తలకాయ లోపలికి దూర్చిన తాబేలు వలె

talakaya lopaliki durchina tabelu vale

Translation

Like a tortoise that has tucked its head inside.

Meaning

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.