విచిత్రం విన బూటకం, ఆలుగొట్టా మగడేడువ.

vichitram vina butakam, alugotta magadeduva.

Translation

The wonder is a lie; the wife hit him, and the husband is crying.

Meaning

This proverb describes a paradoxical or hypocritical situation where someone who is the aggressor or the cause of a problem pretends to be the victim, or where the natural order of things is absurdly reversed. It is used to mock someone's fake complaints or to point out an illogical chain of events where the wrong person is seeking sympathy.

Related Phrases

See the wonder, the ant has laid an egg; see the deception, the booraka fish has laid eggs.

This expression is used to mock people who tell tall tales or exaggerate trivial events as if they are miraculous. It highlights how minor or common occurrences are sometimes presented as extraordinary feats to deceive or impress the gullible.

Plays are unreal, your wit is your beauty.

This expression is often used to convey that worldly life or human behavior is superficial and deceptive. It implies that people's actions are often just 'acts' (dramas) and that youth or external beauty is fleeting and pretentious rather than reflecting a deeper truth.

Warmth from a wife is like the best nectar; oh hidden husband, please stay separate.

This proverb describes a hypocritical situation where a person praises something or someone in theory but acts selfishly or pushes them away in practice. It is used to mock people who speak sweet words of affection but refuse to share resources or live together when it comes to actual commitment.

A bird that has left the forest, a person who has left the people.

This expression highlights the loss of support systems and identity. Just as a bird loses its natural habitat and protection when it leaves the forest, a human being who isolates themselves from society or is abandoned by their community loses their strength, social security, and purpose. It is used to emphasize the importance of social bonds and staying connected to one's roots.

The strange tamarind stew supposedly swallowed the dining leaf

This expression is used to describe a situation where the secondary or minor element ends up consuming or destroying the main element it was supposed to be a part of. It highlights ironic or absurd outcomes where the tool or accompaniment overwhelms the object it was intended for.

If there is a wall you can draw on it.

Health is the primary foundation for any achievement. Just as you need a physical wall to paint a mural, you need a healthy body and life to pursue goals and enjoy success. It is used to emphasize that one's health and existence are the prerequisites for everything else.

Woman is Goddess Lakshmi, man is gold

This expression highlights the traditional roles and values in a family. It suggests that a woman brings prosperity and grace (like the Goddess Lakshmi) to a home, while the man represents the wealth and strength (like gold) that provides security. It is often used to emphasize the importance of both genders in maintaining a balanced household.

Only if there is a wall, can a picture be drawn.

This proverb emphasizes that health is the foundation for all achievements. Just as a painting requires a physical wall to exist, a person needs good health and a basic foundation to pursue any goals or ambitions in life. It is often used to remind someone to prioritize their well-being or the basics before attempting complex tasks.

A husband for appearances only, not for providing happiness.

This proverb is used to describe a situation or person that looks competent or sufficient on the outside but fails to fulfill their primary responsibilities or provide the expected benefits. In a literal sense, it refers to a spouse who maintains the social status of marriage but fails to provide emotional, physical, or financial support. Metaphorically, it is used for any object or person that is decorative but useless in practice.

Like drawing a picture on thin air (or space)

This expression refers to a futile or impossible task. Just as a painting cannot stay or be visible when drawn on empty space/air, it describes efforts that are wasted, plans that have no foundation, or actions that yield no result.