దప్పిగొన్నప్పుడు బావి త్రవ్వినట్టు
dappigonnappudu bavi travvinattu
Like digging a well only when one is thirsty
This proverb refers to a lack of foresight or preparation. It is used to describe a situation where someone waits until a crisis or urgent need arises before starting to prepare the necessary resources, which is often too late to be effective.
Related Phrases
పిండి ఉన్నవాని వద్ద రొట్టె కొన్నట్లు
pindi unnavani vadda rotte konnatlu
Like buying bread from someone who already has the flour.
This expression describes a situation where a transaction or deal is made with someone who possesses all the necessary resources, making the outcome guaranteed and effortless. It is used to indicate a secure and reliable way of getting something done without complications.
చూడను చుంచెలుక, గోడలు త్రవ్వను పందికొక్కు
chudanu chuncheluka, godalu travvanu pandikokku
To look at, a tiny mouse; to dig through walls, a bandicoot.
This expression is used to describe someone who looks small, innocent, or harmless in appearance but possesses a surprising capacity for destruction or performs heavy, unexpected tasks. It is similar to the English proverb 'Don't judge a book by its cover,' but specifically focuses on hidden strength or deceptive capability.
గూనివాని ఒడుపు పడుకున్నప్పుడు చూడాలి.
gunivani odupu padukunnappudu chudali.
A hunchback's true shape/skill should be seen when they are lying down.
This proverb suggests that a person's true nature, hidden flaws, or secret skills are only revealed under specific circumstances or when they are in a certain position. Just as a hunchback's physical deformity is most apparent or uniquely positioned when they lie down, some things can only be judged or understood when the right situation arises.
భోజనానికి వచ్చి గొయ్యి త్రవ్వినట్టు.
bhojananiki vachchi goyyi travvinattu.
Like coming for a meal and digging a pit.
This expression describes extreme treachery or betrayal. It is used to refer to someone who receives hospitality or help from another person but then proceeds to plot against them or cause them harm.
సాగినప్పుడు పడుదునా? త్రాగినప్పుడు పడుదునా?
saginappudu paduduna? traginappudu paduduna?
Will I fall when things are going well? Will I fall when I am drunk?
This proverb is used to describe someone who makes excuses or tries to justify their mistakes with irrelevant reasoning. It highlights the behavior of people who refuse to admit their faults when things go wrong, often acting as if they are in control even when they are clearly failing or intoxicated.
బావి త్రవ్వగా భూతం బయట పడినట్లు
bavi travvaga bhutam bayata padinatlu
Like a ghost appearing when digging a well
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone starts a simple or necessary task but ends up facing an unexpected, significant problem or an unforeseen disaster. It highlights a scenario where a solution-seeking action inadvertently leads to more trouble.
ఇల్లు కాలుతుంటే బావి తవ్వించినట్టు
illu kalutunte bavi tavvinchinattu
Like digging a well while the house is on fire
This proverb describes the foolishness of starting preparations or seeking a solution only when a disaster has already struck. It highlights a lack of foresight and the futility of reactive measures that are too late to be effective.
భోజనానికి వచ్చి, పొయ్యి త్రవ్వినట్లు
bhojananiki vachchi, poyyi travvinatlu
Like coming for a meal and then digging up the stove.
This proverb describes extreme ingratitude or malicious behavior. It refers to a person who accepts someone's hospitality (coming for a meal) but then proceeds to cause harm or ruin the source of that kindness (digging up/destroying the stove). It is used to criticize those who betray their benefactors.
గోతిని తవ్వినవాడే అందులో పడేది
gotini tavvinavade andulo padedi
The one who digs the pit is the one who falls into it.
This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'He who digs a pit for others falls into it himself.' It is used to describe a situation where someone's malicious plans or traps for others end up causing their own downfall. It emphasizes the concept of poetic justice or karma.
ఇసుక బావి త్రవ్వడం ఎవరి వశము?
isuka bavi travvadam evari vashamu?
Who can manage to dig a well in the sand?
This expression is used to describe a task that is futile, impossible, or extremely difficult because the foundation is unstable. Just as the walls of a well dug in loose sand will constantly collapse, some projects or efforts are destined to fail due to inherent instability or lack of proper resources.