పెట్టి పొయ్యనమ్మ కొట్టి పొమ్మన్నదట.

petti poyyanamma kotti pommannadata.

Translation

She that gave neither food nor drink, beat [me] and said "be off." Said by a beggar.

Meaning

This proverb describes a person who is not only uncharitable or unhelpful but also behaves rudely or aggressively towards those seeking help. It is used to highlight a situation where instead of receiving expected hospitality or assistance, one receives harsh treatment.

Related Phrases

Dammanna's raid won't leave even if told to go

This proverb is used to describe a persistent problem, an unwanted guest, or a stubborn situation that refuses to go away despite several attempts to get rid of it. It refers to a nuisance that has overstayed its welcome.

When the Śūdra saluted the Brahman, the latter in return asked him to pay an old debt due by his father. Rudeness in return for civility.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an attempt to be polite or respectful towards someone results in them taking undue advantage or bringing up old grievances. It signifies that being over-courteous to certain demanding or opportunistic people can sometimes invite trouble or unwanted obligations.

Every house has an earthen fire-place.

This proverb means that certain problems, weaknesses, or secrets are universal and exist in every household or for every person, regardless of how they appear on the outside. It is used to convey that one is not alone in their struggles and that human nature or domestic issues are the same everywhere.

Every man has his faults.

When asked 'What is that mucus on your nose, lady?', she replied, 'Wipe it off with your own hand and go'.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is so lazy, entitled, or shameless that when a flaw or problem of theirs is pointed out, they expect the person who pointed it out to fix it for them. It is used to mock people who take advantage of others' kindness or helpfulness.

The woman who doesn't even serve food came to beat!

This proverb is used to describe someone who fails to do their basic duty or provide help, but instead causes trouble or behaves aggressively. It highlights the irony of someone being useless in a positive sense but active in a negative or harmful way.

When she said she felt like vomiting while cooking, the host told her to stay and leave only after eating.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is given an absurd or unwanted suggestion in response to a problem. It satirizes people who lack common sense or empathy, or those who insist on formalities even when the situation is inappropriate or uncomfortable.

While going to the village fair, they said to take it off; while going to a wedding, they said to put it on.

This proverb describes a situation where a person is given contradictory advice or where things are handled based on the specific context and necessity. It highlights the irony or the double standards in instructions given by others depending on the occasion—encouraging modesty or safety in crowds (fair) and display of wealth at celebrations (wedding).

Touch-me-not plant

Literally referring to the Mimosa pudica plant, this expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, shy, or gets easily offended or hurt by even the slightest comment or touch.

If I get up, I won't be a human; so just leave me in the corner and go.

This expression is used to describe an extremely lazy person who makes grand, empty threats or boasts of their power to avoid doing work. It mockingly portrays someone who claims they would be dangerously powerful if they ever stood up, but uses that as an excuse to remain idle and be served by others.

Like leaving the grain, and fighting for the husk.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone ignores the essential, valuable, or core part of something and instead wastes their time and energy on trivial, useless, or superficial matters. It is a critique of poor prioritization and lack of common sense.