సిగ్గు అనగా తోటకూర వంటిది

siggu anaga totakura vantidi

Translation

Modesty is like garden greens. They sprout again after being cut. Tōtakūra is specially applied to the Amaranthus Tristis.

Meaning

This expression is used to mock someone who claims to be shy or modest but lacks true integrity. Just as amaranth wilts quickly and grows back easily, the person's 'shame' is considered superficial, temporary, or easily discarded when it suits their needs.

Related Phrases

Like saying 'Don't abuse me, you son of a slave'

This expression describes a hypocritical or contradictory situation where a person uses an insult while simultaneously asking someone else not to insult them. It is used to mock people who do exactly what they are preaching against, or those who lack self-awareness in their speech.

A pig-headed fellow [feels] no shame, the trunk of a tree [feels] no wind.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is completely indifferent to criticism, insults, or social expectations. Just as a dead, leafless tree stump is unaffected by the blowing wind, a thick-skinned or shameless person remains unmoved and unbothered regardless of how much they are shamed or corrected by others.

Malabar spinach for show, and Amaranth if one can't eat it.

This proverb describes a person who boasts or maintains high appearances (symbolized by the slightly more 'sophisticated' Malabar spinach) despite their actual circumstances being humble or common (represented by the everyday Amaranth). It is used to mock people who act superior but live ordinary lives, or those who pretend to be picky about things they cannot afford.

By singing repeatedly, the melody improves; by eating repeatedly, even Neem tastes sweet.

This proverb emphasizes that practice makes perfect and that persistence can make even difficult or unpleasant tasks easier over time. Note: The user provided 'rogam' (disease), but the traditional proverb is 'vemu' (neem), implying that constant habituation changes one's perspective or skill.

For the ten gifts, [I give you] a bundle of greens.

This expression is used to describe a person who tries to offer a single, cheap, or insignificant item to fulfill multiple obligations or to please many people. It highlights stinginess or the act of making a small gesture seem like a grand contribution.

The Daśa Dânâlu ( ten gifts to Brahmans ) are as follows :— గోభూతిలహిరణ్యాజ్యవాసోధాన్యగుడానిచ। రౌప్యంలవణమిత్యేతేదశదానాఃప్రకీర్తితాః॥ A cow; land; sesamum seed; gold; ghee; cloth; grain; molasses; silver; and salt. Cheating the Brahmans.

Would one bring a gold necklace (Chandraharam) for a leafy vegetable?

This expression is used when someone goes to an extreme or unnecessary length to accomplish a very simple or minor task. It highlights a lack of proportion, suggesting that the effort or cost involved is far greater than what the situation actually requires.

Like amaranth greens

This expression is used to describe something or someone extremely delicate, tender, or fragile. Just as amaranth leaves wilt quickly or are easily crushed, this phrase characterizes a person's physical constitution or a sensitive situation that requires very careful handling.

The village where one lives is like one's own mother.

This proverb emphasizes the deep emotional connection and debt of gratitude one owes to their birthplace or hometown. Just as a mother nurtures and protects her child, the place where one grows up provides sustenance, identity, and a sense of belonging. It is used to encourage patriotism, loyalty to one's roots, or to remind someone never to forget their origins.

When told 'It is raining, dear,' the person replied 'Let it rain,' and further added 'Indeed, I will allow it to rain.'

This expression is used to mock someone who pretends to have control over natural events or situations they have no power over. It describes a person's arrogance or foolishness in 'giving permission' for something that is already happening and is completely beyond their authority.

I am not ashamed, the Amâvâsya which is coming to-morrow is not ashamed.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is completely shameless and indifferent to public opinion or criticism. It suggests that just as the moon continues its cycle regardless of anything, the person will continue their shameless behavior without any remorse or change, no matter the circumstances or how often they are called out.