ఏ పుట్టలో ఏ పామో, ఏ గుడిలో ఏ మహత్యమో
e puttalo e pamo, e gudilo e mahatyamo
Which snake is in which anthill, or which power is in which temple.
This proverb is used to express that one cannot judge a person or a situation by outward appearances. It implies that hidden potential, danger, or greatness can exist in unexpected places, and therefore, one should treat everyone or every opportunity with respect and caution.
Related Phrases
పేదకు తగిలె బ్రహ్మహత్య అన్నట్లు
pedaku tagile brahmahatya annatlu
As if a poor person is accused of killing a Brahmin.
This proverb describes a situation where an unfortunate person is unfairly burdened with an enormous problem or a heavy accusation that they have no capacity to handle or resolve. In traditional contexts, 'Brahmahatya' (killing a Brahmin) was considered the ultimate sin with the heaviest consequences; a poor person facing such a charge would be completely helpless.
ఎగదీస్తే బ్రహ్మహత్య, దిగదీస్తే గోహత్య
egadiste brahmahatya, digadiste gohatya
If pulled up, it's the murder of a Brahmin; if pulled down, it's the killing of a cow.
This expression is used to describe a classic 'no-win' situation or a dilemma where every possible choice leads to a negative or sinful outcome. It represents being stuck between two equally bad alternatives where one cannot move forward or backward without causing harm.
ఏ పుట్టలో ఏ పాము ఉన్నదో తెలియదు.
e puttalo e pamu unnado teliyadu.
One does not know which snake lives in which anthill.
This expression is used to convey that one cannot judge or predict someone's potential, true nature, or hidden talents based on their appearance or background. It is also used as a warning that danger or unexpected outcomes can arise from seemingly ordinary places or people.
మందుకు పత్యం, మాటకు సత్యం
manduku patyam, mataku satyam
Diet for medicine, truth for words
This expression emphasizes that just as dietary restrictions (pathyam) are essential for medicine to be effective, honesty and truthfulness are essential for words to have value and credibility. It is used to highlight the importance of integrity in communication.
ముక్కులో ఏ వేలు పెట్టినా సరిపోతుంది
mukkulo e velu pettina saripotundi
Whichever finger you put in your nose, it fits.
This expression is used to describe a situation where there are multiple options available, and any of them will work equally well. It suggests that since the outcome remains the same regardless of the choice, one doesn't need to overthink or be overly selective.
ఐకమత్యమే మహాబలం
aikamatyame mahabalam
Unity itself is the greatest strength
This is a popular Telugu proverb emphasizing that unity is power. It is used to convey that when people work together as a cohesive group, they can achieve tasks that are impossible for an individual. It is equivalent to the English saying 'Unity is strength'.
ఏ పుట్టలో ఏ పాము ఉన్నదో తెలియదు
e puttalo e pamu unnado teliyadu
What snake it is, and what hole it lives in, we don't know. Said of persons whose abilities are not yet known.
This expression is used to convey that it is impossible to predict who possesses what talent, hidden potential, or danger. It serves as a reminder not to underestimate others or judge things solely by their outward appearance, as appearances can be deceptive.
బుట్టలో పామువలె
buttalo pamuvale
Like a snake in a basket
This expression is used to describe a person who is feeling trapped, suppressed, or constrained by their circumstances. It signifies a state of being confined in a small space or situation where one lacks freedom of movement or action, yet remains potentially dangerous or restless.
నమ్మో, ముతకో, సంతలో తేలిపోతుంది.
nammo, mutako, santalo telipotundi.
Whether it's a bargain or a burden, it will be decided in the market.
This expression is used to convey that the true value, quality, or result of something will be revealed once it is put to the test or reaches its final destination. It is often used when discussing the outcome of a business deal or the performance of a product.
ఒక పుట్టలో పెడితే వెయ్యి పుట్టల్లో వెళ్లకొచ్చేవాడు
oka puttalo pedite veyyi puttallo vellakochchevadu
If put in one anthill, he is the one who comes out of a thousand anthills.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely clever, resourceful, or cunning. It implies that no matter how much you try to contain or trap such a person in one place or situation, they have the ability to navigate through complex challenges and emerge from unexpected places.