తిట్టబోతే అక్కబిడ్డ, కొట్టబోతే వేకటి మనిషి
tittabote akkabidda, kottabote vekati manishi
If you want to scold, it's your sister's child; if you want to hit, she is a pregnant woman.
This expression describes a dilemma where one is stuck in a 'Catch-22' situation. It refers to a state of indecision or helplessness where you cannot take action against someone because of a sentimental bond or a vulnerable condition, even if their behavior is provoking or wrong.
Related Phrases
కొట్టక ముందే ఏడుస్తావేమంటే, ముందు కొట్టబోతావని ఏడుస్తున్నానన్నట్లు
kottaka munde edustavemante, mundu kottabotavani edustunnanannatlu
When asked why you are crying before being hit, the reply is 'I am crying because you are about to hit me'
This expression refers to people who anticipate trouble or react to a situation before it even occurs. It is used to describe overly anxious behavior or someone who complains in advance to gain sympathy or avoid an impending consequence.
అమ్మబోతే అడివి, కొనబోతే కొరివి
ammabote adivi, konabote korivi
When he went to sell, his bargains were [as ruinous as] a jungle; when he went to buy [his purchases were as bad as] firebrands. Losing on both sides. Buy and sell and live by the loss.
This proverb describes a situation of extreme market volatility or an unfair economic predicament. It is used when a person finds that their goods have no value when they try to sell them (silent like a forest), but the same goods are exorbitantly expensive when they need to buy them (burns like a firebrand).
తాకబోతే తగులకొన్నట్లు
takabote tagulakonnatlu
Like getting entangled when just trying to touch.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a simple or casual attempt to involve oneself in something leads to getting unexpectedly stuck, trapped, or deeply entangled in a complicated problem.
చూడబోతే వెండిగిన్నె తాగబోతే వెలితిగిన్నె
chudabote vendiginne tagabote velitiginne
If you look at it, it's a silver bowl; if you try to drink from it, it's an empty bowl.
This expression describes something that looks grand, expensive, or promising on the outside but is actually empty, useless, or disappointing upon closer inspection or when put to use. It is used to mock pretentiousness or things that lack substance despite their attractive appearance.
దున్నబోతే దూడలలోను, మేయబోతే పోతులలోను.
dunnabote dudalalonu, meyabote potulalonu.
Among calves when it's time to plow, among bulls when it's time to graze.
This proverb describes a lazy person who makes excuses to avoid work. When asked to do hard labor (plowing), they claim to be as weak or immature as a young calf. However, when it is time to eat or enjoy benefits, they claim to be as strong and deserving as a full-grown bull. It is used to mock someone who shirk responsibilities but is always first in line for rewards.
ఒకటి చేయబోతే మరొకటి అయినట్లు
okati cheyabote marokati ayinatlu
Doing one thing and it becoming another
This expression is used to describe a situation where one's actions lead to an unexpected or unintended outcome, often despite good intentions. It is similar to the English phrase 'Backfiring' or 'Best-laid plans gone awry.' It describes a result that is completely different from what was originally planned.
ఆడబోతే చూడబుద్ది, చూడబోతే ఆడబుద్ది
adabote chudabuddi, chudabote adabuddi
When going to play, one feels like watching; when going to watch, one feels like playing.
This expression describes a state of indecision or fickle-mindedness. It refers to a person who is never satisfied with their current choice and constantly wishes they were doing the opposite of what they are presently engaged in.
మేయబోతే ఎద్దులలోకి, దున్నబోతే దూడలలోకి.
meyabote eddulaloki, dunnabote dudalaloki.
Among bulls when it is time to graze, among calves when it is time to plow.
This proverb describes an escapist or lazy person who avoids responsibility by making convenient excuses. When there is work to be done (plowing), they claim to be as inexperienced or weak as a calf. When it is time to enjoy benefits (grazing), they claim to be as mature and deserving as a bull.
దున్నబోతే దూడలలోనూ, మేయబోతే ఆవులలోనూ
dunnabote dudalalonu, meyabote avulalonu
When [wanted for] ploughing it goes among the calves; when grazing it goes with the cows.
This proverb describes a lazy or opportunistic person who makes excuses to avoid work. When hard labor is required (plowing), they claim to be as young and weak as a calf; but when it is time to enjoy benefits (grazing), they join the adults. It is used to mock someone who shirk responsibilities but is always present for the rewards.
The best at eating, the worst at working.
అయితే ఆడబిడ్డ, కాకుంటే మొగబిడ్డ, అదీ యిదీ తప్పితే అంతా అబద్ధం.
ayite adabidda, kakunte mogabidda, adi yidi tappite anta abaddham.
Perhaps a female child, if not, a male child ; if neither this nor that, it is all a lie. Said by an astrologer when consulted regarding a pregnant woman.
This sarcastic proverb is used to mock people who make vague or obvious predictions that cover all possible outcomes to ensure they are never proven wrong. It highlights the absurdity of stating the obvious as if it were a profound revelation or a certain prophecy.