టెంకాయ కొట్టినట్లు
tenkaya kottinatlu
Like breaking a coconut
This expression is used to describe something that is done very clearly, directly, and decisively without any ambiguity. Just as a coconut breaks cleanly into two when hit correctly, it refers to speaking or acting in a straightforward and blunt manner.
Related Phrases
బోడి నెత్తిన టెంకాయ కొట్టినట్టు
bodi nettina tenkaya kottinattu
Like beating a shaven head with a cocoanut. As used to be done to a Sannyâsi ( religious mendicant ) by his disciples when he was about to die.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being extremely harsh, blunt, or unkind to a vulnerable person. It signifies a lack of empathy or a direct, painful impact on someone who has no protection against the action.
వంకాయ కూరకు టెంకాయ మసాలా
vankaya kuraku tenkaya masala
Coconut spice/masala for brinjal curry
This expression refers to a perfect combination or an ideal match. Just as coconut masala enhances the taste of brinjal curry, it is used to describe two things or people that complement each other perfectly to produce a great result.
రాజం కాయ పిచ్చికొండ, మా అన్నగారికి భాషా శంకం.
rajam kaya pichchikonda, ma annagariki bhasha shankam.
"O king! accept this cocoanut" [said one,] "My elder brother is agitated at [the sight of] the Royal Court" [said the other.] There were two clerical Brahman brothers who were very poor, but well versed in the Vedas. Vexed at their poverty, they proposed to go to the king, present him with a cocoanut and obtain a present in return. Having arrived at Court, the elder brother held out the cocoanut to the king and attempted to say రాజా టెంకాయ పుచ్చుకొండి (Rājā ṭenkāya puccukondi) "O king! accept the cocoanut" but being quite confused, mumbled nonsensically రాజాం కాయపిచ్చికొండ (Rājāṇ kāya pichchikondā). The younger brother attempted to apologize but was equally flurried and stammered out యా మన్నగారికి భసాపంకం (Yā mannagāriki bhasūpan- kam) instead of saying మా అన్నగారికి సభాకంపం (Mā annagāriki sa- bhākampam) "my elder brother is agitated at [the sight of] the Royal Court." The king was greatly amused and gave them each a present.
This is a humorous and satirical proverb used to mock people who pretend to be highly knowledgeable or scholarly but struggle with basic communication or display absurd confusion. It highlights the irony of someone claiming intellectual superiority while failing at fundamental tasks or words.
జాతి టెంకాయవలె.
jati tenkayavale.
Like a high-quality coconut.
This expression refers to a person who may appear tough, hard, or indifferent on the outside but possesses a soft, kind, and pure heart within. It is used to describe someone with a strong exterior but a compassionate nature.
కుక్క నోటికి టెంకాయ అబ్బునా?
kukka notiki tenkaya abbuna?
Will a dog be able to enjoy a coconut?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is unable to appreciate or utilize something valuable or high-quality that has come their way. Just as a dog cannot break or eat a whole coconut despite having it in its mouth, an unworthy or unskilled person cannot benefit from a great opportunity or a sophisticated item.
కోతికి టెంకాయ దొరికినట్లు
kotiki tenkaya dorikinatlu
Like a monkey finding a coconut
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gains possession of something valuable or complex but has no idea how to use, appreciate, or manage it. Just as a monkey cannot crack open a hard coconut to eat the fruit inside, an incompetent or unqualified person cannot benefit from a resource they have acquired.
బోడి నెత్తిన టెంకాయ కొట్టినట్లు
bodi nettina tenkaya kottinatlu
Like breaking a coconut on a bald head
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is put in a very painful or difficult position, or when a person is exploited or harmed because they are vulnerable or have no protection. It signifies an act that is both cruel and blunt, often catching the person off guard.
వంకాయ దొంగిలించినవాడు టెంకాయ దొంగిలించడా?
vankaya dongilinchinavadu tenkaya dongilinchada?
Will a man who steals a brinjal not steal a coconut?
This proverb suggests that a person who commits a small crime or dishonesty is likely to commit a larger one given the opportunity. It emphasizes that a lack of integrity starts small but can escalate, and one's character is judged by even minor actions. It is used to warn people not to trust someone who has a history of even trivial dishonesty.
కొండతో తగరు ఢీకొన్నట్లు.
kondato tagaru dhikonnatlu.
Like a ram ramming into a mountain.
This expression is used to describe an unequal or foolish confrontation where a weak opponent tries to challenge someone far more powerful. Just as a ram would only hurt itself by charging at a mountain without causing any damage to the mountain, the weaker party in such a conflict will inevitably face destruction or failure.
వంకాయ దొంగిలించినవాడు టెంకాయకు రాడా?
vankaya dongilinchinavadu tenkayaku rada?
Will the person who stole a brinjal not come for a coconut?
This proverb suggests that a person who commits a small crime or dishonesty will eventually move on to bigger ones. It is used to imply that character is defined by the act of stealing itself, not the value of the object stolen. If someone can justify small wrongdoings, they are capable of larger ones as well.