దెబ్బకు దయ్యం కూడా వదులుతుంది

debbaku dayyam kuda vadulutundi

Translation

A devil even takes fright at a blow. Strong measures will set things to right.

Meaning

This expression suggests that even the most stubborn or difficult entities can be brought under control or corrected through force or strict punishment. It is often used to imply that discipline or a strong hand is sometimes necessary to fix a situation or a person's behavior.

Related Phrases

A known devil is better than an unknown devil.

This proverb suggests that it is better to deal with a person or situation that is familiar, even if it is difficult or unpleasant, rather than facing something completely new and unpredictable. It is used when choosing between a known risk and an uncertain one.

To see the world of Lord Indra from a single blow.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone experiences a sudden, severe shock or a powerful physical blow that leaves them dazed, stunned, or momentarily unconscious. It implies that the impact was so intense that it made them see stars or transported them to another realm (Devendra Lokam/Heaven) due to the intensity of the pain or surprise.

Like a ghost fleeing from a blow.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who was being stubborn, troublesome, or difficult suddenly becomes obedient or runs away as soon as they are threatened with force or face a strong consequence. It highlights that some problems or people only respond to strictness or power.

Rope lashings for infatuation and slipper hits for a coquette.

This proverb suggests that infatuation or reckless passion needs to be restrained with force (like a cattle rope), and a flirtatious person who crosses boundaries needs to be humbled or corrected with harsh treatment. It is used to imply that certain behaviors only stop when met with strict punishment.

Two birds with one blow

This expression is used when a single action achieves two different tasks or results simultaneously. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'Killing two birds with one stone'.

Whatever one touches/holds, it is as if a ghost has possessed it.

This expression is used to describe someone who goes to extremes or becomes obsessively persistent in whatever task they undertake. It can also refer to someone who consistently encounters bad luck or complications in every endeavor they start, as if it were cursed or jinxed.

Wife is jaggery, mother is a ghost.

This proverb is used to describe a person who prioritizes his wife and finds her sweet (like jaggery) while neglecting his mother or viewing her as a burden/troublemaker (like a ghost). It is typically used as a criticism of someone who forgets their filial duties after marriage.

Two birds with one blow

This expression is used when a single action or effort achieves two different goals or solves two problems simultaneously. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English idiom 'Killing two birds with one stone'.

In unfavorable times, even a frog becomes a ghost.

This proverb is used to describe how when someone's luck is bad or they are going through a period of misfortune, even the smallest, most insignificant problems or people can become major obstacles and cause significant trouble.

When the old widow babbles in her sleep, it is as if the new widow is possessed by a ghost.

This proverb describes a situation where an experienced person says something casually or out of habit, but an inexperienced or fearful person takes it too seriously and reacts with unnecessary panic. It highlights how fear and lack of experience can lead one to misinterpret a trivial situation as a major crisis.