తుమ్మ తమ్మడై చెప్పును.
tumma tammadai cheppunu.
A sneeze warns you as a younger brother. On the commencement of an undertaking, if any one sneezes it is con- sidered a bad omen.
This proverb is used to emphasize that even if there are no human witnesses to a crime, nature or inanimate objects will eventually testify against the wrongdoer. It serves as a warning that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions because evidence will emerge from the most unexpected places.
Related Phrases
తుమ్ముకు తమ్ముడు ఆవలింతకు అన్న
tummuku tammudu avalintaku anna
A sneeze has a younger brother, and a yawn has an elder brother.
This is a traditional Telugu saying used when someone sneezes or yawns repeatedly. It suggests that these actions rarely occur just once; if you sneeze once, another is likely to follow (the 'younger brother'), and if you yawn, more are soon to come (the 'elder brother').
కంటికి రెప్ప, కాలికి చెప్పు
kantiki reppa, kaliki cheppu
A lid to the eye, a shoe to the foot. The protection necessary.
This expression refers to someone or something that provides constant, essential protection and support. Just as an eyelid naturally protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot from harsh terrain, this phrase describes a guardian, a loyal companion, or a preventive measure that keeps one safe from harm.
చెప్పుడు మాటలు చేటు.
cheppudu matalu chetu.
Listening to hearsay leads to ruin.
This expression warns against acting upon rumors or gossip without verification. It suggests that paying heed to malicious talk or the instigations of others will ultimately lead to one's own downfall or harm.
చెప్పి చెప్పి చెప్పుతో తన్నించుకో, మళ్ళీ వచ్చి మాతో తన్నించుకో.
cheppi cheppi chepputo tanninchuko, malli vachchi mato tanninchuko.
Advise them repeatedly only to get kicked by a slipper, then come back to get kicked by us.
This is a sarcastic and cautionary expression used to mock someone who ignores good advice or repeatedly makes the same mistake despite warnings. It implies that if a person doesn't listen to reason and ends up humiliated by others, they shouldn't expect sympathy; instead, they might face further ridicule or anger from those who tried to help them initially.
పాడికి పంట తమ్ముడు
padiki panta tammudu
Crop is the younger brother of dairy farming
This proverb highlights the interdependence of agriculture and animal husbandry. It suggests that where there is dairy (cattle), a good harvest naturally follows, as they complement each other's success and provide a holistic livelihood for a farmer.
కమ్మని, తుమ్మని నమ్మరాదు.
kammani, tummani nammaradu.
Do not trust a Kamma or a Thumma (Acacia) tree.
This is a historical folk saying or 'sameta' that warns of unpredictability. The literal comparison suggests that just as the Thumma tree is thorny and difficult to handle, one should be cautious in dealings. Note: Like many caste-based proverbs, this reflects historical social tensions or stereotypes and is used to describe situations where one should remain vigilant against potential deception or hidden 'thorns' in a situation.
నవ్వ చెప్పేవాడు చెడ జెప్పును, యేడవ చెప్పేవాడు బ్రతక చెప్పును.
navva cheppevadu cheda jeppunu, yedava cheppevadu brataka cheppunu.
He who speaks to make you laugh, speaks to your ruin; he who speaks to make you weep, speaks to your profit. A friend's frown is better than a fool's smile.
This proverb highlights the difference between a sycophant and a true well-wisher. Someone who always tells you what you want to hear (making you laugh/happy) might be leading you toward a downfall by ignoring your mistakes. In contrast, a true friend or mentor who criticizes you or tells you harsh truths (making you cry/sad) actually helps you improve and succeed in life.
చేసినమ్మ చేప చేయనమ్మ చెదలు
chesinamma chepa cheyanamma chedalu
The woman who worked got fish, the woman who didn't got termites.
This proverb emphasizes that hard work leads to fruitful results, while laziness or procrastination leads to waste and decay. It is used to motivate someone to put in effort to reap rewards rather than letting opportunities rot away.
ఉమ్మడి బేరం, ఉమ్మడి సేద్యం ఇద్దరికీ చేటు.
ummadi beram, ummadi sedyam iddariki chetu.
Joint trade and joint farming are harmful to both.
This proverb suggests that partnerships in business (trade) or agriculture (farming) often lead to disputes and losses for both parties involved. It highlights the difficulties of maintaining shared responsibility and equal effort, implying that individual ownership is often more successful and peaceful.
తుమ్మ తోపుల్లో కొత్త కోలాటం
tumma topullo kotta kolatam
A new Kolatam dance in a grove of acacia (thorns).
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts a new, joyful, or complicated activity in a very dangerous, restrictive, or unsuitable environment. It highlights the foolishness or high risk involved in trying to celebrate or perform amidst thorns (troubles) that are bound to cause harm.