పోరాని చుట్టము వచ్చినాడు, తమలపాకులు బొడ్డు వంచి కోయుమన్నట్టు
porani chuttamu vachchinadu, tamalapakulu boddu vanchi koyumannattu
" A near relation has come," said he "stoop and pluck the betel leaves." The owner of the garden unwillingly complied with his relation's de- mand to be supplied with betel leaf gratis, and instructed his gardener with the ambiguous phrase "stoop and pluck," which the relation understood to mean that the order was to be obeyed with alacrity, the object really being that the worst leaves, which are always nearest the ground, should be given. The word translated "near" signifies literally "one who goes not." Applied to that which is done because politeness requires it, but un- willingly.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is being inhospitable or stingy toward an unwelcome guest. Breaking the stem (boddu) of a betel leaf ruins the plant's future growth; it implies that the host is so annoyed or reluctant to serve the guest that they are willing to provide something in a destructive or rude manner just to get rid of them or show their displeasure.
Related Phrases
పొద్దున్నే వచ్చిన వాన, పొద్దు తిరిగి వచ్చిన చుట్టం పోరు.
poddunne vachchina vana, poddu tirigi vachchina chuttam poru.
Rain that comes in the morning and a relative who arrives late in the day will not leave quickly.
This proverb highlights two situations that are known to persist for a long duration. Morning rain often indicates a rainy day ahead, and a relative arriving in the evening is likely to stay overnight. It is used to describe situations or guests that are expected to linger for quite some time.
బోడి తలకు బొడ్డు మల్లెలు ముడిచినట్టు
bodi talaku boddu mallelu mudichinattu
Like decorating a bald man with a jasmine garland. Boddu Malle is the Jasminum Sambac. Something being thrown away upon a person.
This expression is used to describe an attempt to decorate or improve something that lacks the necessary foundation or suitability. It refers to something that is out of place, mismatched, or a waste of effort because the underlying situation doesn't support the addition.
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.
రెడ్డి వచ్చినాడు, మొదటినుంచి పాడుమన్నట్టు.
reddi vachchinadu, modatinunchi padumannattu.
The Reddi has come, begin your song again. A person being continually asked to recommence his song or story on the arrival of every person of consequence.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is asked to restart a task or process from the very beginning just because a latecomer or an influential person has arrived, disregarding the progress already made. It highlights the frustration of unnecessary repetition and the inconvenience caused by late arrivals.
వచ్చినవాడు వరచుట్టము, మరునాడు మాడచుట్టము, మూడవనాడు మూటతీసి బయటపెట్టము
vachchinavadu varachuttamu, marunadu madachuttamu, mudavanadu mutatisi bayatapettamu
The one who arrives is a dear relative, the next day a costly burden, and the third day a guest to be packed off.
This proverb describes the diminishing hospitality guests receive over time. It suggests that while a guest is welcomed warmly on the first day, their presence becomes increasingly burdensome and unwelcome the longer they overstay their welcome.
పొద్దు పొడుపున వచ్చిన వాన, పొద్దుగూకి వచ్చిన చుట్టం పోరు
poddu podupuna vachchina vana, podduguki vachchina chuttam poru
Rain that starts at sunrise and a guest who arrives at sunset will not leave soon.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe situations or people that stay longer than desired. Just as morning rain often persists throughout the day, a relative who arrives late in the evening is expected to stay overnight and potentially longer, making it difficult to ask them to leave.
పాలకు వచ్చి ముంత దాచినట్టు
palaku vachchi munta dachinattu
Begging for milk and hiding his cup.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone approaches another person for help or a favor but is too hesitant, shy, or secretive to state their actual need. It highlights the irony of intending to ask for something while concealing the very tool or reason needed to receive it.
Poverty and pride.
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.
సందెకాడ వచ్చిన మామ, సగం పొద్దున వచ్చిన చుట్టం పోరు
sandekada vachchina mama, sagam podduna vachchina chuttam poru
A maternal uncle who arrives at twilight and a relative who arrives at mid-morning never leave.
This proverb is used to describe guests or situations that are poorly timed and likely to result in an extended, perhaps unwanted, stay. It implies that certain timings naturally lead to people overstaying their welcome or creating more work for the hosts.
మంచి ఉల్లిగడ్డకు మంచి బొడ్డు.
manchi ulligaddaku manchi boddu.
A good onion has a good navel (core).
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that is of high quality both inside and out. Just as the quality of an onion is determined by its core, the character of a person or the integrity of a thing is judged by its inner essence. It suggests that true quality is consistent throughout.