శని పట్టితే ఏడేళ్ళు, నేను పట్టితే పధ్నాలుగేళ్ళు
shani pattite edellu, nenu pattite padhnalugellu
If Shani catches you, it's seven years; if I catch you, it's fourteen years.
This expression is used to describe someone who is even more troublesome, persistent, or malicious than the astrological deity Shani (Saturn), who is traditionally associated with seven and a half years of hardship. It characterizes a person who refuses to leave someone alone and causes prolonged suffering or annoyance.
Related Phrases
ఒక చెంప కొట్టితే పాలు, ఒక చెంప కొట్టితే నీళ్లు
oka chempa kottite palu, oka chempa kottite nillu
If you slap one cheek, milk [comes ]; if you slap the other cheek, water [comes ]. Said of a very tender, delicate boy.
This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely innocent, tender, or young. It signifies a person who is so soft and fragile that they haven't yet experienced the harshness of the world, often referring to infants or very naive individuals.
శని పడితే ఏడేళ్ళు, నేను పడితే పద్నాలుగేళ్ళు
shani padite edellu, nenu padite padnalugellu
If Shani (Saturn) catches you, it's seven years; if I catch you, it's fourteen years.
This expression is used to describe someone who is far more troublesome, persistent, or harmful than even the dreaded astrological period of Shani (Sade Sati). It is often said by a person asserting their dominance or capability to cause long-lasting trouble, or to describe a person who never lets go once they start bothering someone.
మన్ను పట్టితే బంగారం, బంగారం పట్టితే మన్ను
mannu pattite bangaram, bangaram pattite mannu
Touching mud turns it into gold, touching gold turns it into mud
This proverb describes the extremes of luck or fortune. It refers to a person's current 'luck streak'—when someone is highly successful, even their smallest efforts (mud) yield great results (gold). Conversely, when someone is going through a period of extreme misfortune, even their most valuable assets or best efforts fail miserably.
పెట్టితే తింటారుగాని, తిట్టితే పడేవారు లేరు.
pettite tintarugani, tittite padevaru leru.
If you feed, [people] will eat; but if you abuse none will bear it.
This proverb highlights human nature regarding respect and dignity. It means that while people are happy to accept favors or gifts, they will not tolerate being insulted or treated poorly. It is used to advise someone that providing material help does not give them the right to verbal abuse.
బంగారం పడితే మన్ను, మన్ను పడితే బంగారం అయినట్లు
bangaram padite mannu, mannu padite bangaram ayinatlu
Like gold turning into mud and mud turning into gold.
This expression describes the volatility of luck or fortune. It refers to a situation where a person with bad luck can turn a valuable opportunity (gold) into a failure (mud), while a person with good luck or skill can turn even a worthless thing into something precious.
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.
గొడుగు పట్టితే పిడుగుకు అడ్డమా?
godugu pattite piduguku addama?
Is holding an umbrella an obstacle to a lightning bolt?
This expression is used to describe a situation where a small or inadequate solution is proposed for a massive, unstoppable problem. It highlights the futility of using weak defenses against powerful forces or inevitable consequences.
పెట్టితే తింటారుగాని, తిడితే పడతారా!
pettite tintarugani, tidite padatara!
They will eat if you feed them, but will they bear it if you scold them?
This expression highlights that while people are happy to accept benefits, favors, or gifts, they will not tolerate disrespect or insults in return. It is often used to remind someone that providing for others (like food or money) does not give them the right to be abusive or rude, as human dignity is valued above material gains.
తిట్టితే కోపం, కొట్టితే నొప్పి
tittite kopam, kottite noppi
If you abuse—anger; if you beat—pain.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive or lacks resilience. It highlights that they react negatively to even the smallest forms of criticism or physical hardship. It can also be used to point out obvious cause-and-effect reactions in human emotions and physical sensations.
విశాఖ పట్టితే పిశాచి పట్టినట్లు
vishakha pattite pishachi pattinatlu
If the Vishakha star catches you, it is like being caught by a ghost.
This is an astrological saying referring to the Vishakha Nakshatra. It suggests that individuals under the influence of this star can be extremely stubborn, persistent, or difficult to deal with, much like an obsession or a haunting spirit that doesn't let go easily. It is used to describe someone's relentless nature or a streak of bad luck that feels inescapable.