టంగుటూరి వితంతువును తగవు తీర్చమంటే తనకు ఇద్దరన్నారట

tanguturi vitantuvunu tagavu tirchamante tanaku iddarannarata

Translation

When a widow from Tangutur was asked to resolve a dispute, she said she had two for herself.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where someone asked for help or mediation is so overwhelmed by their own problems or greed that they try to take advantage of the situation for personal gain. It refers to an incompetent or biased person who, instead of solving a conflict, adds their own demands to the mix.

Related Phrases

"Go on with your lies Pôliga," said one, "The Ṭanguṭûru pepper is as big as Palmyra fruit," he replied.

This proverb is used to describe a person who, when given the freedom to lie or exaggerate, does so in such an absurd and unbelievable manner that it loses all credibility. It is used to mock people who make outrageous claims or tell tall tales without any sense of proportion.

He may lie boldly who comes from afar. ( French. ) * A beau mantir qui vient de lois.

If it is sound, it is a bell; if it is an argument, it is a trouble.

This expression highlights the difference between pleasant sounds and unpleasant conflicts. It suggests that while ringing a bell produces a harmonious sound, engaging in unnecessary arguments or disputes only leads to problems and complications. It is used to advise someone to avoid bickering and maintain peace.

The pot goes 'tangu-tangu', the brass vessel goes 'kangu-kangu'

This expression uses onomatopoeia to highlight the difference in value, sound, and durability between objects or people. While a clay pot (cheap/fragile) makes a dull sound, a metal vessel (expensive/strong) makes a resonant, clear sound. It is used to compare the quality or character of two different things, suggesting that true value or merit makes its presence known clearly.

This way and that way

This expression is used to describe doing something randomly, recklessly, or excessively in all directions. It often describes a flurry of actions like scolding someone continuously, hitting someone repeatedly, or spending money lavishly without a plan.

While eating one's own food and wearing one's own clothes, should one fear the village?

This expression is used to assert independence and self-reliance. It implies that if a person is self-sufficient, works hard for their own livelihood, and does not depend on others for basic needs like food or clothing, they do not need to worry about societal criticism or be intimidated by others' opinions.

Tanguturu black peppers are long peppers.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes an obvious or redundant statement, or when a person boasts about something common as if it were special. It is often used to mock someone who tries to sound wise by stating the obvious or using wordplay that leads back to the same point.

One's own anger is their enemy; one's own calmness is their protection.

This is a famous moral teaching from Vemana Satakam. It suggests that self-control is the greatest virtue. Uncontrolled anger causes harm to oneself more than others, acting as an internal enemy, while maintaining a peaceful and calm composure serves as a shield against life's troubles.

Only after clearing dues, visit the shop.

This is a word of advice, which impresses on us the need for clearing old debts before trying to spend again.

Like a man who neglects his mother coming with a bold face to settle a dispute between others. Shamefacedness.

This proverb is used to criticize hypocrites who ignore their primary responsibilities at home but act like wise leaders or mediators in public affairs. It highlights the irony of someone trying to solve others' problems while failing at their most basic moral duties.

The monkey settled the bread dispute [ between two birds, ] by eating it up.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two parties fight over something, and a third party who steps in to mediate ends up taking the entire benefit for themselves. It originates from a fable where a monkey, while trying to divide a piece of bread equally between two cats, eats the whole thing bit by bit under the guise of balancing the portions.

Swindling others under pretence of arbitration.