అడ్డగోడ మీద పిల్లి

addagoda mida pilli

Translation

Like the cat on the cross wall.

Meaning

This expression describes a person who remains neutral or indecisive, refusing to take a side in a conflict or a situation. Just as a cat sitting on top of a wall can jump down to either side at any moment, it refers to someone who is waiting to see which side will be more beneficial before committing.

Notes

It can jump down either side. Applied to an unprincipled, double-dealing person. Jack o' both sides.

Related Phrases

A cat which kills a rat is a cat, whether it be of wood or mud. If the work be well done, never mind the instrument.

This expression emphasizes pragmatism and results over appearance or origin. It suggests that the value of someone or something should be judged by their ability to perform their intended task or achieve a goal, rather than their outward characteristics or status.

Would this cat have drunk that milk ?

This is a sarcastic rhetorical question used to describe a person who pretends to be innocent, modest, or naive, while actually being quite the opposite. It is used when someone acts as if they are too good or too shy to do something that they are secretly very capable of or already doing.

A demure humbug.

He is like the cat on the coping. i. e. lying steadily in wait. Said of a cool, calculating, selfish man.

This expression describes a person who is indecisive or neutral, refusing to take a side in a conflict or decision. Just as a cat sitting on a wall can jump to either side at any moment, it refers to someone waiting to see which side will be more advantageous before committing.

The demands of a sister-in-law and the repairs of a partition wall never end.

This proverb is used to describe tasks or expenses that are never-ending. It compares the constant demands for gifts or attention from a husband's sister (aadapaduchu) to the perpetual maintenance required for a mud partition wall, which constantly develops cracks or needs patching.

A cat on a dividing wall

This expression describes a person who is indecisive or neutral, waiting to see which side of an issue will be more advantageous before committing. Just like a cat sitting on a narrow wall can jump to either side at any moment, it refers to someone who refuses to take a firm stand.

A flatbread as big as a cross-wall, and chutney as large as a haystack.

This expression is used to describe a person who has a massive appetite or is extremely greedy for food. It is also used to humorously comment on situations where the quantity of food prepared or served is excessively large.

A chicken eaten by a cat will not respond even if called.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has suffered a loss or been exploited, and no matter how much you try to reach out or rectify it, the damage is irreversible. It is often applied to someone who has gone missing or something that has been stolen/consumed, implying it is futile to expect a response or return.

The tendency of a cat on a wall

This expression refers to someone who is indecisive or waiting to see which side is more advantageous before taking a stand. Just as a cat sitting on a wall can jump to either side at any moment, it describes a person with a neutral or opportunistic stance who hasn't committed to a particular side yet.

Anger toward the mother is taken out on the child.

This proverb describes a situation where a person redirects their frustration or anger from its original source toward someone else who is vulnerable or associated with that source. It is used to point out unfair treatment where an innocent party suffers for someone else's mistake or due to a displaced grudge.

The neighbour's cat is the ally of the house cat. Both join in mischief.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two people, often who should be at odds or are expected to be rivals, secretly collaborate or help each other for mutual benefit. It is frequently used to highlight how internal and external parties might conspire together, often in a negative or mischievous context.