చిన్న పామునైనా పెద్ద కర్రతో కొట్టాలి

chinna pamunaina pedda karrato kottali

Translation

Though the snake be small, you must hit him with a big stick.

Meaning

This proverb advises against underestimating a problem or an enemy simply because they appear small or insignificant. It emphasizes the importance of being fully prepared and using maximum caution to deal with a threat effectively, ensuring it is neutralized completely.

Related Phrases

Big household in a small house

This expression is used to describe a situation where a large family is living in a very small space. It highlights the struggles of overcrowding or managing extensive responsibilities with very limited resources.

Although it is an earthen one, yet my ox will beat [the real ox].

This proverb describes a person's extreme stubbornness or irrational bias. It is used to mock someone who refuses to accept defeat or admit they are wrong, insisting that their side must prevail even when it is clearly inferior or incapable.

Excessive obstinacy.

You should save another even by telling a hundred lies.

This proverb is often used in the context of marriage or saving a family from breaking apart. It suggests that if white lies or minor deceptions can prevent a significant disaster like a divorce or a family feud, they are justified for the greater good of preserving the home.

Some things must be hidden even from the mother that bore you.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of maintaining certain boundaries, privacy, or modesty even with those closest to us. It suggests that complete exposure or lack of restraint, even in the most intimate relationships, can lead to a loss of respect or dignity.

* Ἀπέφαλος μῦθος.

Like hitting someone with a stone who previously hit you with butter.

This proverb is used to describe an act of extreme ingratitude or an unfair, harsh reaction to a kind gesture. It refers to a situation where a person responds to someone's gentleness or favor with cruelty or hostility.

Build a small house, but lead a large family life.

This proverb advises financial prudence and modesty. It suggests that one should build a small, affordable house within their means, but focus on building a large, happy, and prosperous family or household within it. It emphasizes prioritizing people and relationships over grand material possessions.

Younger mother-in-law is a small ghost, elder mother-in-law is a big ghost.

This proverb is used to describe a difficult situation where both available options or people are troublesome, regardless of their status or seniority. It specifically highlights the common domestic trope of friction with mothers-in-law (or aunts), suggesting that both are equally difficult to deal with, differing only in the scale of their nuisance.

You must cut a gem with a gem.

This expression is used to signify that a powerful person or a difficult problem can only be tackled by someone or something of equal strength or caliber. It is similar to the English proverb 'Set a thief to catch a thief' or 'Diamond cuts diamond'.

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.

Build a small house, and become great. The Hindus consider it unlucky to commence housekeeping in a large house.

This proverb advises financial prudence and modesty. It suggests that one should live in a modest house (within their means) while focusing resources on the growth, prosperity, and well-being of the family members. It emphasizes prioritizing people and life quality over showy material assets.