అందరికీ శకునము చెప్పే బల్లి కుడితి తొట్టిలో పడ్డట్టు

andariki shakunamu cheppe balli kuditi tottilo paddattu

Translation

The lizard which tells the fortunes of all fell itself into the tub of rice-washings. The sound of the lizard is believed to be auspicious or ominous according to the quarter from whence it is heard, the hour, &c. 1

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who offers advice or solutions to everyone else's problems fails to manage or foresee their own misfortune. It highlights the irony of a person who acts as a guide or expert but cannot help themselves when they fall into trouble.

Related Phrases

Cake (roti) breaking only to fall in clarified butter.

When good fortune smiles on one, even usually harmful acts turn out to be helpful.

Like a mouse that fell into a pot of rice-wash (swill).

This expression describes a person who is stuck in a difficult or suffocating situation with no way out. Just as a mouse struggles helplessly when it falls into a deep pot of liquid, it refers to someone being trapped in a messy problem or a dilemma where their efforts to escape only lead to further exhaustion.

The fruit slipped, and fell into the milk.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something good happens unexpectedly or a fortunate event occurs that makes a situation even better. It is similar to the English idiom 'The icing on the cake' or 'A stroke of luck.'

Happy go lucky.

Like a lizard that fell into milk

This expression describes a situation where a single unpleasant element or unwanted person ruins an otherwise pure, good, or perfect situation. Just as a lizard falling into milk makes the entire container of milk unfit for consumption, this phrase is used when someone's presence or a specific event creates a sense of disgust or spoils the harmony of a gathering.

Is it that the calf has sucked, or that [ the milk ] has fallen into the pail? In either way beneficial.

This expression is used to question where a resource or money went when there is nothing to show for it. It highlights a situation where something has been consumed or spent, but the result is neither productive (like a calf growing) nor preserved (like milk stored in a pot). It is typically used when someone is unaccountable for losses or missing items.

Like a fruit slipping and falling into milk

This expression is used to describe a situation where something good happens unexpectedly, or when an already favorable situation becomes even better. It signifies a stroke of great luck or a perfect coincidence.

The lizard that tells omens to everyone, fell into the tub of food waste.

This proverb is used to describe a hypocritical or ironic situation where a person who gives advice or predictions to everyone else fails to manage their own life or falls into a predictable trap. It is similar to the English expression 'Physician, heal thyself.'

Like a blind ox entering a crop field

This expression is used to describe someone who starts a task or enters a situation without any thought, direction, or awareness of the consequences. Just as a blind ox would aimlessly wander and ruin a field of crops because it cannot see where it is going, this phrase critiques reckless or mindless behavior.

Fatness depends on the sourness of the slop.

This expression is used to describe someone who shows undue pride or arrogance based on very limited or meager resources. Just as a cow might grow slightly plump from drinking leftover kitchen slop (kuditi), the 'fatness' or pride of the person is entirely dependent on something insignificant or temporary.

The lizard that predicts omens for everyone fell into the tub of washings.

This proverb is used to describe a hypocritical situation where a person who gives advice or predictions to others fails to avoid trouble themselves. It highlights the irony of someone who claims to know the future or the 'right way' but cannot manage their own simple affairs.