దురదృష్టం పదనువాదరగల కత్తి వంటిది. పిడిని పట్టుకొనిన ఉపయోగపడును, వాదరను పట్టుకొనిన తెగును.
duradrishtam padanuvadaragala katti vantidi. pidini pattukonina upayogapadunu, vadaranu pattukonina tegunu.
Misfortune is like a double-edged sword. If you hold the handle, it is useful; if you hold the blade, it cuts.
This proverb explains that misfortune or adversity is not always purely negative. If one handles bad luck with wisdom and courage (holding the handle), it can become a tool for growth and learning. However, if one approaches it with despair or poor judgment (holding the blade), it will cause harm and suffering.
Related Phrases
కాలు పట్టుకొని లాగితే చూరు పట్టుకుని వేళ్ళాడినట్లు.
kalu pattukoni lagite churu pattukuni velladinatlu.
Like hanging onto the eaves of the roof when someone is pulling your leg.
This proverb describes a person who is extremely stubborn or desperate to stay in a position or situation even when they are being forcefully removed. It is used to mock someone who lacks dignity and clings onto something despite being clearly unwanted or rejected.
అవ్వను పట్టుకొని వసంతాలాడినట్టు
avvanu pattukoni vasantaladinattu
Like playing games with your grand-mother. Lit. "Throwing scarlet water over her," a sport among young people as marriages, &c.
This expression is used to describe an inappropriate or disrespectful act where someone behaves in a frivolous or playful manner with a person who deserves respect and dignity due to their age or stature. It highlights actions that are out of place or cross the boundaries of social etiquette.
Disrespectful and unseemly conduct towards elderly people.
కాలు పట్టుకొని లాగితే చూరు పట్టుకొని వేళ్ళాడినట్టు
kalu pattukoni lagite churu pattukoni velladinattu
When someone pulls the leg, hanging onto the eaves of the roof.
This proverb describes a person who is extremely stubborn or desperate to stay in a position or relationship even when they are being forcefully removed or rejected. It signifies a tenacious, often annoying, refusal to let go despite clear opposition.
పాములు లేనివాడు వానపామును పట్టుకున్నట్లు
pamulu lenivadu vanapamunu pattukunnatlu
Like a man who doesn't have snakes catching an earthworm
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks real skill or courage but tries to act brave or show off by tackling something harmless or insignificant. It highlights a situation where someone settles for a weak imitation because they are incapable of handling the real thing.
కోడలి మొగుడు కొట్టం పట్టుకొని పడ్డాడట
kodali mogudu kottam pattukoni paddadata
It is said the daughter-in-law's husband is clinging to the cowshed.
This expression is used to describe someone who refers to their own family members or close relatives in a roundabout, distant, or overly formal way instead of using the direct relationship. In this case, the 'daughter-in-law's husband' is actually the speaker's own son. It highlights an absurd or unnecessarily complicated way of identifying someone familiar.
కాలు పట్టుకొని లాగితే చూరు పట్టుకొని వేలాడేవాడు.
kalu pattukoni lagite churu pattukoni veladevadu.
When you pull him out by the leg, he holds on by the eaves.
This expression is used to describe an extremely stubborn, persistent, or shameless person who refuses to let go or give up. Even when someone tries to remove them or bring them down, they find another way to cling to their position or stay involved.
A man of no delicacy of feeling, not to be got rid of easily. A toady.
అల్లుడి పాయసం అతిథికి ఉపయోగపడినట్లు
alludi payasam atithiki upayogapadinatlu
Like the kheer (sweet pudding) intended for the son-in-law being used for a guest
This expression is used when something intended for a specific person or purpose ends up benefiting someone else or fulfilling a different need unexpectedly. It highlights situations where a special preparation serves a double purpose or is diverted to a newcomer.
కుక్క తోక పట్టుకొని గోదావరి ఈదినట్టు
kukka toka pattukoni godavari idinattu
Like trying to cross the Godavari river by holding a dog's tail
This expression describes a situation where someone relies on a weak, unreliable, or incapable person/resource to overcome a massive challenge. Just as a dog is not strong enough to pull a human across a vast river like the Godavari, choosing an incompetent mentor or a flawed strategy will lead to failure.
అదృష్టం చెప్పి రాదు, దురదృష్టం చెప్పి పోదు.
adrishtam cheppi radu, duradrishtam cheppi podu.
Good luck doesn't come by informing, bad luck doesn't leave by informing.
This proverb highlights the unpredictable nature of fate. It means that good fortune often arrives unexpectedly without prior notice, and similarly, misfortune or bad times do not give a warning before they depart or arrive. It is used to suggest that one should remain humble during success and hopeful during hard times.
అవ్వని పట్టుకొని, వసంతమాడినట్టు
avvani pattukoni, vasantamadinattu
Like playing spring festivals (Holi) with an old grandmother.
This expression is used to describe an inappropriate or disrespectful act where someone mocks or plays a prank on a vulnerable, elderly, or serious person who is not an appropriate peer for such behavior. It signifies doing something at the wrong time, in the wrong place, or with the wrong person.