తిమ్మిని బ్రహ్మిని, బ్రహ్మిని తిమ్మిని చేయడం

timmini brahmini, brahmini timmini cheyadam

Translation

He makes Timmi into Brâhmî and Brâhmî into Timmi.

Meaning

This expression refers to someone who is extremely manipulative, clever, or deceitful. It describes a person who can twist facts so skillfully that they can make a lie appear as truth (and vice versa) to suit their needs. It is commonly used to describe crafty lawyers, cunning politicians, or smooth talkers who mislead others with their words.

Notes

Timmi is a familiar name for a she-monkey ; Brâhmî ( in the Proverb incorrectly Brahmi ) is a name of Saraswati, wife of Brahmâ. He calls evil good, and good evil. Giör vel imod en Skalk, og bed til Gud han lönner dig ikke. 25 ( 193 )

Related Phrases

Turning Thimmi into Bammi and Bammi into Thimmi

This expression describes someone who is extremely manipulative or cunning, capable of making a lie seem like the truth and vice versa. It is typically used to describe a person who can distort facts so skillfully that they can deceive anyone or flip a situation entirely to their advantage through clever wordplay or deception.

The doorstep tells the story of the home's Lakshmi (prosperity/well-being).

This proverb implies that the cleanliness and appearance of the entrance of a house reflect the character, discipline, and prosperity of the residents inside. It is often used to suggest that first impressions or external signs can indicate the internal quality or state of a situation.

Does a Shankhini woman possess the virtues of a Padmini woman?

According to ancient classifications of women (Shastra), a Padmini represents the highest ideal of grace and virtue, while a Shankhini represents a harsh or argumentative nature. This expression is used to question how someone with a naturally difficult or inferior character could suddenly exhibit noble or sophisticated traits. It is often used sarcastically to point out that one's true nature cannot be easily hidden or changed.

Kill a cat, kill a Brahman. Doing harm to a cat is considered as sinful as injuring a Brahman.

This is a traditional Telugu saying used to emphasize the gravity of hurting or killing a cat, suggesting it is equivalent to the sin of killing a Brahmin (Brahmahatya Patakam). It is often used to discourage animal cruelty or to mock superstitious beliefs regarding the consequences of accidentally harming a cat.

One who trusts his mother and one who trusts the earth will never be ruined.

This proverb emphasizes the virtues of gratitude and hard work. It suggests that a mother's blessing and the rewards of agriculture (cultivating the land) are the most reliable foundations for a successful life. It is used to highlight that devotion to one's parents and an honest living through nature or labor will always provide security and prosperity.

Turning Thimmi into Bammi and Bammi into Thimmi.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely manipulative or clever enough to distort the truth completely. It refers to the act of misrepresenting facts so convincingly that one thing is mistaken for another, often used in the context of deceptive arguments or 'turning the tables' through verbal trickery.

One can make someone eat bitterness through friendship, but cannot force them to drink milk through power.

This proverb emphasizes that affection and friendship can achieve things that force or coercion cannot. You can convince someone to do something difficult or unpleasant (bitterness) out of love, but you cannot force them to accept even something beneficial (milk) against their will.

One who trusts his mother and one who trusts the earth (land) will never be ruined.

This proverb highlights the reliability of two foundational elements: one's mother and the earth. It suggests that a mother's guidance and love are selfless and protective, while agriculture (or staying rooted to the land) provides a sustainable livelihood. Those who remain loyal to their roots and respect these life-givers will always prosper and never face ultimate downfall.

One should not let go of black cotton soil or a Reddi (farmer).

This traditional proverb emphasizes the value of persistence and loyalty towards productive resources and hardworking people. Black cotton soil (Regadi) is extremely fertile but difficult to manage, requiring patience to yield great crops. Similarly, the Reddi community, traditionally known as agriculturists, represents hard work and reliability. The saying suggests that once you have a hold of high-quality land or a dependable person, you should never abandon them, as they will eventually bring prosperity.

The cat is a Brahmin, and the low wooden stool is a married woman.

This expression is used to mock someone who puts on a false show of extreme piety, innocence, or virtue. It describes a hypocrite who pretends to be saintly while harboring deceitful intentions or having a questionable character.