పుంజం పెట్టినది బట్ట, లంచం పెట్టినది మాట.
punjam pettinadi batta, lancham pettinadi mata.
That is a cloth into which Punjam has been put, that is the word into which a bribe has been put. A Punjam is a skein of 60 threads ; the word is here used to signify the proper quantity of thread required for good cloth. The only way of obtaining a good recommendation is to purchase it with a bribe.
This proverb highlights that just as the quality of a cloth depends on the thread count (punjam), the outcome of a conversation or legal matter can be manipulated by bribery. It suggests that truth or promises can be twisted if someone is paid off, implying that a person's word might only hold value because of a bribe rather than integrity.
Related Phrases
ఎదుట అన్నది మాట, ఎదాన పెట్టినది వాత.
eduta annadi mata, edana pettinadi vata.
A word spoken in front is just a word, but a brand (mark) placed on the heart is permanent.
This proverb highlights the difference between constructive criticism and backstabbing or deep emotional hurt. It suggests that while direct confrontation can be addressed, words or actions that strike deep at one's emotions or are done behind someone's back leave a lasting, painful scar that is difficult to forget.
గోడకు పెట్టిన సున్నమూ, లంజకు పెట్టిన సొమ్మూ
godaku pettina sunnamu, lanjaku pettina sommu
Lime put on a wall, money given to a harlot. No return.
This proverb describes a situation where resources (money or effort) are spent with no possibility of recovery or return. Just as you cannot retrieve whitewash once it is applied to a wall, money spent on fleeting, unproductive pleasures or given to unreliable people is gone forever. It is used to warn someone about wasteful expenditure.
ఏడ్చి తద్దినం పెట్టించుకున్నట్లు
edchi taddinam pettinchukunnatlu
Like crying and getting a death anniversary performed.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task or fulfills an obligation with great reluctance, lack of interest, or while complaining, rather than doing it willingly or happily. It implies that the person is doing something just for the sake of finishing it, often ruining the spirit of the activity.
అన్నం పెట్టినవారింటికి కన్నము పెట్టినట్లు
annam pettinavarintiki kannamu pettinatlu
Like breaking into the house of the person who fed you.
This expression describes extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It refers to a person who harms their benefactor or someone who has helped them in their time of need. It is used to condemn the act of biting the hand that feeds you.
ఎదట ఉన్నది మాట, ఎదాన పెట్టినది రాత
edata unnadi mata, edana pettinadi rata
That which is in front is a word; that which is placed in the chest is fate.
This expression refers to the contrast between what people say (oral promises or temporary speech) and destiny (written fate). It is often used to imply that while talk is cheap or can change, what is destined to happen (the 'writing' on the heart/fate) is permanent and unchangeable.
ఎదట అన్నది మాట, యెదాన పెట్టింది వాత.
edata annadi mata, yedana pettindi vata.
Reprove a man to his face; brand a man on his chest. Don't abuse a man behind his back. He who praises in praesentia, and abuses in absentia, have with him pestilentia. (German.)
This proverb highlights the difference between casual verbal exchanges and the deep emotional impact of certain words. It suggests that while some comments are just spoken words, others can hurt deeply and leave a permanent scar on the soul, much like a physical branding.
లంచం పెట్టినది మాట, పుంజం పెట్టినది బట్ట.
lancham pettinadi mata, punjam pettinadi batta.
A bribe buys a word, and a skein of yarn makes a cloth.
This proverb highlights the efficacy of incentives. Just as a certain amount of yarn is required to weave a fabric, a bribe or a small favor is often used to get someone to speak in one's favor or to get a task done. It is used to describe how things are influenced by external motivations or materials.
దివిటీ ముందు దీపం పెట్టినట్లు.
diviti mundu dipam pettinatlu.
Like placing a small oil lamp before a flaming torch.
This expression is used to describe a situation where something small, insignificant, or inferior is compared to or placed in front of something vastly superior and brilliant. It highlights how the smaller object's light is completely overshadowed and made redundant by the larger one's brilliance.
అన్నం అడిగినవాడికి సున్నం పెట్టినట్లు
annam adiginavadiki sunnam pettinatlu
Like applying lime to someone who asked for food
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone asks for help or a basic necessity, but instead of being helped, they are treated cruelly or given something harmful. It highlights the act of adding insult to injury or responding to a genuine plea with a malicious action.
ముసలిదానికి పెట్టినది, ముండకు పెట్టినదే ఒకటే.
musalidaniki pettinadi, mundaku pettinade okate.
Giving to an old woman and giving to a childless widow is the same.
This expression is used to describe an investment or a favor that yields no return or future benefit. In a traditional social context, it implies that providing for those who cannot reproduce or contribute back to the lineage is a dead-end expenditure.