తుక్కు తుక్కుగా కోస్తే తట్టకెత్తేస్తా అన్నది.
tukku tukkuga koste tattakettesta annadi.
If you cut it into tiny bits, it said it would be lifted into the basket.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes a task easier for themselves by being clever or where a difficult task becomes manageable when broken down. It is often used in the context of 'tit for tat' or a cheeky response to a threat, implying that even if one is destroyed or broken down, there is a way to handle the result easily.
Related Phrases
దుందుడుకుతనమే, దూతే తాతే తాలంతత్తే తూతక తాతకతోనా దొందుదొందే
dundudukutaname, dute tate talantatte tutaka tatakatona dondudonde
" The tamarinds have flowered," [said one]. " When the time of blossoming and bearing fruit comes, will flowers and fruit be wanting?" [said another] " You are both alike," [said the third]. Three sisters suffered from an impediment in their speech—each thought she spoke better than either of the other two. The first instead of " Chintalu pûchinavè," said " Tintalu tûtinavè" the second pronounced " Pûchè kâchè kâlam vastè, pûgaka kâyaka pônâ?" as " Tûtè tâtè talam tattè, tûtaka tâtaka tônâ?" and the third, taunting both her sisters, said of their speech " Dondu dondè" for " Rendu rendè" (literally, "the two are two").
This expression is used to describe two people or things that are equally bad, useless, or mischievous. It implies that there is no difference between them as they are both 'two of a kind' or 'birds of a feather.' It is commonly used when comparing two people who are colluding in a wrong act or are equally incompetent.
ఒకరిని కోస్తే పాలు, ఇంకొకరిని కోస్తే నెత్తురు వస్తుందా?
okarini koste palu, inkokarini koste netturu vastunda?
If you cut one person, does milk come out, and if you cut another, does blood?
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize human equality. It suggests that despite differences in social status, wealth, or caste, all human beings are fundamentally the same and experience pain and suffering in the same way. It is typically used to challenge discrimination or unfair treatment.
కత్తేస్తావా, బద్దేస్తావా అన్నట్లు
kattestava, baddestava annatlu
Like asking, 'Will you take the scissors or the stick?'
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to choose between two equally difficult or unpleasant options, or when someone is being interrogated/threatened with no easy way out. It implies a 'stuck between a rock and a hard place' scenario where both outcomes are undesirable.
ఉండి ఉండి ఉప్పరవానిని కట్టుకొంటే, తట్ట తట్టకు తలపోతలే.
undi undi upparavanini kattukonte, tatta tattaku talapotale.
After waiting and waiting, if one marries a digger (laborer), there will be head-washings (ceremonial or literal) for every basket carried.
This proverb describes a situation where someone waits a long time to make a choice, only to end up with a difficult or laborious situation. It specifically refers to the disappointment when a long-awaited decision results in unexpected hardships or constant, repetitive struggles.
అత్తా అత్తా అన్నం పెట్టత్తా అంటే సున్నం పెడతానే అందట.
atta atta annam pettatta ante sunnam pedatane andata.
When requested, 'Mother-in-law, mother-in-law, please serve some food,' she replied, 'I will apply lime (chunam) instead.'
This proverb describes a situation where a person expects help or kindness but receives something harmful or insulting in return. It highlights the behavior of mean-spirited or heartless people who mock others' genuine needs or suffering instead of showing empathy.
బతికి ఉంటే గరిటెడు పాలు ఇవ్వడు గానీ, చస్తే సమాధిపై ఆవును కట్టేస్తా అన్నట్లు
batiki unte garitedu palu ivvadu gani, chaste samadhipai avunu kattesta annatlu
He wouldn't give a spoonful of milk while alive, but says he will tie a cow to the grave after death.
This proverb describes hypocrisy or fake devotion. It is used to mock people who neglect someone's basic needs when they are alive but pretend to honor them with grand, useless gestures after they pass away. It highlights the irony of showing 'generosity' when it no longer benefits the recipient.
మా ఇంటికొస్తే మాకేం తెస్తావు? మీ ఇంటికొస్తే మాకేమి ఇస్తావు?
ma intikoste makem testavu? mi intikoste makemi istavu?
If you come to our house, what will you bring for us? If we come to your house, what will you give us?
This proverb describes an extremely selfish person who only thinks about their own gain in every situation. It portrays a one-sided mentality where the individual expects gifts or favors when being visited and also expects to be served or given something when they visit others, showing no sense of reciprocity or generosity.
కప్పి పెట్టేస్తే కంపుకొట్టకుండా ఉంటుందా?
kappi petteste kampukottakunda untunda?
If you cover it up, will it stop stinking?
This expression is used to highlight that merely hiding a problem, secret, or wrongdoing doesn't make it disappear. Eventually, the truth or the negative consequences will emerge, just as a bad smell permeates through a cover. It is often used when someone tries to suppress a scandal or ignore a glaring issue instead of resolving it.
బతికిన బతుక్కు ఒక పంది సాకుడా?
batikina batukku oka pandi sakuda?
For the life lived, is it necessary to rear a pig?
This expression is used to criticize someone who, despite having lived a respectable or decent life, stoops to low, undignified, or petty behavior. It is often used to question why someone would tarnish their reputation or standard of living by engaging in something considered base or beneath them.
విత్తకుండానే కోస్తామన్నట్లు.
vittakundane kostamannatlu.
Like saying one will harvest without even sowing.
This proverb is used to describe a person who expects results or rewards without putting in any effort or work. It highlights the absurdity of wanting to reap benefits when the necessary groundwork has not been done.