సింగి నీళ్లాడితే సింగడు ఇంగువ తిన్నట్లు
singi nilladite singadu inguva tinnatlu
When Singi gave birth, Singadu ate asafetida.
This proverb describes a situation where one person goes through a significant event or hardship, and another person undergoes a related, often unnecessary or symptomatic treatment/reaction. In old traditions, asafetida was given to women after childbirth for health; here, the husband (Singadu) consumes it instead. It is used to mock people who act as if they are affected by something that happened to someone else, or when someone seeks attention/remedy for a situation that doesn't directly involve them.
Related Phrases
ఇంగువ కట్టిన గుడ్డ
inguva kattina gudda
A rag which had held assafëtida.
This expression is used to describe a person or a family that has lost their past wealth or glory but still retains the aura or reputation of it. Just as a cloth used to wrap pungent asafoetida smells of it long after the spice is gone, the person carries the prestige of their former status.
Said of a man who is respected on account of his connection with the family of some famous person, no longer living ; or on account of his own greatness, now passed away.
తాకి నేలకు తడిబట్టుకానీడు, వంగి నేలకు ఇంగువ కానీడు.
taki nelaku tadibattukanidu, vangi nelaku inguva kanidu.
He won't let a wet cloth touch the ground, and he won't let asafoetida fall while bending to the ground.
This proverb is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person. It portrays someone who is so cautious about their possessions that they won't even let a damp cloth touch the earth (to prevent loss of moisture) or risk losing a tiny grain of spice while bending down.
జీలకర్ర సింగినాదం
jilakarra singinadam
Cumin and the blowing of a horn
Used to describe a situation or a story that is completely meaningless, illogical, or a combination of nonsensical things. It refers to 'gibberish' or 'absurdity' where the words or actions have no real connection or significance.
సింగి నీళ్లాడితే, సింగడు పథ్యం చేసినట్లు
singi nilladite, singadu pathyam chesinatlu
When Singi gives birth, Singadu undergoes the dietary restrictions.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is not directly involved in an event or a problem acts as if they are the primary sufferer or the one affected. It highlights the irony of someone unnecessarily taking on the burden or mimicking the behavior of the person actually experiencing the situation.
శింగి బిడ్డకంటే శింగడు కారము తిన్నట్టు
shingi biddakante shingadu karamu tinnattu
When Singi brought forth a child, Śingaḍu ate of the medicine. Śingaḍu and Śingi are cant names for men and women of the wander- ing tribes ( Erukalas and Ênâdis or Yânâdis ). The men are polygamists and their wives out of jealousy often attempt to poison each other. The husband therefore tastes the medicine first.
This proverb describes a situation where someone who is not directly affected by an event reacts more intensely or experiences more trouble than the person actually involved. It is used to mock people who display unnecessary empathy, overreact to others' problems, or take credit/pain for something they didn't do.
ఇష్టమైన వస్తువు ఇంగువతో సమానం
ishtamaina vastuvu inguvato samanam
A favorite thing is equal to asafoetida.
This proverb suggests that things we love or value are like asafoetida—even in small quantities or even after the physical object is gone, its impact and 'fragrance' (memory/value) linger on. It is used to describe the lasting impression or the high value placed on cherished possessions or people.
ఇంటి పేరు ఇంగువ, వీధి పేరు గింగువ
inti peru inguva, vidhi peru ginguva
The family name is Asafoetida, the street name is Gingiva (humming sound).
This proverb is used to describe people who boast about their past glory or family legacy despite currently living in poverty or having lost all their wealth. Just as a container that once held asafoetida (hing) retains a faint smell even when empty, these people hold onto their status through words alone.
చిన్నమ్మ చిందేస్తే చీరదారి చీరది, సింగారం దారి సింగారానిది
chinnamma chindeste chiradari chiradi, singaram dari singaranidi
When the little lady dances wildly, the saree takes its own path and the jewelry takes its own.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's reckless or uncontrolled actions lead to total chaos, where everything falls out of place or falls apart. It highlights how lack of discipline or excessive behavior results in losing one's dignity or organized state.
ఇష్టమైన వస్తువు ఇంగువతో సమానం.
ishtamaina vastuvu inguvato samanam.
A favorite item is equal to asafoetida.
This proverb suggests that just as a tiny pinch of asafoetida (hing) adds immense flavor to a dish, something that is dear or favorite to us has high value and impact regardless of its size or quantity. It is used to express that quality and personal preference matter more than quantity.
సముద్రంలో ఇంగువ కలిపినట్లు.
samudramlo inguva kalipinatlu.
Like mixing asafoetida in the ocean.
This expression is used to describe an action that is completely futile or a resource that is wasted because the scale of the problem is too vast. Just as a small amount of pungent asafoetida cannot change the taste or smell of the entire ocean, small efforts directed at massive problems result in no noticeable impact.