గోడ దెబ్బ, చెంప దెబ్బ

goda debba, chempa debba

Translation

A slap in the face for knocking one's head against the wall.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone faces double trouble or a series of unfortunate events simultaneously. It conveys the idea of being hit by problems from multiple directions at once, leaving the person overwhelmed.

Notes

Misfortunes seldom come alone.

Related Phrases

Even if you tell a lie, it should be like building a wall.

This proverb suggests that if one must lie, the lie should be consistent, firm, and believable, much like a well-constructed wall. It is used to point out that a person's deception is poorly structured or easily seen through due to inconsistencies.

If you slap one cheek, milk [comes ]; if you slap the other cheek, water [comes ]. Said of a very tender, delicate boy.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely innocent, tender, or young. It signifies a person who is so soft and fragile that they haven't yet experienced the harshness of the world, often referring to infants or very naive individuals.

If you ask the sugar-cane to give you molasses will it do so? Strong measures must be used with stubborn folk.

This proverb is used to explain that processes take time and effort. You cannot get the final product (jaggery) directly from the source (sugarcane) without going through the necessary labor of crushing and boiling. It highlights that results require a systematic process and cannot be achieved through mere requests or shortcuts.

Investing in the son-in-law led to the loss of the investment intended for the son.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone prioritizes an outsider or a distant relative over their own family, only to end up losing everything. It highlights the folly of misplaced priorities and the resulting regret when a primary responsibility is neglected for a secondary one.

Give the man who is in a hurry his food on a leaf, but give me mine on the floor. The food of Hindus is ordinarily served on a large leaf or several small leaves sewn together. Applied to a person wishing to have something done for himself in great haste, before others are attended to.

This proverb highlights the fickle nature of selfish people who seek help only when they are in need. It describes a situation where someone treats you with respect (serving on a leaf) when they want something from you, but treats you with disregard (serving on the floor) once their need is met.

A woman who does not give [ alms ] will never give ; what evil has happened to the jade who does give ?

This proverb describes a person who neither does a good deed themselves nor allows others to do it. It is used to criticize dog-in-the-manger behavior where someone obstructs progress or charity despite having no intention of contributing themselves.

Said by a beggar of one from whom he generally received alms.

One cannot build a wall leaving the foundation (or key support).

This expression highlights that fundamental principles or core foundations cannot be ignored when trying to build something significant. It is used to describe situations where someone tries to achieve a result while skipping the essential first steps or neglecting the basic requirements.

A blow without a rod, a bond without a rope.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is deeply affected, controlled, or punished by words, social pressure, or psychological influence rather than physical force. It is often used to refer to a verbal reprimand or a situation where a person is bound by their own sense of duty or obligation without any physical constraints.

A sudden and unaccountable calamity.

Will the one who gave the mouth not provide the fodder?

This is a popular Telugu proverb used to express faith in divine providence or nature. It implies that the creator who gave life to a creature will also provide the necessary means for its sustenance. It is often said to reassure someone who is worried about their future or survival, suggesting that basic needs will inevitably be met.

Garlick is as good as ten mothers.

This proverb emphasizes the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. Just as a mother provides care and nourishment to her child, the onion is said to provide health protection equivalent to the care of ten mothers. It is used to highlight the importance of including onions in one's diet for overall well-being.