గోతికాడ నక్కలాగ

gotikada nakkalaga

Translation

Like a fox at the edge of a pit

Meaning

This expression describes someone who is waiting patiently or cunningly for an opportunity to benefit from someone else's misfortune or mistake. It is used to refer to opportunistic behavior, similar to a fox waiting for prey to fall into a hole or for a trap to be sprung.

Related Phrases

He makes the younger sister the elder, and the elder sister the younger.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely cunning, manipulative, or a master of deception. It refers to someone capable of twisting facts or reality so convincingly that they can make even the most obvious truths appear reversed.

Said of an unprincipled, untruthful man.

What does the fox at the river know about the proper laundry ghat?

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks specialized knowledge or discernment in a particular field, yet attempts to judge or involve themselves in it. Just as a fox roaming the riverbank cannot distinguish a specific washing area (ghat) from any other spot, an amateur cannot understand the nuances or value of professional work.

One must act as a fox among foxes.

This expression suggests that one must adapt to their surroundings and the company they are in to survive or succeed. It is similar to the English proverb 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' but with a specific emphasis on using cunning or matching the behavior of those around you, especially when dealing with shrewd people.

The ritual was ruined, and no pleasure was gained.

This proverb is used when someone compromises their principles or makes a sacrifice to achieve a certain benefit, but ends up losing both their integrity and the expected reward. It describes a situation of total loss where a 'sin' was committed for a gain that never materialized.

Like a jackal at a tomb. A tantalizing position, as he cannot get into it. Like a cat round hot milk.

This expression is used to describe a person who waits patiently and cunningly for someone's downfall or demise to gain a personal advantage. It refers to someone with predatory instincts who lingers around a situation, waiting for the right moment to exploit a loss or a tragedy for their own benefit.

A fox's partnership at a grave.

This expression is used to describe a friendship or alliance between people that is based solely on selfish interests or mutual exploitation, often in a sinister or opportunistic context. Just as a fox lingers near a grave for its own gain, this 'partnership' is untrustworthy and temporary.

The same song at the mortar and the same song at the grinding stone

This expression refers to someone who repeats the same story, excuse, or behavior regardless of the situation or location. It describes a monotonous or repetitive nature where a person doesn't change their approach or topic even when the context changes.

As long as there is a need, he is Adinarayana (God); once the need is fulfilled, he is Guda Narayana (worthless).

This proverb is used to describe opportunistic or selfish people who show great respect and devotion to someone only as long as they need a favor. Once their objective is achieved, they treat the same person with contempt or indifference.

The fox that gave birth three times tried to teach a lesson to the fox that gave birth six times.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a less experienced person tries to give advice or teach someone who is far more experienced and seasoned than themselves. It highlights the irony of a novice patronizing a veteran.

Will a marksman (skilled hunter) shoot at a fox?

This expression implies that a person of high skill, status, or ambition will not waste their time and effort on trivial, insignificant, or lowly targets. It is used to describe someone who aims for greatness and ignores petty distractions.