ఏది పట్టినా దయ్యము పట్టినట్లు

edi pattina dayyamu pattinatlu

Translation

Whatever one touches/holds, it is as if a ghost has possessed it.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

Like the scent of flowers rubbing off on the fiber.

This expression describes how association with good or noble people can influence and improve the character of an ordinary person. Just as the plain fiber used to tie a garland eventually smells like the fragrant flowers it holds, a person gains good qualities by being in good company.

A mother-in-law is like a ghost that possessed one in the sixth month.

This proverb is used to describe a long-standing, persistent problem or a difficult relationship that is hard to get rid of. It suggests that just as a ghost possessing someone during pregnancy (sixth month) causes lifelong trouble or follows them for a long time, certain burdens or people (metaphorically the mother-in-law in traditional contexts) become an inseparable and taxing part of one's life.

Like ghosts catching you at the very place you went to hide.

This proverb describes a situation where a person tries to escape a problem or seek safety, but ends up facing an even bigger danger or the exact same problem they were running from. It is similar to the English expression 'Out of the frying pan and into the fire.'

Touch-me-not plant

Literally referring to the Mimosa pudica plant, this expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, shy, or gets easily offended or hurt by even the slightest comment or touch.

A sharpened knife and a woman in captivity.

This expression describes items or individuals that are in their most effective or dangerous state. Just as a knife is most useful when sharpened (tari), a person (historically used in the context of a captive woman or 'kutthi' meaning a young woman/slave) is most vulnerable or completely under someone's control. In modern usage, it highlights the peak state of readiness or the absolute influence one holds over something.

Like lifting and throwing (water) to catch a fish.

This expression refers to a traditional method of catching fish by bailing water out of a small pond or puddle until it is dry enough to catch the fish by hand. It is used to describe a situation where someone puts in a lot of hard work, effort, or systematic labor to achieve a specific goal or to expose something hidden.

When the old widow babbles in her sleep, it is as if the new widow is possessed by a ghost.

This proverb describes a situation where an experienced person says something casually or out of habit, but an inexperienced or fearful person takes it too seriously and reacts with unnecessary panic. It highlights how fear and lack of experience can lead one to misinterpret a trivial situation as a major crisis.

Like letting go of a boat to grab a oar/pole

This expression describes a situation where someone abandons a large, secure, or significant source of support (the boat) to rely on something much smaller or insufficient (the pole). It is used to point out a foolish or regressive decision where a person leaves a major advantage for a minor, useless one.

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.

If the Vishakha star catches you, it is like being caught by a ghost.

This is an astrological saying referring to the Vishakha Nakshatra. It suggests that individuals under the influence of this star can be extremely stubborn, persistent, or difficult to deal with, much like an obsession or a haunting spirit that doesn't let go easily. It is used to describe someone's relentless nature or a streak of bad luck that feels inescapable.