వీపున తన్నుతుంటే, యింటి వెనుక చప్పడన్నట్లు.

vipuna tannutunte, yinti venuka chappadannatlu.

Translation

When someone is being kicked on the back, they say there is a noise behind the house.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who tries to hide an obvious humiliation or an insult by pretending it is something else or by attributing it to an external, unrelated cause. It highlights a face-saving act where one attempts to ignore a direct attack or failure by acting oblivious to the reality of the situation.

Related Phrases

While one is struggling for their own survival, being chased by a lame-legged cat.

This proverb describes a situation where a person who is already overwhelmed with their own severe problems is suddenly burdened by another person's petty or additional demands. It is used when someone who can barely help themselves is asked for help by someone else, making a bad situation even more frustrating.

If you praise yourself, it is like kicking yourself to death.

This proverb warns against excessive self-praise or narcissism. It suggests that boasting about one's own achievements or qualities is socially destructive and diminishes one's own reputation, effectively 'killing' one's dignity and respect in the eyes of others.

Like hitting the burrow after the fox has gone.

This expression refers to taking action or seeking a remedy after it is already too late. It is used to describe futile efforts made after the opportunity has passed or the damage is already done, similar to the English idiom 'closing the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

Stepping on a thorn first and then saying 'safety behind'

This expression is used to describe someone who acts recklessly or makes a mistake first, and only tries to be cautious or offers advice on safety after the damage is already done. It highlights the irony of being careful too late.

A stab in the front, a kick from the back.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is facing troubles or attacks from all directions simultaneously. It highlights a state of being trapped or victimized by multiple sources of misfortune or betrayal at once.

If the mistress of the house be blind, all the pots will be broken. Without supervision things will go to ruin. When the gude wife's awa', the keys are tint. (Scotch.)

This proverb highlights the importance of the primary person in charge of a task being capable and attentive. If the person responsible for managing a household (or an organization) is unable to see or manage things properly, it leads to the loss and destruction of the resources under their care. It is used to describe how a lack of supervision or competence in leadership leads to waste and damage.

Even if you go along with someone, do not walk behind them.

This proverb suggests that it is better to walk beside someone as an equal or companion rather than following them like a servant or subordinate. It emphasizes self-respect and warns against putting oneself in a position where one might be ignored or treated with less importance while traveling or working together.

When the teacher said 'hit from the back, student,' the student replied, 'If I hit from the back, will there be a face left, master?'

This expression is used to describe a person who is foolishly literal or lacks common sense. It refers to someone who interprets instructions in the most absurd way possible or provides nonsensical excuses instead of understanding the intent behind a command.

If a mistake made in the past is hiding in the corner, a mistake made later will follow you all the way to your bed.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where past errors or secrets eventually catch up with a person, often at the most inconvenient or personal moment. It emphasizes that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions, as they will eventually manifest and confront the individual directly.

Sweet talks in the front, claps (mockery) behind the back.

This expression is used to describe people who speak very pleasantly and flatteringly to your face, but criticize, mock, or gossip about you as soon as you are gone. It highlights hypocrisy and two-faced behavior.