రండి రండి రావే అంటే ముండా వస్తావుందు అందట

randi randi rave ante munda vastavundu andata

Translation

When told 'Please come, please come,' she replied, 'Wait, I (the widow) am coming.'

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks self-respect or basic social awareness. It refers to someone who interprets a polite, formal invitation too literally or responds in an inappropriately informal or self-deprecating way, often causing awkwardness or showing a lack of refinement.

Related Phrases

If he says it's Śiva's bull, it is Śiva's bull; if he says it's a pig, it is a pig.

This expression describes extreme sycophancy, blind obedience, or a 'yes-man' attitude. It is used to characterize someone who agrees with everything a powerful person says, even if the statements are contradictory or obviously false, just to please them.

Said of the power of a great and unjust man.

Asked for bread, given a stone.

This expression is used when someone requests help or a specific favor but receives something useless, harmful, or completely contrary to their needs. It highlights a situation of disappointment where a genuine plea is met with indifference or hostility.

What is done will not be lost; what is not done will not be gained.

This proverb emphasizes the law of karma and the necessity of effort. It means that one must inevitably face the consequences of their actions (good or bad), and without putting in work or action, one cannot expect any results or rewards.

If the husband calls his wife a widow, the beggar who comes to the door will also call her a widow.

This proverb highlights that if a family member (especially a protector) treats their own kin with disrespect or demeans them in public, outsiders will feel emboldened to do the same. It is used to advise that one must maintain dignity and respect within the family to ensure the world respects them as well.

When told 'The wedding is over,' he replied, 'The anxiety has finally subsided.'

This proverb is used to describe a sense of relief after a major, stressful task or responsibility is completed. It highlights the mental burden one carries until a significant event (like a wedding in the family) is successfully concluded, after which the person can finally find peace of mind.

When the brother-in-law said 'I will come', the woman replied 'No, it is an inauspicious time'.

This proverb describes people who use silly or unnecessary excuses to avoid something that is actually desirable or appropriate. It specifically mocks those who observe superstitions (like 'Varjyam' or inauspicious timing) at the wrong moments or to an absurd extent, thereby missing out on opportunities or natural events.

If you say it's a bull, it's a bull; if you say it's a pig, it's a pig.

This expression describes a person who is a 'yes-man' or someone who blindly agrees with whatever an influential person says, regardless of the truth or logic. It highlights submissiveness or a lack of independent judgment, often used to mock someone who changes their stance just to please a superior.

Was the hammer first, or were the tongs ?

This expression is used to describe a situation of extreme confusion, circular logic, or a 'chicken and egg' dilemma. It refers to the irony that a blacksmith needs a hammer to make pincers, but needs pincers to hold the metal to make a hammer. It is often used to mock someone who is confused about the order of operations or stuck in a paradox.

When asked to dance, he sang; when asked to sing, he left.

This expression is used to describe someone who is being uncooperative, stubborn, or intentionally doing the opposite of what is requested. It highlights a person's lack of interest or skill in following simple instructions, often choosing to be difficult or evasive instead of helpful.

Your sword has sharpness on both sides

This expression is used to describe a person who is clever, influential, or powerful in such a way that they can manage situations to their advantage regardless of the outcome. It can also refer to someone whose words or actions are doubly effective or, in a more cautionary sense, someone who can be both helpful and dangerous.