తలకాయ లోపలికి దూర్చిన తాబేలు వలె
talakaya lopaliki durchina tabelu vale
Like a tortoise that has tucked its head inside.
This expression describes a person who is extremely introverted, shy, or someone who retreats into a shell to avoid facing a situation or responsibility. It is often used to characterize someone who is hiding away or being uncommunicative when confronted with a problem.
Related Phrases
కాలికి దూరమైతే కంటికి దూరమా?
kaliki duramaite kantiki durama?
If it is far from the feet, is it far from the eyes?
This expression is used to question why someone would stop caring for or remembering someone/something just because they are no longer physically close or in constant contact. It is similar to the English proverb 'out of sight, out of mind', but used as a challenge to suggest that physical distance should not result in emotional distance or forgetfulness.
బయటకొకటి లోపలికొకటి
bayatakokati lopalikokati
One on the outside and another on the inside
This expression is used to describe a person who is hypocritical or two-faced. It refers to someone whose outward words or behavior do not match their true internal intentions or feelings.
పట్టినవాడు తాబేలు అంటే, గట్టున ఉన్నవాడు కుందేలు అన్నట్లు
pattinavadu tabelu ante, gattuna unnavadu kundelu annatlu
When the one who caught it says it's a turtle, the one on the shore says it's a rabbit.
This proverb describes a situation where people stubbornly argue over their own perceptions or biases, even when the facts are clear. It is used to mock people who contradict someone with firsthand experience or those who insist on their own version of the truth despite evidence to the contrary.
చేసేవి లోపాలు, చెప్పితే కోపాలు
chesevi lopalu, cheppite kopalu
Doing mistakes, but getting angry when pointed out.
This proverb describes a person who consistently makes errors or acts wrongly, yet becomes defensive and angry when someone tries to correct them or give advice. It is used to highlight hypocrisy or an inability to accept constructive criticism.
వెలుపల వేడుక లోపల కసవు
velupala veduka lopala kasavu
Celebration outside, garbage inside
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks attractive or happy on the outside but is actually messy, corrupt, or unhappy on the inside. It highlights the contrast between outward appearances and the underlying reality.
బయటికి ఇంపు, లోపలికి కంపు
bayatiki impu, lopaliki kampu
Pleasant on the outside, stinking on the inside
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that appears attractive, virtuous, or high-quality on the surface, but is actually rotten, hypocritical, or of poor quality internally. It is similar to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold' or referring to a 'whited sepulcher.'
వేలు పెట్టేందుకు చోటిస్తే కాలు దూర్చినట్లు.
velu pettenduku chotiste kalu durchinatlu.
If you give space to put a finger, they will push their whole leg in.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes undue advantage of a small favor or opportunity. It refers to people who, when given a little bit of freedom or access, end up overstepping their boundaries and encroaching entirely on one's space or authority.
కాలికి దూరమైతే కంటికి దూరమా?
kaliki duramaite kantiki durama?
If it is far from the feet, is it far from the eyes?
This expression is used to remind someone that even if a person or thing is physically distant (out of reach or out of the house), they are still kept in one's thoughts and memories. It is often used in the context of loved ones living far away, emphasizing that physical distance does not mean they are forgotten.
సంబరపు చలిగాలికి ఎదురు వాకిలి వలె.
sambarapu chaligaliki eduru vakili vale.
Like an open doorway facing the celebratory cold wind.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is overly eager or excessively prepared for something that might actually be uncomfortable or harmful, similar to opening a door wide to a freezing wind. It highlights a lack of foresight or a naive enthusiasm for a situation that requires caution.
నత్తనడక తాబేలు పరుగు
nattanadaka tabelu parugu
A snail's walk and a tortoise's run
This expression is used to describe something that is moving at an extremely slow pace. It compares a slow process to the movement of a snail or the sluggish run of a tortoise, often used to criticize inefficiency or delays in work or traffic.