రోటిపాట, రోకటి పాట.
rotipata, rokati pata.
The song of the mortar and the song of the pestle.
This expression refers to rhythmic folk songs sung by women while performing manual labor, particularly grinding or pounding grain. It signifies the coordination, tradition, and the way music eases the burden of repetitive physical work.
Related Phrases
రోట్లో తల పెట్టి, రోకటి దెబ్బకు వెరిచినట్లు
rotlo tala petti, rokati debbaku verichinatlu
Putting one's head in the mortar, and then fearing the blow of the pestle.
This proverb is used to describe a person who voluntarily undertakes a difficult or risky task but then complains or feels afraid when faced with the inevitable hardships or consequences that come with it. It suggests that once you commit to a challenging path, you must be prepared to face the difficulties.
Undertaking a business and then holding back through fear. The gladiator, having entered the lists, is taking advice. ( Latin. )*
రోటిని చూచి పాట పాడాలి.
rotini chuchi pata padali.
One should sing the song after seeing the mortar.
This proverb emphasizes situational awareness and appropriateness. It suggests that one's actions, words, or efforts should be tailored to the specific circumstances or the tools at hand, similar to the English expression 'To suit the action to the word.'
రోటిలో తలదూర్చి రోకటి పోటుకు వెరచినట్లు
rotilo taladurchi rokati potuku verachinatlu
After putting your head in the mortar, being afraid of the pestle's blow.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone voluntarily takes on a difficult or risky task and then complains or gets scared when the inevitable challenges or consequences arise. It emphasizes that once you commit to a difficult path, you must be prepared to face the hardships that come with it.
రోటికాడ రోకటిపాట ఇసుర్రాయికాడ అదేపాట
rotikada rokatipata isurrayikada adepata
The same song at the mortar and the same song at the grinding stone
This expression refers to someone who repeats the same story, excuse, or behavior regardless of the situation or location. It describes a monotonous or repetitive nature where a person doesn't change their approach or topic even when the context changes.
ఒకటి చేయబోతే మరొకటి అయినట్లు
okati cheyabote marokati ayinatlu
Doing one thing and it becoming another
This expression is used to describe a situation where one's actions lead to an unexpected or unintended outcome, often despite good intentions. It is similar to the English phrase 'Backfiring' or 'Best-laid plans gone awry.' It describes a result that is completely different from what was originally planned.
వాడు ఆడినది ఆట, పాడినది పాట
vadu adinadi ata, padinadi pata
What he dances is a dance, what he sings is a song.
This expression is used to describe a person who holds absolute power, influence, or authority in a particular situation. It implies that the person can do whatever they want without any opposition, and others must follow their rules or whims.
సువ్వీ అంటే రోకటిపాట
suvvi ante rokatipata
As for "Suvvi," 'tis the rice pounder's song. The word Suvvi is used as a chorus in songs sung by women when beating rice. Said in disparagement of anything very common.
This expression is used to describe a predictable situation where one word or action immediately triggers a specific, customary response or follows a well-known pattern. 'Suvvi' is a traditional rhythmic syllable used by women while pounding grain with a pestle, and thus it is inextricably linked to the 'Rokati Pata' (pestle song).
అత్తిపత్తి
attipatti
Touch-me-not plant
Literally referring to the Mimosa pudica plant, this expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, shy, or gets easily offended or hurt by even the slightest comment or touch.
మంగలి పాత, చాకలి కొత్త
mangali pata, chakali kotta
An old barber and a new washerman. An old physician, a young lawyer. A barber learns to shave by shaving fools.
This proverb refers to traditional preferences in village life: a barber's razor or tools are considered better when they are 'old' (well-seasoned/tested), whereas a washerman is judged by how 'new' (clean/fresh) the clothes look. It is used to describe how different professions or situations require different standards—some value experience and age, while others value freshness and appearance.
మతి లేని మాట, శ్రుతి లేని పాట
mati leni mata, shruti leni pata
A senseless speech, a tuneless song.
This proverb is used to describe speech that lacks intelligence or logic. Just as a song without proper scale or rhythm (shruti) is unpleasant to hear, talk that lacks sense or wisdom is useless and annoying to the listener.