సిగ్గు చీపురుతో కొడితే, శరం చేటతో కొడుతుంది

siggu chipuruto kodite, sharam chetato kodutundi

Translation

If shame is beaten with a broom, self-respect/shame will beat with a winnowing basket

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who has completely lost their sense of shame or dignity. It implies that if someone ignores a small insult (symbolized by a broom), they will eventually face a much larger, more public humiliation (symbolized by a winnowing basket). It is used to caution against thick-skinned behavior or disregarding one's reputation.

Related Phrases

If the owner of the house hits with a feather, the neighbor will hit with a rod.

This proverb warns that if you treat your own family members or belongings with disrespect or negligence in public, others will feel entitled to treat them even more harshly. It emphasizes that the way you value your own sets the standard for how the world will treat them.

If you hit a dog, it might learn sense, but if you hit a laborer, will they learn sense?

This proverb highlights the difference between instinctive behavior and human dignity. It suggests that while animals might be disciplined through force, humans (especially workers) should be treated with respect and fair wages rather than harshness or exploitation, as physical aggression does not foster productivity or character in people.

A sound is made only when you clap with both hands.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'It takes two to tango.' It is used to suggest that in a conflict, argument, or a specific situation involving two parties, one person alone is rarely responsible; both sides usually contribute to the outcome.

A widow's son is a son, a king's son is a son. A king's son and a widow's son are both greatly indulged.

This proverb highlights that fate or luck favors two extremes: either those who have nothing to lose and must work extremely hard (the widow's son) or those who are born with immense privilege (the king's son). It is used to describe how people at the very bottom of the social ladder and the very top often end up being the most successful or influential, albeit for different reasons.

Neither do I have shame, nor does the New Moon day (Amavasya) arriving tomorrow.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is utterly shameless and persistent in their behavior despite repeated criticism or humiliation. It suggests that just as the dark moon day inevitably occurs regardless of anything, the person will continue their shameless actions without any hesitation or remorse.

An attire/disguise can deceive or strike a thousand people.

This expression highlights the power of appearance and external form. It suggests that if one dresses the part or puts on a convincing disguise, they can influence, deceive, or command respect from a large group of people regardless of their true nature.

If the daughter-in-law of one's choice arrives, she puts grass/trash in one's hair bun.

This proverb highlights the irony of high expectations. It suggests that even if you handpick someone (like a daughter-in-law) thinking they will be perfect, they might still turn out to be troublesome or disrespectful. It is used to describe situations where something we desired or chose ourselves ends up causing us distress or irony.

Either a widow's son or a king's son is needed.

This proverb highlights the importance of having influence or survival skills to navigate the world. A king's son has power and resources through his status, while a widow's son is often perceived as someone who has grown up tough, resourceful, and street-smart out of necessity. It implies that to succeed or get things done, one needs either authority or grit.

A prostitute should have charm, and a housewife should have modesty.

This proverb highlights traditional societal expectations regarding behavior and presentation. It suggests that just as physical attractiveness and allure (niggu) are considered essential for a sex worker's profession, modesty and a sense of shame (siggu) are vital virtues for a woman leading a family life to maintain social respect and dignity.

The son is great, but the daughter-in-law is thin (small)

This proverb is used to describe a biased attitude where parents overlook their own son's faults or give him excessive credit while being overly critical, dismissive, or demanding toward the daughter-in-law. It highlights the unequal treatment and double standards often found in family dynamics.