బందిపోటు తరిమినా, గొట్టిలమందలోనికి పోరాదు

bandipotu tarimina, gottilamandaloniki poradu

Translation

Even if chased by a bandit, one should not run into a herd of wild buffaloes.

Meaning

This proverb warns against choosing a remedy that is more dangerous than the original threat. It suggests that while fleeing from a known danger (a bandit), one must not blindly rush into an even more chaotic or fatal situation (unpredictable wild buffaloes) where there is no chance of escape.

Related Phrases

Though the stab of the sword may fail, the stab of the pen will not fail.

This expression highlights the power of the written word over physical force. While a physical injury from a weapon might heal, the consequences of written documentation, laws, or press reports are permanent and far-reaching. It is used to caution people about the lasting impact of administrative decisions or journalism.

Like a wolf entering a flock of sheep

This expression is used to describe a situation where a predator or a dangerous person enters a group of vulnerable, innocent, or defenseless people, causing sudden chaos and destruction. It can also describe a powerful opponent easily overcoming a weak group.

Neither the thunder of the Uttara constellation nor the bite of a snake that chases will turn back.

This proverb highlights certainty and inevitability. It refers to the Uttara rain/monsoon season, where it is believed that if it thunders, rain is guaranteed to fall. Similarly, it suggests that certain consequences or natural events are irreversible and bound to happen once initiated.

One might escape a sword strike, but one cannot escape the strike of a pen.

This expression highlights that written words have a more permanent and devastating impact than physical violence. While physical wounds may heal or be avoided, the consequences of what is written—such as laws, journalism, or literature—are enduring and inescapable. It is often used to emphasize the power of the media or the written record in holding people accountable.

Though you be pursued by a tiger, you should not pass in front of the royal court.

This proverb warns that some places or people are more dangerous than a wild animal. 'Hajaram' refers to a royal court or a place of authority where one might face unjust punishment or endless trouble. It suggests that it is better to face a known physical danger than to get entangled with oppressive authorities or complex legal troubles.

Applied to a tyrannical Government.

Even if a tiger chases you, do not go to the landlord's doorstep.

This proverb highlights the extreme fear or oppression associated with powerful authorities or landlords in the past. It implies that the consequences of facing a ruthless person's wrath or legal/financial entrapment are worse than the danger of a wild animal.

A thundering cloud and a chasing snake do not go in vain.

This proverb is used to describe situations where an outcome is inevitable. Just as a thundering cloud usually leads to rain and a snake chasing someone will likely bite, certain actions or warnings have definite consequences that cannot be ignored or escaped.

If the Uttara star thunders, it won't stop raining; if a cobra chases, it won't stop biting.

This is an agricultural and traditional proverb. It implies that certain natural events are inevitable. When thunder occurs during the Uttara Karti (a specific solar mansion in the Hindu calendar), heavy rainfall is guaranteed. Similarly, if a cobra is provoked and chases someone, it will surely bite. It is used to describe situations that are certain to happen or consequences that cannot be avoided.

A herd of sheep for a late crop, green leaf manure for a coarse crop.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb highlighting that different varieties of crops require specific types of fertilization. Just as a late-season rice crop (Kaaruvari) thrives with the intense manure from a sheep fold, coarse or resilient crops (Pishanalu) are best supported by green leaf manure (Rotta). It is used to emphasize the importance of using appropriate methods for specific tasks.

If there be rain with thunder when the sun is in Uttara, there will be no drought; if a snake pursues and bites you, the bite will be fatal.

This proverb highlights absolute certainty and the irreversible nature of specific events. It refers to the 'Uttara Karthe' (a period in the lunar calendar) where rains are traditionally believed to be guaranteed and heavy. Just as a bite from a snake chasing its prey is fatal and inevitable, the effects of certain actions or natural phenomena are final and cannot be undone or avoided.