దొంగతో కూడా దయ్యము వెంబడి వచ్చును.

dongato kuda dayyamu vembadi vachchunu.

Translation

A ghost follows even a thief.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that bad luck or haunting consequences follow those who commit wrongdoings. Even a person as cunning or elusive as a thief cannot escape the supernatural or psychological repercussions (guilt or bad karma) of their actions.

Related Phrases

A ghost follows even the thief.

This proverb suggests that bad luck or haunting consequences follow those who commit crimes or wrongdoings. It is used to describe how a person's guilt or the repercussions of their actions shadow them wherever they go, implying that one cannot escape the internal or external 'demons' created by their own misdeeds.

Ropes after bullocks. Taken to tie them up with. Providing one's self with what is necessary.

This expression is used to describe things that are inseparable or situations where one thing naturally and inevitably follows another. Just as ropes are tied to bulls for control and move wherever they go, certain consequences or associated items always accompany a specific person or action.

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.

When the poor man was about to anoint his head, it began to hail. Difficulties always attend an unfortunate person. He who is born to misfortune stumbles as he goes, and though he fall on his back will fracture his nose. (German.)

This proverb describes a streak of extreme bad luck. It is used when a person who is already suffering or in a poor state attempts to improve their situation or do a simple task, only to be met with an even bigger, unexpected disaster that makes things worse.

She allegedly wove a cot with her father-in-law and then came to weave a bamboo screen with the grandfather.

This proverb describes a person who, having overstepped boundaries or been overly familiar with one person, attempts to do the same with an even more senior or respected elder. It is used to mock someone's audacity, lack of shame, or inappropriate social behavior where they fail to maintain proper distance and respect within family or social hierarchies.

Education without a school - Farming without supervision

This proverb highlights that certain tasks require discipline, guidance, and constant presence to yield results. Just as education is difficult to acquire without a structured school environment, farming cannot be successful if the farmer does not personally supervise or attend to the fields. It is used to emphasize the importance of direct involvement and systematic effort in any endeavor.

The devil follows close on the thief. To urge him on.

This expression means that one trouble often brings another, or that bad actions attract bad company and consequences. It is used to describe a situation where a person who is already doing something wrong (the thief) is pursued by even greater misfortune or fear (the ghost).

He came as a relative and caught hold like a ghost.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone enters your life as a friend or guest but ends up becoming a major nuisance, burden, or an inescapable problem that is difficult to get rid of.

Like saying 'Narayana' while following the tail

This expression describes a situation where someone blindly follows or agrees with someone else without thinking for themselves. It refers to a person who lacks an original opinion and simply mimics or supports whatever a more dominant person says or does, often in a submissive or sycophantic manner.

One should hit with a slipper as soon as the ghost possesses.

This expression suggests that a problem or a negative behavior should be dealt with immediately and firmly the moment it arises. It emphasizes that if you don't take corrective action early, the issue may escalate and become harder to control later. It is used in contexts regarding discipline or crisis management.