తవుడు తిన్నా మూతి తుడుచుకున్నట్లుండాలి
tavudu tinna muti tuduchukunnatlundali
Even if you eat bran, you should wipe your mouth well.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's dignity and composure, regardless of one's actual circumstances or hardships. It suggests that even when one is going through a period of poverty or struggle (symbolized by eating bran), they should present themselves with self-respect and grace to the outside world, rather than appearing miserable or seeking pity.
Related Phrases
కుక్క మూతి పిందెలు
kukka muti pindelu
Unripe fruits touched by a dog's mouth
This expression is used to describe things or people that are useless, of poor quality, or spoiled from the beginning. Just as a young fruit (pinde) touched by a dog is considered defiled and won't ripen properly, this phrase refers to outcomes that are flawed or individuals who lack character and capability.
అబద్ధమాడినా గోడ పెట్టినట్లుండాలి.
abaddhamadina goda pettinatlundali.
Even if you tell a lie, it should be like building a wall.
This proverb suggests that if one must lie, the lie should be consistent, firm, and believable, much like a well-constructed wall. It is used to point out that a person's deception is poorly structured or easily seen through due to inconsistencies.
ముద్దుచేసిన కుక్క మూతి కరిచిందట.
mudduchesina kukka muti karichindata.
The dog that was pampered bit the snout (face).
This proverb describes a situation where someone who was treated with excessive affection or leniency turns around and causes harm or shows disrespect to their benefactor. It is used to warn against the dangers of over-pampering or being too indulgent with people who lack character or discipline, as they may eventually take advantage of that kindness.
ముట్టుకుంటే మూడు దండుగలు
muttukunte mudu dandugalu
Touch it and there are three losses/penalties.
This expression is used to describe a situation or a person that is so problematic, fragile, or ill-fated that any involvement results in unnecessary waste of time, money, and effort. It warns against engaging with something that brings only liability.
తలుపు తెంచుకున్న బర్రె, తాడు తెంచుకున్న గుర్రం
talupu tenchukunna barre, tadu tenchukunna gurram
A buffalo that broke the door, a horse that snapped its rope.
This expression is used to describe someone who has become completely uncontrollable, unruly, or has broken free from all restraints and discipline. It refers to a state of absolute chaos or a person acting without any inhibition or regard for rules, similar to the English phrase 'running wild' or 'loose cannon'.
మన్ను తిన్న పాము
mannu tinna pamu
A snake that has eaten soil
This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely sluggish, motionless, or unresponsive. It refers to the belief that a snake becomes heavy and stays still in one place after consuming soil, and is often applied to people who are lazy or act oblivious to their surroundings.
కట్టుకున్న మొగుడు, పెట్టుకున్న నగలు.
kattukunna mogudu, pettukunna nagalu.
The husband one is married to, the jewelry one is wearing.
This expression highlights the items or people that truly belong to a person and provide real security or status. It is used to emphasize that only what is legally yours or physically in your possession can be relied upon in times of need or social standing.
కాకి కూడుతిన్నా కడుపు నిండవలెను.
kaki kudutinna kadupu nindavalenu.
Even if one eats crow's food, the stomach must be filled.
This proverb emphasizes that the end result or the outcome is more important than the means or the status of how something was achieved. It is used to suggest that as long as a person's basic needs are met or a goal is accomplished, the specific methods or the humble nature of the source do not matter.
తోక ముడుచుట (తోక ముడుచుకున్నట్లు)
toka muduchuta (toka muduchukunnatlu)
Tucking the tail between the legs.
This expression is used to describe someone who retreats in fear, loses courage, or admits defeat after initially acting bold or aggressive. It is similar to the English idiom 'to turn tail' or 'to run away with one's tail between one's legs.'
పాడుచున్న ఇల్లు తుడుచుకుపోతుంది
paduchunna illu tuduchukupotundi
A house that sings (is overly festive/extravagant) will eventually be swept away.
This proverb serves as a warning against excessive extravagance and living beyond one's means. It suggests that a household focused only on constant celebration and wasteful spending, rather than saving or maintenance, will eventually face financial ruin and lose everything.