చెట్టు చెడే కాలానికి కుక్క మూతి పిందెలు పుడతాయి

chettu chede kalaniki kukka muti pindelu pudatayi

Translation

When the tree is about to perish, it brings forth blasted fruit. Applied to the first signs of the coming ruin of a bad man. Coming events cast their shadows before them.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where unusual or ominous signs appear just before someone's downfall or when a system is about to fail. It is used to suggest that when a person's time of ruin approaches, their thoughts, actions, and surrounding circumstances become distorted or perverse.

Related Phrases

Does a stitch (on a garment) appear as soon as you eat a crepe?

This expression is used to highlight that some results take time and cannot be achieved instantly. It suggests that actions and their consequences aren't always immediate, emphasizing patience or the realistic timeline of a process.

Unripe fruits touched by a dog's mouth

This expression is used to describe things or people that are useless, of poor quality, or spoiled from the beginning. Just as a young fruit (pinde) touched by a dog is considered defiled and won't ripen properly, this phrase refers to outcomes that are flawed or individuals who lack character and capability.

A dog is not a cow, and a rabbit is not a tiger.

This expression is used to emphasize that things or people have their own inherent nature and limitations. One cannot change their fundamental character or identity to become something superior or entirely different just by imitation or wishful thinking.

The dog that was pampered bit the snout (face).

This proverb describes a situation where someone who was treated with excessive affection or leniency turns around and causes harm or shows disrespect to their benefactor. It is used to warn against the dangers of over-pampering or being too indulgent with people who lack character or discipline, as they may eventually take advantage of that kindness.

Will a goat be born in a tiger's womb?

This proverb is used to emphasize that children usually inherit the traits, courage, or characteristics of their parents. It is often said when someone expects a person born to a strong or talented family to display the same greatness, suggesting that 'greatness begets greatness' or that one's lineage determines their nature.

Speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil

This is the Telugu version of the famous 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle. It serves as an ethical maxim advising people to lead a virtuous life by avoiding participation in, or exposure to, bad influences, gossip, and negativity.

A dog is not a lion, and a rabbit is not a wolf.

This proverb is used to emphasize that every living being or individual has their own inherent nature and limitations. One cannot change their fundamental character or identity to become something superior or more aggressive, just as a domestic dog cannot possess the majesty of a lion, nor can a timid rabbit become a predatory wolf.

Brahma himself becomes enamoured.

This expression is used to convey that nobody is perfect or immune to troubles, not even the most powerful or knowledgeable beings. It highlights that everyone, regardless of their status or wisdom, has their own weaknesses, flaws, or moments of confusion.

Anthills raised by ants become the dwelling of snakes. One enjoys what another has acquired. 5

This proverb describes a situation where one person works hard to create or accumulate something, only for someone else to step in and enjoy the benefits without any effort. It is often used to refer to wealth or property being usurped by those who didn't earn it.

Like a rabbit licking its own leg

This expression is used to describe a person who is overly self-satisfied or takes immense pride in their own small achievements, often ignoring the bigger picture or failing to realize that their actions are self-serving and of little consequence to others.