గాము సోకినట్టు

gamu sokinattu

Translation

As though possessed of a devil.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who is acting strangely, sitting silently/moodily, or behaving as if they are possessed or under a dark spell. It refers to the astrological or superstitious belief that a negative influence (Gamu/Graha) has affected someone's behavior.

Related Phrases

If you groom a lazy person, it is like asking the entire market to come to your house.

This proverb describes the consequences of encouraging or pampering a lazy individual. When you provide luxuries or extra attention to a person who refuses to work, their demands will escalate until it feels as overwhelming as managing a whole marketplace at home. It is used to caution against enabling laziness.

Although it did a good act, death overtook the Mongoose. The Mongoose tore in pieces a snake which approached a sleeping child. The mother, who had been out, met the little animal covered with the blood of the snake and killed it, thinking it had killed her son.— ( See Telugu Selections 20th story. )

This expression refers to a story from the Panchatantra where a loyal mongoose kills a snake to protect a baby, but the mother kills the mongoose thinking it harmed the child. It is used to describe situations where a well-intentioned or noble act results in undeserved punishment, tragedy, or misunderstanding due to hasty judgment.

Like scratching with a knife on the wounds caused by a yoke.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone adds to another person's existing pain or misery. Just as scratching a sore spot (caused by the heavy wooden yoke on an ox's neck) with a sharp knife would cause excruciating pain instead of relief, this phrase refers to actions that worsen an already difficult or hurtful situation.

Wealth gained from gambling and illicit means will not last.

This proverb is used to warn that money earned through gambling (Rangamu) or deceptive, easy, or unethical ways (Tinku) is never permanent. It suggests that only hard-earned money stays with a person, while ill-gotten gains disappear as quickly as they were acquired.

As if possessed by an evil spirit or celestial influence

This expression is used to describe a person who is acting strangely, stubbornly, or behaving in an irrational and unpredictable manner. In traditional belief, 'Gaamu' refers to a malefic planetary influence or a spirit. It is commonly used to critique someone's sudden negative change in behavior or their persistent bad mood.

Like throwing away the molasses and licking the leaf.

This expression describes a person who lets go of a valuable opportunity or a significant gain and instead settles for something trivial or insignificant. It is used to mock someone's lack of foresight or poor decision-making when they prioritize minor details over the main essence.

Like the flood subsiding. Perfect stillness after a tumult. After a storm comes a calm.

This expression is used to describe something that has been done with extreme precision, neatness, or perfection. It is most commonly used to compliment beautiful handwriting, straight lines, or a very well-executed task that looks flawlessly continuous and smooth.

Like the fig blossoming.

This expression is used to describe something that happens very rarely or an event that is almost never seen. Since the flowers of a fig tree are contained within the fruit and are not visible to the naked eye, it implies an occurrence that is a rare sight or a unique phenomenon.

This tree ( Ficus Glomerata ) bears no apparent blossoms. That is as likely as to see a hog fly.

His beauty has overflowed and his politeness has gone.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's attempt to look beautiful or sophisticated results in a loss of dignity or culture. It highlights a scenario where external decoration or modern pretense leads to the destruction of one's innate grace or traditional values. It is often used to criticize superficiality.

Said ironically of an ugly ruffian.

A lazy person has many vanities.

This proverb is used to describe a person who avoids hard work but spends a lot of time and effort on their appearance, fashion, or external luxuries. It highlights the irony of someone lacking productivity while being overly concerned with style or comfort.