బలవంతుని చేయి పడితే, బావి అయినా చూసుకోవాలి, చంక అయినా చేరాలి

balavantuni cheyi padite, bavi ayina chusukovali, chanka ayina cherali

Translation

When a strong man's hand falls on you, you must either look for a well or seek refuge in his armpit.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the helplessness of the weak when confronted by a powerful person. It implies that when a dominant force exerts pressure, one's only options are extreme: either face total destruction (jumping into a well) or complete surrender and subservience (seeking shelter under their arm). It is used to describe situations where there is no middle ground or fair negotiation possible against someone with overwhelming power.

Related Phrases

Even a handful of harvest from one's own field is enough.

This expression emphasizes the value of self-reliance and the satisfaction derived from one's own honest labor. It suggests that a small amount earned or produced through one's own effort is more gratifying and honorable than a large amount obtained through other means or dependency.

Relying on her younger sister's husband, she held her hand pompously.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who acts arrogantly, lives extravagantly, or shows false pride based on the wealth and status of a relative (specifically a brother-in-law) rather than their own capability. It implies that their confidence is misplaced and dependent on someone else.

Help in times of danger, share in times of wealth.

This proverb emphasizes the reciprocal nature of relationships and fairness. It means that if you want a share in someone's prosperity or inheritance (property), you must also be willing to stand by them and provide support when they are in trouble or facing a crisis.

Look at the mother before you take the daughter; see how much milk the buffalo gives before you buy her.

This proverb suggests that the character and qualities of a person are often inherited or influenced by their upbringing and ancestry. It is commonly used in the context of marriage or forming long-term alliances, implying that observing the parents (background) provides a reliable preview of the individual's nature.

Even a mother cannot do as much good as an onion does.

This is a popular Telugu proverb emphasizing the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. It suggests that while a mother is the ultimate caretaker, the therapeutic properties of onions are so unique and powerful for the body that they are incomparable. It is used to encourage the consumption of onions for well-being.

A snake is the same whether small or big.

This expression is used to signify that danger or an enemy should not be underestimated based on size or scale. Just as a small snake's venom can be as lethal as a large one's, a problem or opponent remains dangerous regardless of their stature.

When trying to make a sage, it turned into a cat

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to do something great or noble, but due to lack of skill or bad luck, the end result is mediocre or a failure. It is similar to the English expression 'The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.' Note: The user provided 'Malli' (Jasmine) or 'Munni', but the standard proverb is 'Muni' (Sage/Ascetic).

One should either become a master of begging or a millionaire.

This expression emphasizes that one should aim for extremes or total mastery in their chosen path rather than being mediocre. It suggests that there is no point in being 'in-between' or average; one should either reach the pinnacle of wealth or, if choosing a humble path, be the most detached or humble version of it. It is often used to encourage commitment to a goal.

When living well, go to your brother-in-law; when fallen on hard times, go to a friend.

This proverb highlights social dynamics and true loyalty. It suggests that relatives (like a brother-in-law) are often more interested in your company when you are prosperous and can enhance their status, whereas a true friend is the one who will support and welcome you even when you have lost everything and are in distress.

Either the wedded wife must do it, or the mother who gave birth must do it.

This proverb highlights a traditional perspective on dependency and intimate care. It suggests that there are certain personal needs or household responsibilities so private or demanding that only the closest women in a man's life—his wife or his mother—would be willing or expected to perform them. It is often used to emphasize the importance of family bonds and the unique roles played by a mother and a spouse.