తోటకూర నాడైనా చెప్పవైతివిరా కొడుకా! అన్నట్లు.

totakura nadaina cheppavaitivira koduka! annatlu.

Translation

Like saying, 'You didn't even tell me on the day of the amaranth greens, my son!'

Meaning

This expression refers to a famous story where a son, about to be executed for a major crime, blames his mother for not correcting his behavior when he first started with a small theft (stealing amaranth greens). It is used to describe situations where a lack of timely correction or failure to address small mistakes leads to a major catastrophe later on.

Related Phrases

Like saying 'Don't abuse me, you son of a slave'

This expression describes a hypocritical or contradictory situation where a person uses an insult while simultaneously asking someone else not to insult them. It is used to mock people who do exactly what they are preaching against, or those who lack self-awareness in their speech.

Malabar spinach for show, and Amaranth if one can't eat it.

This proverb describes a person who boasts or maintains high appearances (symbolized by the slightly more 'sophisticated' Malabar spinach) despite their actual circumstances being humble or common (represented by the everyday Amaranth). It is used to mock people who act superior but live ordinary lives, or those who pretend to be picky about things they cannot afford.

For the ten gifts, [I give you] a bundle of greens.

This expression is used to describe a person who tries to offer a single, cheap, or insignificant item to fulfill multiple obligations or to please many people. It highlights stinginess or the act of making a small gesture seem like a grand contribution.

The Daśa Dânâlu ( ten gifts to Brahmans ) are as follows :— గోభూతిలహిరణ్యాజ్యవాసోధాన్యగుడానిచ। రౌప్యంలవణమిత్యేతేదశదానాఃప్రకీర్తితాః॥ A cow; land; sesamum seed; gold; ghee; cloth; grain; molasses; silver; and salt. Cheating the Brahmans.

A widow's son is a son, a king's son is a son. A king's son and a widow's son are both greatly indulged.

This proverb highlights that fate or luck favors two extremes: either those who have nothing to lose and must work extremely hard (the widow's son) or those who are born with immense privilege (the king's son). It is used to describe how people at the very bottom of the social ladder and the very top often end up being the most successful or influential, albeit for different reasons.

Like saying 'don't abuse mothers' followed by a mother-related slur.

This expression is used to describe hypocritical behavior where a person violates the very rule they are currently preaching. It highlights the irony of someone who uses foul language while simultaneously telling others to be respectful.

When told 'You have dug a hole for a robbery,' the response was 'I ended up living there.'

This proverb is used to describe a person who shamelessly tries to cover up their crimes or mistakes with silly excuses, or someone who starts a task with bad intentions but ends up getting stuck in that situation permanently. It highlights irony and audacity in defensive behavior.

Either a widow's son or a king's son is needed.

This proverb highlights the importance of having influence or survival skills to navigate the world. A king's son has power and resources through his status, while a widow's son is often perceived as someone who has grown up tough, resourceful, and street-smart out of necessity. It implies that to succeed or get things done, one needs either authority or grit.

You became a monk in vain; you did not even attain merit.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone undergoes a significant sacrifice or takes a difficult path, but fails to achieve the intended result or any benefit at all. It highlights a 'lose-lose' scenario where one loses their previous comforts or status without gaining the spiritual or material rewards they sought.

Even if the younger brother is one's own, justice must be told correctly.

This expression emphasizes the importance of impartiality and integrity. It means that one should uphold justice and speak the truth regardless of personal relationships or family ties. Even when a close relative is involved, one must not be biased and should always side with what is right and ethical.

" So you've broken into the house, have you ?" [ said a wretched woman to a burglar ] " So you live in great style, do you ?" [ replied the thief ]. Disappointed expectations.

This proverb describes a situation where someone caught doing something wrong or illegal tries to act as if they have a legitimate right to be there or are doing something permanent and honorable. It is used to mock people who give ridiculous justifications for their obvious misdeeds or those who overstay their welcome shamelessly.