వండాలేదు, వార్చాలేదు, ముక్కున మసెక్కడిదే అన్నట్లు

vandaledu, varchaledu, mukkuna masekkadide annatlu

Translation

Like saying 'I haven't cooked or strained the rice, so where did the soot on my nose come from?'

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe someone who tries to feign innocence or ignorance about an act they have committed, but their own physical evidence or behavior gives them away. It is similar to the English expression 'caught red-handed' or 'the guilty conscience needs no accuser.' It highlights the hypocrisy of denying something when the proof is plain to see.

Related Phrases

Neither learned the new, nor forgotten the old.

This expression describes a state of stagnation or lack of progress. It is used to mock someone who is unable to adapt to new changes or learn new skills, while also failing to move on from or effectively use their existing knowledge. It highlights a situation where someone is stuck in limbo, making no advancement.

The king did not arrive, and the broken grain dumplings were not made.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one waits for a significant event or person that never arrives, resulting in wasted preparation or a lack of result. It signifies wasted anticipation or a task left incomplete because the expected catalyst never appeared. It is often used to mock someone who makes grand plans based on an uncertain event.

No effort was put in then, and no worry is felt now.

This proverb describes a state of total negligence or lack of foresight. It is used to describe a person who did not take action or plan during the appropriate time (the past) and consequently feels no regret or concern about the failure in the present. It often implies a sense of indifference toward one's responsibilities.

There isn't enough space for himself to pass through the hole, yet he wants a drum around his neck, he said.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is already in a difficult or tight situation but tries to take on additional, unnecessary burdens or responsibilities that make the situation impossible. It mocks people who lack the capacity to manage their basic needs yet aspire for grand, cumbersome status symbols or extra tasks.

Like saying there is no New Moon for the village.

Used to describe a situation where someone believes they are exempt from universal rules or inevitable events. It highlights the absurdity of thinking that a general truth or natural law (like the lunar cycle) would somehow skip a specific person or place.

Not a penny of income, not a moment of leisure.

This expression is used to describe someone who is constantly busy and working hard but without any financial gain or productive results. It highlights the irony of being extremely occupied while remaining poor or unsuccessful.

Neither in the lap nor in the cheek, yet children for the skinny legs.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who lacks basic stability or resources takes on unnecessary or excessive responsibilities. It is often used to mock people who are incapable of looking after themselves but still aspire for things they cannot manage, or when someone is overly ambitious despite having no foundation.

Neither invocation nor dismissal.

This expression refers to someone who is indifferent or neutral towards a situation, person, or ritual. It originates from Vedic rituals where a deity is invited (Avahana) and then sent back (Visarjana). It is used to describe a state where one is neither welcoming nor rejecting something, often implying a lack of interest or involvement.

There is no waste in charity, and there are no wages for forced labor.

This proverb highlights two economic truths in traditional society: first, that money spent on charity or righteous causes is never a waste as it earns merit; second, that forced or involuntary labor (vetti) never results in any monetary compensation or earnings for the worker.

The ox cannot walk, and the weather above is not good.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes multiple excuses to avoid work. It implies that both internal capability (the ox) and external conditions (the weather) are being blamed to justify inaction or laziness.