వెనకా ముందూ చూచి మాట్లాడండి
venaka mundu chuchi matladandi
Having looked before and behind, speak, Sir. A story is told of a corrupt judge behind whose seat one of the parties in a suit placed a bag of money and when he perceived that the case was going against him, called out " Look before and behind you Sir, and decide." The judge, perceiving the bribe, adroitly turned his judgment against the opposite party.
This expression is used as a piece of advice or a warning to someone to be cautious with their words. It suggests thinking about the consequences, the context, and the people present before speaking, ensuring one doesn't say something regrettable or inappropriate.
Related Phrases
కొండను తవ్వి ఎలుకను పట్టినట్టు
kondanu tavvi elukanu pattinattu
Like digging up a mountain to catch a mouse
This expression is used to describe a situation where an enormous amount of effort, time, or resources are invested into a task, only to achieve a very small or insignificant result. It highlights the disproportion between the struggle and the outcome.
మొగుడు చచ్చిన వెనక ముండకు బుద్ధి వచ్చినది.
mogudu chachchina venaka mundaku buddhi vachchinadi.
After her husband's death, the jade came to her senses.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone realizes their mistake or understands the importance of something only after it is permanently lost or when it is too late to rectify the damage. It highlights the futility of late realization.
కూలికి వచ్చి పాలికి మాట్లాడినట్టు.
kuliki vachchi paliki matladinattu.
He came for hire, and asked for a share [in the business]. A cool request.
This proverb is used to describe a person who, despite having a very minor or temporary role in a task or organization, tries to claim ownership, authority, or a large share of the profits. It highlights the audacity of someone overstepping their boundaries.
మంచివానికి మాటకన్నా మందు లేదు
manchivaniki matakanna mandu ledu
To a good man silence is reproof.
This proverb highlights that a simple, kind, or honest word is sufficient to correct or influence a person of good character. While a stubborn or wicked person might require force or punishment, a virtuous person understands and responds to reason and gentle communication.
మాట్లాడనేరిస్తే పోట్లాడరాదు
matladaneriste potladaradu
If you know how to speak properly, there will be no need to fight.
This proverb emphasizes the power of communication and diplomacy. It suggests that if a person possesses the skill of speaking tactfully, politely, and effectively, they can resolve any conflict or misunderstanding without it escalating into a physical or verbal fight.
గట్టు చేరిన వెనక పుట్టివానితో పోట్లాడినట్టు
gattu cherina venaka puttivanito potladinattu
Like fighting with the ferry-man after getting over the river. The river past, the saint forgotten. (Spanish.)* The peril past, the saint mocked. (Italian.)
This proverb describes the behavior of ungrateful people who forget the help they received once their purpose is served. It is used to criticize someone who turns against their benefactor or helper as soon as they are out of danger or have achieved their goal.
ముందు పల్లం, వెనుక మిట్ట
mundu pallam, venuka mitta
A pit in front and a mound behind.
This expression describes a situation where there are obstacles or dangers on all sides, leaving no easy way forward or backward. It is similar to the English idiom 'between a rock and a hard place' or 'between the devil and the deep blue sea'. It is used when a person is caught in a dilemma with equally difficult alternatives.
పట్టు కత్తిరించినట్టు మాట్లాడవలెను
pattu kattirinchinattu matladavalenu
You should speak as silk is cut. i. e. give a decided answer, as unmistakable as the cut of silk is clean.
This expression means that one's speech should be precise, brief, and very clear, similar to the clean and smooth cut of a sharp pair of scissors through silk fabric. It is used to advise someone to be straightforward and articulate without unnecessary ambiguity.
ఆడమంటే పాడమన్నాడట, పాడమంటే పొమ్మన్నాడట
adamante padamannadata, padamante pommannadata
When asked to dance, he sang; when asked to sing, he left.
This expression is used to describe someone who is being uncooperative, stubborn, or intentionally doing the opposite of what is requested. It highlights a person's lack of interest or skill in following simple instructions, often choosing to be difficult or evasive instead of helpful.
పగలు పక్కచూచి మాట్లాడు, రాత్రి అదీ మాట్లాడ వద్దు.
pagalu pakkachuchi matladu, ratri adi matlada vaddu.
When you speak in the day time, look around ; at night don't speak at all. ( Hills see, walls hear. ( Spanish. ) )
This proverb warns about the importance of secrecy and caution when discussing sensitive matters. It suggests that even in daylight, one must check their surroundings for eavesdroppers, but at night, when sounds travel further and silence is unpredictable, it is better to remain completely silent to avoid being overheard.