అచ్చిగాడు చావనీ అంటే, బుచ్చిగాడే చచ్చేనట

achchigadu chavani ante, buchchigade chachchenata

Translation

When it was said let Achigadu die, it was Buchigadu who died.

Meaning

This expression is used when a situation turns out contrary to expectations or when an unintended person suffers instead of the one who was supposed to. It highlights irony, bad luck, or the unpredictability of outcomes where the target remains safe but an innocent or different party is affected.

Related Phrases

The reputation gained will not leave even after death

This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.

When told that two of his own cattle died of a disease, he asked how many of his relatives' cattle died.

This proverb describes a person with a malicious or jealous mindset. Instead of worrying about his own loss, he seeks comfort or satisfaction in knowing that others have suffered more. It is used to mock people who find solace in the misfortunes of others.

The one who doesn't give or take killed by pinching repeatedly.

This proverb refers to a person who is extremely stingy or stubborn in dealings. Instead of resolving a situation through mutual exchange or compromise, such a person makes things miserable for others through petty, annoying, or persistent troubles (symbolized by pinching). It is used to describe the suffocating nature of dealing with someone who lacks the spirit of cooperation.

The joint-husband was neglected and died.

This proverb describes a situation where a task or responsibility shared by many people ends up being neglected because everyone assumes someone else will take care of it. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Everybody's business is nobody's business.' It is used when collective responsibility leads to total failure.

The ass that is common property is always the worst saddled. ( French. )*

Achi's wedding ended up leading to Buchi's death.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a celebration or a positive event unintentionally leads to a disaster or a tragic outcome for someone else. It highlights the irony of a festive occasion turning into a cause for sorrow due to unforeseen circumstances or mismanagement.

Achi's wedding led to Buchi's death

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person's celebration or positive event unexpectedly results in trouble or a disaster for someone else. It highlights unintended negative consequences or a stroke of bad luck occurring simultaneously with a good event.

The one who gives is liked, the one who dies is free of debt.

This proverb reflects a pragmatic and somewhat cynical view of human nature. It suggests that people only like those who provide them with something or give them money. The second part implies that a person's debts are effectively canceled or their accounts are settled only when they pass away, often used to comment on the difficulty of recovering debts or the fleeting nature of social approval based on transactions.

Buchigadu's hair-knot at Achigadu's wedding

This proverb describes a situation where an irrelevant person tries to act important or gain attention in a place where they have no role. It is used to mock someone who meddles in affairs that do not concern them or someone who tries to steal the spotlight during another person's milestone.

Calumny is not removed even by death.

This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.

Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.

The over liberal man is ruined ; when a man dies, his debts go with him.

This proverb highlights two harsh realities of life: people only appreciate those who are generous or provide help, and once a person dies, their debts and obligations often perish with them, making it impossible to recover what was owed. It is used to describe the nature of gratitude and the finality of death regarding liabilities.