బాగుపడదామని పోతే, బండచాకిరీ తగులుకున్నట్లు
bagupadadamani pote, bandachakiri tagulukunnatlu
When one went to improve their life, they got stuck with back-breaking labor.
This expression is used when a person's attempt to improve their situation or find an easier path leads to even harder work or more difficult circumstances. It describes an irony where an effort to find comfort results in greater hardship.
Related Phrases
తన్ను తప్పించి, ఆకాశమంత పిడుగు పడమన్నట్లు.
tannu tappinchi, akashamanta pidugu padamannatlu.
Asking for a lightning bolt as big as the sky to strike, as long as it misses oneself.
This expression describes extreme selfishness or indifference. It refers to a person who doesn't care if a massive disaster occurs or if others suffer, as long as they personally remain safe and unaffected. It is used to criticize someone who prioritizes their own safety to the point of wishing ill upon the world.
తాకబోతే తగులకొన్నట్లు
takabote tagulakonnatlu
Like getting entangled when just trying to touch.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a simple or casual attempt to involve oneself in something leads to getting unexpectedly stuck, trapped, or deeply entangled in a complicated problem.
దుంగ దించి బండ నెత్తుకొన్నట్లు
dunga dinchi banda nettukonnatlu
Like putting down a log only to pick up a boulder.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to get rid of a small problem or burden, only to replace it with a much bigger and more difficult one. It highlights poor decision-making or bad luck where the alternative chosen is worse than the original state.
గచ్చపొద మీద పడ్డ బట్ట గ్రక్కున తీయవశమా
gachchapoda mida padda batta grakkuna tiyavashama
Is it possible to pull away a cloth fallen on a thorny bush instantly?
This proverb is used to describe situations where getting out of a problem requires patience and care rather than haste. Just as pulling a cloth quickly from a thorny bush would tear it, acting impulsively in a delicate or complicated situation will only cause more damage. It advises one to be slow and steady when dealing with complex issues or difficult people.
ఊరకుండలేక ఉప్పరిని తగులుకుంటే, తట్టకొక తన్ను తగిలిస్తున్నాడు
urakundaleka upparini tagulukunte, tattakoka tannu tagilistunnadu
When one couldn't stay quiet and picked a fight with a mason, he kicked for every basket carried.
This proverb describes a situation where someone unnecessarily interferes in someone else's business or picks an avoidable argument, only to end up being humiliated or punished repeatedly. It is used to warn someone against meddling in affairs that don't concern them, especially when it results in predictable trouble.
చల్లకు వచ్చి ముంత దాచుకున్నట్లు
challaku vachchi munta dachukunnatlu
Coming for buttermilk and hiding the pot.
This proverb refers to a situation where someone approaches another person with a specific request or goal but is too hesitant, shy, or secretive to state their true intention. It describes the irony of seeking help or a favor while trying to hide the very vessel needed to receive it. It is used to advise someone to be straightforward instead of being unnecessarily evasive.
ఆమనిలో లంజకాడువలె తగులుకొన్నాడు.
amanilo lanjakaduvale tagulukonnadu.
He got stuck like a lover in the spring season.
This expression is used to describe someone who gets deeply entangled or hopelessly stuck in a situation or relationship, often to the point of being unable to extricate themselves easily. In Telugu literature, 'Aamani' (spring) represents a time of intense passion, and 'Lanjakadu' refers to a paramour or lover; together they imply a state of being completely absorbed or trapped by attraction or circumstances.
డాగుపడిన పండు బాగులేదందురు
dagupadina pandu baguledanduru
They say a stained fruit is not good
This expression means that people often judge something's quality based on its outward appearance. If a fruit has a blemish or a spot, people tend to assume it is rotten or of poor quality. It is used to describe how a person's reputation can be easily tarnished by a single mistake or flaw, leading others to disregard their positive qualities.
తగులుకున్న మొగుడు, తాటిచెట్టు నీడ నిలుకడ లేనివి
tagulukunna mogudu, tatichettu nida nilukada lenivi
An illicit husband and the shade of a palm tree are both unstable.
This proverb highlights things that lack permanence or reliability. Just as the shade of a tall, thin palm tree shifts rapidly and offers no real shelter, an illicit or informal relationship lacks legal or social security. It is used to describe situations or people that cannot be depended upon in the long run.
అరవ చాకిరి
arava chakiri
Unnecessary or unpaid hard labor
This expression refers to performing excessive, strenuous work without getting any recognition, proper compensation, or productive result. It is often used to describe drudgery or a thankless job where the effort put in is far greater than the value received.