deceased mother-in-law's saree because she died, the mother-in-law returned as a ghost to haunt her.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to benefit from another person's misfortune or death, only to find that the benefit brings unforeseen troubles or burdens. It highlights that ill-gotten gains or taking advantage of a situation can lead to haunting consequences.
మాట చుట్టమేగాని, పూట చుట్టం కాదు.
mata chuttamegani, puta chuttam kadu.
A relative in words, but not a relative at mealtime.
This expression describes people who offer verbal sympathy or make grand promises but disappear when actual help or hospitality (like providing a meal) is required. It refers to someone who is friendly only on the surface and avoids the responsibility of true friendship or kinship.