తనకు చెప్ప తడికల చాటు, ఒకరికి చెప్ప ఒప్పులకుప్ప
tanaku cheppa tadikala chatu, okariki cheppa oppulakuppa
Hiding behind a fence when told to do it oneself, but acting like a master of virtues when telling others.
This proverb is used to describe a hypocritical person who avoids responsibility or hides when it is their turn to perform a task, yet eagerly gives advice and lectures others on how to do things perfectly. It is similar to the English expression 'Practicing what you preach.'
Related Phrases
కాలికి రాని చెప్పు కడగా ఉంచు
kaliki rani cheppu kadaga unchu
Keep the footwear that doesn't fit your foot aside.
This proverb suggests that things or relationships that are not suitable for you or cause discomfort should be discarded or kept at a distance. It is used to advise someone to let go of unnecessary burdens, incompatible people, or situations that do not serve their well-being.
కంటికి రెప్ప, కాలికి చెప్పు
kantiki reppa, kaliki cheppu
A lid to the eye, a shoe to the foot. The protection necessary.
This expression refers to someone or something that provides constant, essential protection and support. Just as an eyelid naturally protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot from harsh terrain, this phrase describes a guardian, a loyal companion, or a preventive measure that keeps one safe from harm.
అప్పు తీసుకున్నప్పుడే అప్పజెప్పే ఆలోచన ఉండాలి
appu tisukunnappude appajeppe alochana undali
The thought of repaying should exist at the very moment the loan is taken.
This expression emphasizes financial integrity and responsibility. It suggests that one should only borrow money if they have a clear intention and plan to repay it, rather than worrying about repayment only when the deadline approaches. It is used to advise people to be cautious and honest in their financial dealings.
కంటికి రెప్ప కాలికి చెప్పు
kantiki reppa kaliki cheppu
An eyelid for the eye, a sandal for the foot
This expression refers to things that are essential for protection and safety. Just as an eyelid protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot, it describes someone or something that acts as a constant guardian or a basic necessity for one's well-being. It is often used to describe a protective person or a relationship where one takes care of another's safety.
చెప్పలు ఉన్నా చెప్పులు తెగినా చుట్టరికం తప్పదు
cheppalu unna cheppulu tegina chuttarikam tappadu
Whether you have wealth or your sandals are torn, kinship cannot be avoided.
This proverb highlights that family relationships and kinship obligations remain constant regardless of one's financial status. Whether a person is wealthy (symbolized by having possessions) or poor (symbolized by torn footwear), they must still maintain their social and familial ties.
తనకు చెప్ప తడికెలచాటు, ఒకరికి చెప్ప ఒప్పుల కుప్ప.
tanaku cheppa tadikelachatu, okariki cheppa oppula kuppa.
When [the priest] applies [the law] to himself he screens himself [from its penalty]; but in laying down [the law] for others he is a beauty.* Justice, but not in my own house. (Spanish.)† No one likes justice brought home to his own door. (Italian.)
This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves hypocritically. It refers to someone who hides their own faults or avoids responsibility (hiding behind a screen) but gives moral lectures and acts like a paragon of virtue (pile of virtues) when judging others.
రెండు తప్పలు ఎప్పుడూ ఒక ఒప్పు కాలేవు
rendu tappalu eppudu oka oppu kalevu
Two wrongs can never make a right
This expression is used to say that if someone has done something bad to you, there is no justification for you to do something bad to them in return. It implies that a second wrongful action does not correct or balance out the first one.
తలకు చుట్ట అడిగినట్లు
talaku chutta adiginatlu
Like asking for a head wrap for the head.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a request or demand that is redundant, obvious, or perfectly suited to the immediate need, often implying that what is being asked for is already essential or inevitable. It is frequently used when a person asks for something they are clearly entitled to or which is a natural fit for the context.
మందికి చెప్పాను కానీ, మనకు చెప్పానా?
mandiki cheppanu kani, manaku cheppana?
I told the crowd, but did I tell myself?
This expression is used to describe a person who gives advice to everyone else but fails to follow that same advice in their own life. It highlights hypocrisy or the gap between preaching and practicing, similar to the English idiom 'Practice what you preach.'
మాటగొప్ప చెప్ప మాటలు చాలవు
matagoppa cheppa matalu chalavu
Words are not enough to describe the greatness of words.
This expression is used to emphasize that some things are so profound, magnificent, or significant that language itself is insufficient to fully express their value. It is often used when praising someone's eloquence or when describing an overwhelming emotion or situation.