గరుత్మంతుణ్ని చూచిన పాము వలె

garutmantunni chuchina pamu vale

Translation

Like a snake seeing Garutmat. Garutmat or Garuda ( No. 751 ) was "the king of the feathered tribes, and the remorseless enemy of the serpent race." ( Vishṇu Purāṇa—Wilson's trans. )

Meaning

This expression is used to describe someone who is suddenly paralyzed by extreme fear or becomes completely submissive and silent in the presence of a powerful authority figure or enemy. Garuda is the mythical eagle and the natural predator of snakes, so a snake becomes helpless upon seeing him.

Notes

* विनतायाश्च पुत्रौ द्वौ विख्यातौ गरुडारुणौ । सुपर्णः पततां श्रेष्ठो दारुणः पद्मगाशनः ॥

Related Phrases

Upon seeing a woman or wealth, even Lord Brahma is afflicted by the rot.

This proverb highlights the power of temptation. It suggests that the lure of beauty (lust) and money (greed) is so strong that it can compromise the integrity or stability of even the most enlightened or divine beings like Brahma. It is used to caution that everyone is susceptible to these worldly distractions.

Like a lamp under a whetstone.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is darkness or ignorance right at the base of a source of light or knowledge. It refers to someone who is very close to a person of greatness or wisdom, yet remains uninfluenced or unaware of that excellence, similar to how the area directly beneath a lamp remains in shadow.

Seeing the husband is a waste, seeing the lover is a festival.

This is a bold, satirical proverb used to describe a person who neglects their duties or legitimate relationships (like a husband) in favor of forbidden or exciting external attractions (like a lover). It is used to mock people who find no value in the things they already possess but are overjoyed by things that are fleeting or improper.

One should sing the song after seeing the mortar.

This proverb emphasizes situational awareness and appropriateness. It suggests that one's actions, words, or efforts should be tailored to the specific circumstances or the tools at hand, similar to the English expression 'To suit the action to the word.'

Look at the mother before you take the daughter; see how much milk the buffalo gives before you buy her.

This proverb suggests that the character and qualities of a person are often inherited or influenced by their upbringing and ancestry. It is commonly used in the context of marriage or forming long-term alliances, implying that observing the parents (background) provides a reliable preview of the individual's nature.

Everyone who sees a deer claims to be a hunter.

This proverb is used to describe people who boast about their skills or claim credit for something just by being present or witnessing an event. It highlights that observing a situation doesn't make one an expert or a participant in the actual hard work required for success.

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.

When she looked at her husband with the eye which had beheld the king, she had a mind to thump him.

This proverb describes a situation where a person, after witnessing someone of great power, beauty, or wealth, starts to find their own humble circumstances or partner inferior. It is used to caution against comparing one's own blessings with extraordinary exceptions, which leads to unnecessary discontentment or disdain for what one already has.

Do not go to a fish pond noticed by a woman, nor to a pigeon pea threshing floor noticed by a man.

This traditional proverb suggests that certain tasks or resources are best managed by those who have a keen eye for them. A woman is believed to be very efficient at spotting and gathering small resources like fish from a pond, leaving nothing behind. Similarly, a man is believed to be thorough in harvesting or guarding a threshing floor. It is used to describe situations where a resource has been so thoroughly picked over or managed by an expert that nothing remains for others.

When it is said the King is coming to the village, looking at one's wife suspiciously.

This proverb describes an absurd or extreme level of insecurity and over-cautiousness. Historically, powerful figures were feared for taking whatever they desired; however, doubting one's own spouse just because a powerful person enters the vicinity represents irrational anxiety or a lack of trust. It is used to mock someone who anticipates a problem that is highly unlikely or reacts disproportionately to a situation.