ఎద్దు రొమ్ములో ముల్లుకర్ర పొడిచినట్లు

eddu rommulo mullukarra podichinatlu

Translation

Like piercing an ox's chest with a thorn-stick.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is deeply hurt or offended by a direct, blunt, and painful remark or action. Just as a sharp prod causes immediate and intense pain to an ox, this phrase refers to words or deeds that strike a person at their most vulnerable or sensitive spot, causing significant emotional distress.

Related Phrases

Like drinking milk and then punching the breast.

This proverb is used to describe extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It refers to a situation where someone receives help, nourishment, or kindness from a benefactor and then proceeds to harm or insult that very person. It is equivalent to the English expression 'biting the hand that feeds you.'

Death does not come even if the writing (fate) is pierced.

This expression is used to describe someone who is incredibly lucky or has survived a life-threatening situation against all odds. It implies that unless it is one's destined time to die, no amount of danger or misfortune can end their life.

Even if you buy an ox for a thousand rupees, you still need a goad.

This proverb emphasizes that regardless of how expensive, high-quality, or capable a resource or person is, they still require guidance, discipline, or supervision to perform effectively. It is used to suggest that authority or a tool of control is necessary even for the best of assets.

Killing a sacred cow that gores you is not sin.

This proverb justifies self-defense. It implies that when someone attacks or harms you, you have the right to defend yourself or retaliate, regardless of how noble, virtuous, or superior that person is usually considered to be. Even a sacred cow (symbol of non-violence and divinity) loses its immunity if it turns aggressive.

Ninety-nine persons joined together [ attacked a man, but only ] succeeded in scratching his skin. A cowardly mob.

This proverb is used to mock a situation where a large group of people gathers to perform a simple task but ends up overcomplicating it or making a huge fuss about a very minor achievement. It highlights inefficiency and the lack of coordination despite having many people involved.

* Domanda al mio caro se sono ladro. 26

Like a temple snake biting or a sacred cow goring.

This expression refers to being harmed by someone or something that is generally perceived as harmless, saintly, or trustworthy. It describes an unexpected betrayal or injury from a source where one only expected goodness or safety.

You are strutting as if the sun rose exclusively on your face.

This expression is used to mock someone who is acting overly proud, arrogant, or self-important without any actual justification. It suggests the person thinks they are the center of the universe or have achieved something extraordinary when they haven't.

Fighting chickens will not leave even if they are pecked (hurt).

This proverb is used to describe people who are deeply committed to a rivalry or a conflict. Even when they suffer losses or injuries during the struggle, their stubbornness or animosity keeps them from backing down. It is often used to characterize persistent quarreling or long-standing feuds between individuals who refuse to reconcile despite the negative consequences.

Like the ram one raised personally coming back to butt/kick them.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is betrayed or harmed by a person they have nurtured, helped, or protected. It is similar to the English expression 'biting the hand that feeds you.' It highlights the irony and pain of facing ingratitude from those closest to us.

Like dipping a bundle of salt in water.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something disappears or dissolves completely and rapidly without leaving a trace. It typically refers to the quick loss of wealth, resources, or the sudden failure of a plan.