సుఖవాసి దేహాన్ని మెత్తని చెప్పుతో కొట్టాలి

sukhavasi dehanni mettani chepputo kottali

Translation

You must beat his delicate body with a soft slipper. Said in joke of a person who affects to be very delicate.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that dealing with stubborn, arrogant, or comfort-seeking individuals requires a subtle, tactical, or psychological approach rather than brute force. 'Soft sandal' symbolizes a firm but non-violent way of humbling someone or making them realize their mistakes without causing physical harm.

Related Phrases

A mother-in-law is never soft, and a knife is never soft.

This proverb is used to describe relationships or objects that are inherently sharp or harsh by nature. It suggests that just as a knife's purpose is to cut and it cannot be blunt or soft, a mother-in-law (in traditional contexts) is expected to be strict or demanding, and one should not expect otherwise.

A soft sandal for a body used to comfort.

This proverb describes someone who is pampered or accustomed to a life of luxury and cannot endure even minor hardships. It is often used to characterize people who seek extreme comfort or avoid any form of physical strain or difficult conditions.

Like hitting someone with a slipper and then placing a Shatagopam on their head.

This proverb describes a situation where someone performs a deeply insulting or harmful act and then follows it with a mock gesture of respect or a superficial blessing. It is used to characterize hypocrisy or a deceptive attempt to cover up a grave insult with a hollow holy gesture.

If the mortars are new, are the grinders also new?

This proverb is used to mock someone who is acting as if they are experiencing something for the first time, despite it being a common or recurring task. It points out that even if the tools or environment change, the work remains the same, or that a person is pretending to be naive about something they should already know.

Like hitting someone with a slipper in the street and then holding their feet inside the house.

This expression describes a hypocritical or manipulative behavior where someone publicly insults or humiliates another person but privately seeks their forgiveness or favor. It is used to point out the insincerity of someone who tries to make amends secretly after causing a major public offense.

The body is a residence of troubles.

This expression suggests that the human body is naturally prone to various ailments, pains, and physical struggles. It is often used in a philosophical or weary context to describe how aging or illness is an inevitable part of physical existence.

You must cut a gem with a gem.

This expression is used to signify that a powerful person or a difficult problem can only be tackled by someone or something of equal strength or caliber. It is similar to the English proverb 'Set a thief to catch a thief' or 'Diamond cuts diamond'.

Though the snake be small, you must hit him with a big stick.

This proverb advises against underestimating a problem or an enemy simply because they appear small or insignificant. It emphasizes the importance of being fully prepared and using maximum caution to deal with a threat effectively, ensuring it is neutralized completely.

Muradanna's doubt is cleared. Said of a man who while wavering and doubting about some undertak- ing is forestalled by another.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is habitually skeptical or always raising doubts. It implies that if a specific person (metaphorically 'Muradanna') has a doubt, it is certain that they will find something to be suspicious about, regardless of the facts. It is used to mock chronic overthinking or unnecessary skepticism.

If the vow be broken, some enjoyment must be obtained. There must be some inducement to transgress the bounds of virtue.

This proverb is used when a person has already compromised their principles, values, or hard work for something; in such a situation, they should at least ensure they get the desired result or benefit from that compromise. It is similar to the idea of 'if you're going to do something wrong or difficult, make sure it's worth the effort.'