సాక్షికాళ్లు పట్టుకోవడముకన్నా వాదికాళ్లు పట్టుకోవచ్చును
sakshikallu pattukovadamukanna vadikallu pattukovachchunu
Better fall at the feet of the prosecutor than at the feet of the witnesses.
This proverb suggests that instead of trying to influence or persuade intermediaries or witnesses, it is more effective and straightforward to deal directly with the primary person involved in a dispute. It emphasizes that reaching an agreement with the opponent is easier than managing those who are merely testifying.
Related Phrases
బయట తన్ని ఇంట్లో కాళ్లు పట్టుకున్నట్టు
bayata tanni intlo kallu pattukunnattu
Kicking [a man ] when out of doors and falling at his feet in the house. Disgracing him in public and cringing to him in private.
This expression describes a hypocritical or manipulative behavior where someone insults or harms a person in public (or treats them poorly elsewhere) and then tries to act humble or seek forgiveness in private. It refers to a person who tries to cover up their public misdeeds with private apologies or subservience.
కాలు పట్టుకొని లాగితే చూరు పట్టుకుని వేళ్ళాడినట్లు.
kalu pattukoni lagite churu pattukuni velladinatlu.
Like hanging onto the eaves of the roof when someone is pulling your leg.
This proverb describes a person who is extremely stubborn or desperate to stay in a position or situation even when they are being forcefully removed. It is used to mock someone who lacks dignity and clings onto something despite being clearly unwanted or rejected.
తగిలించుకోవడం సులభం, వదిలించుకోవడం కష్టం.
tagilinchukovadam sulabham, vadilinchukovadam kashtam.
It is easy to get attached, but hard to get rid of.
This expression is used to describe habits, relationships, or problems that are easy to start or acquire, but extremely difficult to escape or resolve. It is often used as a warning against picking up bad habits or entering into complicated commitments.
కాలు పట్టుకొని లాగితే చూరు పట్టుకొని వేలాడేవాడు.
kalu pattukoni lagite churu pattukoni veladevadu.
When you pull him out by the leg, he holds on by the eaves.
This expression is used to describe an extremely stubborn, persistent, or shameless person who refuses to let go or give up. Even when someone tries to remove them or bring them down, they find another way to cling to their position or stay involved.
A man of no delicacy of feeling, not to be got rid of easily. A toady.
బయట తన్ని ఇంట్లో కాళ్ళు పట్టుకొన్నట్లు
bayata tanni intlo kallu pattukonnatlu
Like kicking someone outside and then holding their feet inside the house
This expression describes a person's hypocritical or cowardly behavior where they behave aggressively or disrespectfully in public, but act submissive or apologetic in private. It refers to a situation where someone harms another person and later tries to please them for selfish reasons or out of fear.
గాలి వచ్చినప్పుడే గదా తూర్పార పట్టుకోవలెను
gali vachchinappude gada turpara pattukovalenu
Is it not when the wind blows that you must winnow ?
This is the Telugu equivalent of 'Make hay while the sun shines'. It advises people to seize opportunities when they arise and make the most of favorable circumstances while they last.
Strike while the iron is hot. Take time while time is, for time will away.
గతిలేనివాడు గాడిదకాళ్ళు పట్టుకొన్నట్లు
gatilenivadu gadidakallu pattukonnatlu
Like a helpless man clutching the legs of a donkey.
This expression is used to describe a person who, in a state of absolute desperation or helplessness, seeks assistance from someone completely insignificant, unworthy, or incapable of helping. It highlights the irony and humiliation of being forced to rely on the lowest possible means when one has no other choice.
కాలితో కదుపుకోవడం, చేతితో జువ్వుకోవడం
kalito kadupukovadam, chetito juvvukovadam
Moving it with the foot and picking it up with the hand
This expression refers to a situation where someone intentionally creates a mess or a problem (symbolized by kicking something with the foot) and then later has to go through the trouble of fixing or cleaning it up manually. It is used to describe self-inflicted troubles or a lack of foresight.
అత్తను చూసి దాచుకోవడం, పిల్లను చూసి పారేసుకోవడం
attanu chusi dachukovadam, pillanu chusi paresukovadam
Hiding upon seeing the mother-in-law, throwing away upon seeing the child.
This expression refers to a person who is hypocritical or selective in their behavior based on self-interest. It describes someone who acts disciplined or stingy in front of authority figures (like a mother-in-law) to make a good impression, but becomes careless or overly generous when dealing with those who have no power over them (like a child).
లడాయి వచ్చినప్పుడా కత్తులు చేసుకోవడము?
ladayi vachchinappuda kattulu chesukovadamu?
To make swords when the war comes.
This proverb is used to criticize lack of foresight or preparation. It describes a situation where someone starts preparing for a challenge or emergency only when it is already happening, rather than being ready in advance. It is similar to the English expression 'digging a well only when the house is on fire.'