అపనింద అవతలపోతే, నిందవచ్చి నెత్తిన పడ్డది.

apaninda avatalapote, nindavachchi nettina paddadi.

Translation

When the false accusation went away, a real accusation came and fell on the head.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where a person, while trying to escape or clear themselves of a false blame or minor problem, gets entangled in a much more serious or direct accusation. It is used when someone's troubles seem never-ending or when a situation shifts from bad to worse.

Related Phrases

Truth may attract blame, but it will not lead to disgrace.

This proverb emphasizes that speaking the truth might lead to temporary criticism or accusations from others who are uncomfortable with it, but ultimately, the person remains honorable. It suggests that while one might be blamed for being blunt or honest, their character remains untarnished in the long run, unlike the shame that follows a lie.

Like a temple coming and falling on you.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an unexpected, massive responsibility or a heavy burden suddenly falls upon someone without any prior warning or effort of their own. It is often used when an unavoidable problem or a huge task is thrust upon a person.

An unexpected calamity.

When he went to raise a new loan, the old debt fell upon him. i. e. His creditor reminded him of the old score.

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to solve an existing problem or acquire a new resource results in being confronted by previous unresolved obligations. It is used when someone's efforts to move forward are hindered by their past mistakes or debts suddenly demanding attention.

Unless the head is burnt, the begging bowl will not be filled.

This proverb emphasizes that hard work, struggle, or intense effort (symbolized by the heat of the sun burning one's head) is necessary to earn a livelihood or achieve results. It implies that without facing difficulties or putting in significant labor, one cannot expect to fulfill their needs or find success.

Sandalwood paste all over the body and a mouth full of betel nut.

This expression is used to describe someone who is overly decorated, living in extreme luxury, or showing off their prosperity and well-being. It signifies a state of being perfectly groomed and content, often used to remark on someone's high-status appearance or their indulgence in comforts.

If you eat a bellyful of cakes, [you will get] a bodyful of fever.

This proverb warns about the consequences of overindulgence and greed. It suggests that excessive consumption of heavy or rich food leads to illness and physical suffering. It is used to advise moderation in eating habits and to highlight that momentary pleasure can lead to long-term discomfort.

If you accuse others falsely, you will be accused truly in turn.

This proverb warns that if you spread baseless rumors or false accusations about others, you will eventually face serious and undeniable accusations or consequences yourself. It serves as a reminder that dishonesty and slander often backfire.

One can bear the life of a widow, but one cannot bear a false accusation.

This proverb emphasizes that loss of reputation or a stain on one's character is far more painful and difficult to endure than even the most tragic personal misfortune or social hardship. It highlights the supreme importance of personal honor over physical or social suffering.

The crops planted below do not remain, and the rains from above do not fall.

This proverb is used to describe a state of extreme distress, hopelessness, or a complete failure of systems. It originally refers to agricultural drought where neither the soil yields crops nor the sky yields rain, signifying a total lack of resources or support from any direction.

A village full of debts, a mouth full of teeth.

This expression is used to describe a person who is drowning in debt but remains shamelessly cheerful or continues to grin as if nothing is wrong. It mocks the irony of having many liabilities while maintaining a facade of carefree happiness or showing off.