అరికాలి ముల్లు నెత్తికి ఎక్కినట్లు

arikali mullu nettiki ekkinatlu

Translation

Like a thorn in the sole of the foot reaching the head.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where a minor problem or a person of low status causes a disproportionately large amount of trouble or starts acting superior and arrogant. It signifies how something seemingly insignificant can escalate and become a major headache.

Related Phrases

A well without a ledge, a house without a proper site/foundation.

This proverb is used to describe things or situations that lack stability, safety, or proper structure. Just as a well without a protective wall (ledge) is dangerous to fetch water from, a house without a proper foundation or defined premises is insecure and lacks dignity. It is often used to refer to families or ventures that lack a strong leader or a solid base.

A well without a ledge, a gift without generosity.

This proverb highlights the uselessness or danger of things that lack essential qualities. A well without a protective ledge is dangerous and incomplete, just as an act of giving (charity) that lacks a true spirit of generosity or kindness is considered hollow and meaningless.

Villages without a king, temples without worship.

This proverb describes a state of chaos, neglect, or lack of order. Just as a temple loses its sanctity without daily rituals and a village becomes vulnerable or disorganized without a leader, a system or institution without proper governance and maintenance will eventually decline and become useless.

Villages without a king, temples without worship.

This proverb highlights that certain entities lose their purpose, order, and sanctity without proper leadership or essential rituals. A village without a leader descends into chaos and insecurity, just as a temple without daily prayers loses its spiritual significance and becomes a mere building.

A well without a ledge and a house without neighbors.

This proverb highlights the dangers of vulnerability and isolation. A well without a protective wall (ledge) is a safety hazard, just as a house located in a remote area without neighbors lacks support and security. It is used to describe a situation or lifestyle that is precarious and lacks a safety net.

If the house be burnt or the goodwife die, there will cer- tainly be lamentations.

This expression is used to describe a person who is habitually prone to complaining or creating a ruckus regardless of the circumstances. It suggests that for some people, misery or noisy behavior is a constant trait that doesn't change even in the face of significant disasters or personal loss.

A thorn from the sole of the foot coming into the palm of the hand.

This expression describes a situation where an existing problem or burden is handled so poorly or transferred in such a way that it creates a new, more inconvenient, or direct complication. It is used when a solution to a minor issue ends up causing a more immediate headache.

Like a thorn in the sole of the foot reaching the head.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a small or seemingly insignificant problem causes immense irritation, extreme anger, or distress throughout the entire body and mind. It conveys the feeling of sudden, sharp frustration.

A shepherd who cannot whistle, a sugarcane that is not sweet.

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that lacks the essential quality or skill required for its nature or purpose. Just as a shepherd must be able to whistle to herd animals and sugarcane is useless if not sweet, an object or person without its defining characteristic is considered ineffective or worthless.

Villages without a king, temples without worship.

This proverb highlights the importance of leadership and purpose. Just as a temple without daily rituals loses its sanctity and spirit, a village or society without a proper leader or governance falls into chaos and loses its direction.