రెండు తప్పలు ఎప్పుడూ ఒక ఒప్పు కాలేవు
rendu tappalu eppudu oka oppu kalevu
Two wrongs can never make a right
This expression is used to say that if someone has done something bad to you, there is no justification for you to do something bad to them in return. It implies that a second wrongful action does not correct or balance out the first one.
Related Phrases
ఏ పాటు తప్పినా సాపాటు తప్పదు.
e patu tappina sapatu tappadu.
Whatever work is neglected, eating is not forgotten.
This proverb highlights that regardless of one's struggles, difficulties, or busy schedule, the basic necessity of eating is unavoidable and essential for survival. It is often used to emphasize that humans must work to satisfy their hunger, or as a justification for taking a break to eat despite being in the middle of a crisis.
ముండ చావనూ చావదు, ముట్టు తప్పనూ తప్పదు
munda chavanu chavadu, muttu tappanu tappadu
The widow neither dies nor does her menstrual cycle stop.
This proverb is used to describe a persistent, annoying problem or a person who remains a constant nuisance without any resolution. It refers to a situation that is stuck in a stagnant, unpleasant state where there is neither an end to the trouble nor any relief from the daily difficulties associated with it.
తన తప్పు తప్పు కాదు, తన బిడ్డ దుడుకు కాదు
tana tappu tappu kadu, tana bidda duduku kadu
One's own mistake is not a mistake, one's own child's mischief is not mischief
This proverb highlights human nature's inherent bias and hypocrisy. People often justify or overlook their own faults and the misbehavior of their loved ones while being quick to judge or criticize the same actions in others. It is used to point out partiality and the lack of objective self-reflection.
అత్త ఒప్పినా దుత్త ఒప్పదు
atta oppina dutta oppadu
Even if the mother-in-law agrees, the pot does not agree.
This proverb is used when a situation is practically impossible even if the person in authority gives permission. It highlights a scenario where a task cannot be completed due to physical constraints or external circumstances, despite having the necessary approval.
అమ్మా అమ్మా నొప్పులెత్తుకున్నపుడు నన్ను లేపవే అంటే, అలాగే పడుకో బిడ్డ ఊటగా నొప్పులెత్తుకుంటే ఊరెల్ల నీవే లేపుతావు అందట.
amma amma noppulettukunnapudu nannu lepave ante, alage paduko bidda utaga noppulettukunte urella nive leputavu andata.
When a daughter said, 'Mother, wake me up when labor pains start,' the mother replied, 'Just sleep, my child; when the pains start in earnest, you will wake the whole village yourself.'
This proverb highlights that certain experiences or responsibilities are so intense or natural that they do not require external reminders or prompts. It is used to describe situations where a person thinks they need a warning for an upcoming event, but the event itself will be so significant that it will demand their full attention and action automatically.
తనకు చెప్ప తడికల చాటు, ఒకరికి చెప్ప ఒప్పులకుప్ప
tanaku cheppa tadikala chatu, okariki cheppa oppulakuppa
Hiding behind a fence when told to do it oneself, but acting like a master of virtues when telling others.
This proverb is used to describe a hypocritical person who avoids responsibility or hides when it is their turn to perform a task, yet eagerly gives advice and lectures others on how to do things perfectly. It is similar to the English expression 'Practicing what you preach.'
రెండూ రెండే, కొండప్పా!
rendu rende, kondappa!
Both are the same, Kondappa!
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is no real difference between two choices or outcomes, often implying that both are equally bad, useless, or redundant. It originates from a humorous anecdote about someone trying to distinguish between two identical things only to realize they are the same.
నొప్పులెత్తుకున్నప్పుడే మంత్రసాని దెబ్బ సందు
noppulettukunnappude mantrasani debba sandu
Looking for the midwife only after the labor pains have started.
This proverb describes a situation where someone waits until the very last moment or a crisis to start looking for a solution or assistance. It is used to criticize poor planning or lack of foresight, emphasizing that one should be prepared before an emergency arises.
చెప్పే మాటలకన్నా, తప్పని మాటలు నయం
cheppe matalakanna, tappani matalu nayam
Actions that don't fail are better than words that are merely spoken.
This expression emphasizes that keeping one's word or performing a duty reliably is far superior to making grand promises or giving empty advice. It highlights the importance of integrity and action over mere eloquence.
దండుగకు ఒప్పదురుగాని, పండుగ కొప్పరు
dandugaku oppadurugani, panduga kopparu
They agree to a penalty but not to a festival.
This expression is used to describe people who are willing to spend money on useless things, penalties, or unnecessary losses but hesitate or refuse to spend money on something auspicious, joyful, or beneficial. It highlights poor priorities and the irony of people's spending habits.