పెట్టేవాడిని చూస్తే ఆశ, కొట్టేవాడిని చూస్తే భయం

pettevadini chuste asha, kottevadini chuste bhayam

Translation

Greed when seeing the giver, fear when seeing the hitter.

Meaning

This expression describes a person who is opportunistic and fickle, driven entirely by self-interest. It refers to someone who displays excitement and greed when there is a chance to receive something for free, but becomes fearful and submissive when faced with authority or a threat.

Related Phrases

Wishing for porridge and also for mustaches.

This proverb describes a person who wants two things that are mutually exclusive or incompatible. In the context, one cannot drink porridge (ambali) from a bowl without getting it on their mustache. It is used to critique someone who is being greedy or unrealistic by trying to enjoy a benefit without accepting the associated consequences or trade-offs.

The two don't go well together.

Sin means fear

This expression is used to describe someone who is God-fearing, ethical, or has a strong conscience. It implies that a person's fear of committing a sin or doing wrong keeps them on the path of righteousness and integrity.

Complaining about the husband, but greedy for the money

This expression describes a person who constantly complains about their spouse's presence or behavior but is very eager to enjoy the financial benefits and wealth provided by them. It is used to highlight hypocrisy or material greed in a relationship.

Snail's pace

This expression is used to describe something that is moving or progressing extremely slowly. It is commonly used to criticize slow administrative processes, delayed projects, or people who are taking too long to complete a task.

If it is the right path, why fear?

This expression is used to state that one who acts with integrity, honesty, and follows the righteous path has no reason to be afraid of anyone or any consequences. It is similar to the English proverb 'A clean hand wants no washing'.

He casts my blood into my mouth. i. e. He harasses and annoys me exceedingly.

This expression is used to describe a person who causes extreme distress, suffering, or mental agony to someone close to them. It characterizes a situation where someone's actions are so hurtful or demanding that the victim feels they are being self-destructed or bled dry by the perpetrator's behavior.

As long as there is victory, there is no fear

This expression is used to signify that success and confidence eliminate fear. It suggests that when one is continuously winning or in a state of triumph, they do not feel intimidated by challenges. It is often used to motivate someone to focus on achieving success to overcome their insecurities.

If grandfather dies, the patched quilt is mine.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is overly greedy or selfishly waiting for someone's death just to inherit even the smallest, most insignificant belongings. It highlights an insensitive attitude where one cares more about material gain than the loss of a loved one.

Where there is sin there will be fear, where there is low ground there will be water.

This proverb highlights natural consequences. Just as water naturally flows and settles in low-lying areas (slopes), guilt or fear naturally follows a person who has committed a wrong act. It is used to describe how a guilty conscience is always fearful of being caught or punished.

When invited to come inside, claiming the whole house belongs to you.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is given a small favor or a bit of hospitality, but they take undue advantage of it and try to dominate or claim ownership of everything. It is used to criticize people who don't know their boundaries or who exhibit overbearing behavior after receiving a simple courtesy.