ఏ పుట్టలో ఏ పాము ఉన్నదో తెలియదు.

e puttalo e pamu unnado teliyadu.

Translation

One does not know which snake lives in which anthill.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

Until it hits the head, one knows nothing.

This proverb is used to describe a person who does not understand the severity or consequences of a situation until they personally suffer from it or until the problem becomes unavoidable. It is similar to the English expression 'to learn the hard way.'

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.

On account of excessive fat, the bend/curve is not noticeable

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is so consumed by pride, arrogance, or their own status that they fail to recognize their own flaws or the subtle changes around them. It can also refer to how excessive wealth or power can mask underlying problems or lack of character.

He sank down like a snake in a basket. i. e. his pride was humbled. A snake charmer's covered basket is here referred to.

This expression is used to describe someone who has become quiet, submissive, or suppressed, especially after being very aggressive or defiant previously. Just as a snake becomes still and contained when trapped in a charmer's basket, it refers to a person losing their sting or being forced into obedience.

The depth is not known until one enters (the water).

This expression means that one cannot truly understand the complexity or difficulty of a situation until they are personally involved or have started the task. It is used to advise against making superficial judgments or to explain that practical experience is necessary to grasp the reality of a problem.

You are as big as an ox, don't you even know a scorpion spell?

This expression is used to mock someone who is physically large or grown-up but lacks basic common sense or simple skills. It highlights the irony of having a big stature while being incompetent in trivial matters.

One does not realize the bad smell of one's own mouth.

This proverb is used to point out that people are often unaware of their own flaws, mistakes, or annoying habits, even though they are obvious to everyone else around them. It is similar to the English concept of 'being blind to one's own faults.'

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.

Without eating you can't tell the taste; without going down [ into the water ] you can't know the depth. The proof of a pudding is in the eating.

This proverb emphasizes that practical experience is essential to truly understand or judge something. Just as you cannot judge a dish without tasting it or know the depth of a pond without stepping into it, you cannot understand the complexities or difficulties of a situation or task until you are personally involved in it.

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.