పెట్టిపోయని అమ్మ కొట్ట వచ్చిందట!
pettipoyani amma kotta vachchindata!
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.
Related Phrases
కుక్కను కొట్ట బచ్చెన కొయ్య కావలెనా?
kukkanu kotta bachchena koyya kavalena?
Do you require a painted stick to strike a dog with ?
This proverb is used to suggest that one does not need elaborate, expensive, or high-quality tools to perform a trivial or simple task. It emphasizes that a basic or ordinary method is sufficient for a low-level problem, and using something precious would be a waste of resources.
మర్చిపోయి చచ్చినాను ప్రాణమా రమ్మంటే తిరిగి వచ్చునా?
marchipoyi chachchinanu pranama rammante tirigi vachchuna?
If one says "O life! I died by mistake, come back," will the life return?
This proverb is used to convey that certain actions are irreversible. Just as life cannot return once it has left the body—regardless of whether the death was accidental or intentional—certain mistakes cannot be undone, and lost opportunities or broken trust cannot be restored simply by wishing for them.
పెట్టి పొయ్యనమ్మ కొట్టి పొమ్మన్నదట.
petti poyyanamma kotti pommannadata.
She that gave neither food nor drink, beat [me] and said "be off." Said by a beggar.
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.
కొట్టక కొట్టక పక్కలో కొట్టి
kottaka kottaka pakkalo kotti
Striking and striking, but striking in the side.
This expression describes a situation where someone waits for a long time to act, or makes a great effort, only to make a critical mistake or perform the action at the wrong time/place. It is used to highlight a significant failure or a blunder after much anticipation or effort.
పెట్టిపోయని మొగుడు కుట్లువెడల పొడిచినాడట!
pettipoyani mogudu kutluvedala podichinadata!
The husband who provides neither food nor clothing poked her until her stitches came apart.
This proverb is used to describe a person who does not fulfill their basic responsibilities or help in any way, yet causes extra trouble or harm. It highlights the irony and cruelty of someone who is useless but actively makes a situation worse.
దండగలో పండగ
dandagalo pandaga
A festival amidst a waste or loss
This expression is used to describe a situation where an unexpected positive event or celebration occurs during a time of significant loss, waste, or overall failure. It highlights an ironic or small consolation in a losing situation.
కళ్యాణము వచ్చినా కక్కు వచ్చినా ఆగదు
kalyanamu vachchina kakku vachchina agadu
When marriage comes, or vomiting, it cannot be stopped.
This proverb is used to indicate that certain events in life are inevitable and beyond human control once they are set in motion. Just as a physical urge like vomiting cannot be suppressed, significant life events like marriage will happen when the time is right, regardless of attempts to delay or stop them.
అచ్చి పెళ్ళి బుచ్చి చావుకు వచ్చిందట
achchi pelli buchchi chavuku vachchindata
Achi's wedding ended up leading to Buchi's death.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a celebration or a positive event unintentionally leads to a disaster or a tragic outcome for someone else. It highlights the irony of a festive occasion turning into a cause for sorrow due to unforeseen circumstances or mismanagement.
కొట్టి గింజంత కోడలిని చూస్తే, కొండంత జ్వరం వచ్చిందట
kotti ginjanta kodalini chuste, kondanta jvaram vachchindata
Seeing the daughter-in-law who is as small as a grain, she got a fever as big as a mountain.
This proverb describes a situation where someone is extremely intimidated or frightened by another person, even if that person appears small or insignificant. It is often used to mock someone who is unnecessarily afraid of a newcomer or a subordinate, or to highlight a dynamic where a seemingly weak person actually holds significant power over others.
కోడలు వచ్చిన వేళ, కోడెలు వచ్చిన వేళ
kodalu vachchina vela, kodelu vachchina vela
The time the daughter-in-law arrived, the time the young bulls arrived.
This proverb is used to comment on coincidences, specifically when a new arrival in a family (like a daughter-in-law) is blamed or credited for significant events (like the birth of livestock or changes in fortune) that happen shortly after. It highlights how people often link luck or misfortune to a person's entry into the household.