భయానికి తగినట్లు కోట కట్టుకోవలె

bhayaniki taginatlu kota kattukovale

Translation

One must build a fort proportional to their fear.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that one's defenses or preparations should be adequate to the level of risk or threat they perceive. It is used to advise someone to take precautions that match the magnitude of the potential danger or their own anxiety about a situation.

Related Phrases

A monkey by birth, and then it drank palm wine.

This expression is used to describe a person who is already mischievous or foolish by nature, but then encounters a situation or consumes something that makes their behavior even more erratic or uncontrollable. It signifies a bad situation becoming significantly worse due to unnecessary additions.

Like making a monkey drink toddy (palm wine)

This expression is used to describe a situation where a naturally mischievous or restless person becomes even more uncontrollable, chaotic, or hyperactive due to external factors. It is used when someone's existing negative traits are amplified by bad influence or circumstances.

According to your fear, so you must build your fort.

This expression suggests that the level of one's defense or preparation should be proportional to the level of perceived threat or anxiety. It is used to advise someone to take adequate precautions based on the risks they foresee.

Like cutting the udder to drink milk

This expression refers to a short-sighted or greedy action where someone destroys a valuable source of long-term benefits for a small, immediate gain. It is similar to the English proverb 'killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.' It is used when someone's impatience or lack of foresight leads to self-inflicted loss.

Like a monkey that drank palm wine

This expression is used to describe someone who is behaving in an extremely hyperactive, erratic, or uncontrollable manner. It implies a state of chaotic agitation where a person is already naturally restless (like a monkey) and has been further stimulated by an intoxicant, making them impossible to manage.

A child suitable for the mother, a porch suitable for the house

This proverb describes a perfect match or a natural compatibility between two entities. Just as a child reflects the traits of the mother or a porch is built to complement the structure of a house, it is used to highlight that someone or something is exactly as expected given their origin or environment.

The wind that is suitable for the tree.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gets exactly what they deserve, or when a consequence is perfectly matched to an action or a person's character. It is similar to the English proverb 'As you sow, so shall you reap' or 'To each according to their capacity.'

Better fall at the feet of the prosecutor than at the feet of the witnesses.

This proverb suggests that instead of trying to influence or persuade intermediaries or witnesses, it is more effective and straightforward to deal directly with the primary person involved in a dispute. It emphasizes that reaching an agreement with the opponent is easier than managing those who are merely testifying.

Seed suitable for the fruit, water suitable for the soil

This proverb suggests that results are dictated by the quality of inputs and the environment. Just as a specific seed determines the fruit and the soil type determines the water requirement, the outcome of any endeavor depends on using the right resources and adapting to the specific circumstances.

A child worthy of its mother, a Pandili fit for the house.

This proverb is used to describe two things or people that are perfectly matched in quality, character, or behavior. It is often used to remark on how a child's traits mirror their parent's, or how an environment is perfectly suited to its occupants.