వశిష్టుని వాక్కున విశ్వామిత్రుడు బ్రహ్మర్షి అనిపించుకోవలె.
vashishtuni vakkuna vishvamitrudu brahmarshi anipinchukovale.
Vishwamitra must be called a Brahmarshi by the words of Vashistha.
This expression highlights that true recognition or a title is only valid when it comes from a peer or a rival who is equally or more qualified. In Hindu mythology, although Vishwamitra performed great penance, he only felt he truly achieved the status of 'Brahmarshi' when his rival, Sage Vashistha, acknowledged him as such. It is used to emphasize that self-praise is no recommendation and validation should come from an authoritative source.
Related Phrases
వసిష్ఠుని వాక్కున విశ్వామిత్రుడు బ్రహ్మర్షి అనిపించుకోవలెను
vasishthuni vakkuna vishvamitrudu brahmarshi anipinchukovalenu
Viśvâmitra must have himself called a Brahmanshi from the mouth of Vasishtha. Vasishtha was a celebrated priestly sage ( Brahmanshi ). Viśvâmitra, once a king, had by penance become a royal Ṛishi ( Râjarshi ) but persisted in austerities until Vasishtha was compelled to acknowledge him as a Brahmanshi. ( See Bâlakâṇḍa of the Râmâyana.*—Also Muir’s Sanskrit Texts Part. I. )
This expression highlights that true recognition or a title is only valid when it is acknowledged by one's greatest rival or a peer of the highest caliber. It originates from the mythological rivalry where King Vishwamitra performed intense penance to become a Brahmarshi, but his status was only truly validated when his adversary, Sage Vashistha, finally addressed him as one.
* चत्ववेदविदां श्रेष्ठो ब्रह्मवेदविदामपि। ब्रह्मपुत्तो वशिष्ठो मामेवं वदतु देवताः॥
అత్తతో చెప్పి అషు అనిపించలేడుగాని, లంఘించడానకు బ్రహ్మకొడుకు.
attato cheppi ashu anipinchaledugani, langhinchadanaku brahmakoduku.
He was not able to get the consent of my mother-in-law [ to give me my wife, ] but he is a very son of Brahmâ in reviling.
This proverb describes a person who is incapable of performing simple, straightforward tasks or following basic instructions, yet claims to be an expert at complex or daring feats. It is used to mock someone who lacks basic discipline or competence but shows off unnecessary or rebellious skills.
బాలవాక్కు బ్రహ్మవాక్కు
balavakku brahmavakku
The word of a child is the word of Brahma
This expression suggests that children are innocent and pure, so their words are as truthful and prophetic as the words of Lord Brahma (the creator). It is used to imply that children often speak the absolute truth without filter or malice.
అని అనిపించుకోవలెనా అత్తగారా?
ani anipinchukovalena attagara?
O mother-in-law, should you accuse me and bring a reproach on yourself in return ?
This expression is used sarcastically or ironically when someone tries to cover up their obvious mistakes or bad behavior by pretending to be concerned about their reputation. It originates from a folk story where a daughter-in-law behaves poorly and then asks if she deserves the bad name she is getting, highlighting hypocrisy.
Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
విశ్వమేలే నకులుడు అశ్వశిక్షకుడు అయినాడు.
vishvamele nakuludu ashvashikshakudu ayinadu.
The world-governing Nakula became a horsebreaker. ( See Virâṭaparva of the Mahâbhârata. ) The will of Providence.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a highly capable or noble person is forced by fate or circumstances to perform menial tasks or occupy a position far below their true stature. It originates from the Mahabharata, referring to the period when the Pandavas lived in exile (Agnathavasam).
ఏడి వెంకటస్వామి అనిపించుకొన్నట్లు
edi venkatasvami anipinchukonnatlu
Like making someone say, 'Where is Venkataswamy?'
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task so poorly or fails so miserably that people start questioning their very presence or competence. It implies a total failure that leads to a loss of reputation, where instead of praise, the person's absence is preferred or their existence is mocked.
కోతి పుండు బ్రహ్మరాక్షసి
koti pundu brahmarakshasi
A sore is a she-demon to a monkey. Making a great fuss about nothing.
This expression refers to a small problem that becomes much larger and uncontrollable due to constant meddling or aggravation. Just as a monkey cannot stop scratching its wound until it becomes a severe, unhealable sore, some people make their troubles worse by obsessing over them or interfering unnecessarily.
వేలు చూపించి ఉట్టిది అనిపించుకున్నట్లు
velu chupinchi uttidi anipinchukunnatlu
Pointing the finger and coming off worst.
This expression describes a situation where someone's attempt to help or point something out results in them being wrongly blamed or criticized. It is used when an innocent action leads to an unnecessary negative reputation or misunderstanding.
Said of a man who accuses another without being able to sub- stantiate his allegations.
అనిత్యాని శరీరాని, అందరి సొమ్ము మనకే రాని అని అనిపించుకోవలెనా అత్తగారు?
anityani sharirani, andari sommu manake rani ani anipinchukovalena attagaru?
Bodies are temporary, so should we think 'let everyone's wealth come to us' instead, mother-in-law?
This is a sarcastic expression used to mock hypocrisy or extreme greed. It twists the philosophical concept of 'Anityani Sharirani' (the body is temporary/perishable), which usually promotes detachment, into a justification for hoarding others' wealth. It is used when someone uses religious or moral teachings to mask their selfish motives.
త్రిశంకు స్వర్గం
trishanku svargam
Trishanku's Heaven
This expression refers to a state of being stuck between two goals or situations, unable to reach the desired destination while also being unable to return to the starting point. It is used to describe a dilemma or a 'limbo' state where one is suspended without progress or stability, originating from the mythological story where King Trishanku was suspended between Heaven and Earth by Vishwamitra.