బిడ్డ పాముకరచి చచ్చి ఏడుస్తుంటే, విషపురుగులము- మా జోలికి వస్తే కరవక మానుతామా అన్నదట, అప్పడే బయటపడిన ఏలికపాము.
bidda pamukarachi chachchi edustunte, vishapurugulamu- ma joliki vaste karavaka manutama annadata, appade bayatapadina elikapamu.
While someone was crying because their child died of a snake bite, an earthworm that just emerged said, 'We are poisonous creatures—if you interfere with us, will we refrain from biting?'
This proverb is used to mock people who have no real power or status but try to sound dangerous or important by associating themselves with a tragedy or a powerful group. It describes an insignificant person (the earthworm) trying to act tough or claim credit for a fearsome reputation (the snake's venom) at an inappropriate or insensitive time.
Related Phrases
ఎల్లపాములు తలెత్తితే ఏలికపాము తలెత్తినట్లు
ellapamulu talettite elikapamu talettinatlu
Like a roundworm raising its head when all snakes raise theirs.
This expression is used to mock someone insignificant or incompetent who tries to act important or compete when people of great stature or talent are showing their prowess. It highlights the ridiculousness of a weak person mimicking a strong person.
పాలు పోసి పెంచినా పాము కరవక మానదు
palu posi penchina pamu karavaka manadu
Although you feed a snake with milk, it will not refrain from biting you.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an inherently evil or ungrateful person will eventually cause harm, regardless of how much kindness, care, or help you provide them. It suggests that one's true nature cannot be changed by external kindness.
కాలికి చుట్టుకున్న పాము కరవక మానదు
kaliki chuttukunna pamu karavaka manadu
A snake coiled around the leg will not stop without biting.
This expression is used to describe a persistent problem, a dangerous person, or a bad habit that is impossible to ignore or escape from without suffering some damage. It suggests that once you are entangled with something inherently harmful, the negative consequences are inevitable.
ఏలికపాము అన్నదట విషపురుగులం మా జోలికి వస్తే కరిచి చంపమా అని
elikapamu annadata vishapurugulam ma joliki vaste karichi champama ani
An earthworm supposedly said, 'We are poisonous creatures; if you mess with us, won't we bite and kill you?'
This proverb is used to mock people who lack actual power or capability but make empty, boastful threats. It highlights the irony of a harmless creature (like an earthworm) trying to appear dangerous or intimidating to others.
చిత్త చిత్తగించి, స్వాతి చల్లగా చూచి, విశాఖ విసరకుంటే, వీసానికి పుట్టెడు పండుతాను అన్నదట జొన్న
chitta chittaginchi, svati challaga chuchi, vishakha visarakunte, visaniki puttedu pandutanu annadata jonna
Sorghum says: If Chitta rains, Swati looks kindly, and Vishakha does not blow away, I will yield a Puttedu for every Visa.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the rainy season and the harvest of Jowar (Sorghum). It explains the ideal weather conditions needed during specific lunar mansions (Nakshatras) for a bumper crop. 'Chitta' needs rainfall, 'Swati' should be cool/pleasant, and 'Vishakha' should not have heavy winds that knock the grain down. If these conditions are met, even a tiny amount of seed (Visa) will yield a massive harvest (Puttedu).
కాలికి చుట్టుకున్న పాము కరవక మానదు
kaliki chuttukunna pamu karavaka manadu
A snake coiled around the leg will not stop without biting.
This proverb is used to describe a dangerous person or an unavoidable problem that has already entered one's life. It suggests that once you are entangled with a malicious person or a critical trouble, it will inevitably cause harm before it leaves. It serves as a warning that certain threats cannot be ignored or pacified easily.
కరవమంటే పాముకు కోపం, వదలమంటే కప్పకు కోపం
karavamante pamuku kopam, vadalamante kappaku kopam
If told to bite, the snake gets angry; if told to let go, the frog gets angry.
This proverb is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will result in displeasing one party or causing a problem. It reflects a state of being stuck between two difficult choices where you cannot satisfy everyone.
ఆకు నలిపినప్పుడే అసలు వాసన బయటపడుతుంది.
aku nalipinappude asalu vasana bayatapadutundi.
The true scent of a leaf is only revealed when it is crushed.
This proverb suggests that a person's true character, strength, or integrity is revealed only when they are put under pressure or face difficult circumstances. Just as crushing a leaf releases its fragrance, trials reveal a person's inner nature.
కడుపు కాలి ఏడుస్తుంటే, మనవర్తి ఏమిస్తావు అన్నదట.
kadupu kali edustunte, manavarti emistavu annadata.
When [someone] is crying because their stomach is burning [from hunger], she asked 'What maintenance/allowance will you give?'.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is suffering from a fundamental or immediate crisis, but someone else offers an irrelevant, future, or secondary solution instead of addressing the urgent need. It highlights the disconnect between a person's basic needs and the superficial help being offered.
కాళ్లను చుట్టుకొన్న పాము కరవక మానునా?
kallanu chuttukonna pamu karavaka manuna?
Will a snake coiled round your leg not bite you ? Said of a helpless dependant who must be supported.
This expression is used to describe a situation where an inevitable danger or a malicious person cannot be expected to show mercy. It implies that if you associate with or get trapped by something inherently harmful, you must face the consequences.