గోతిని తవ్వినవాడే అందులో పడేది

gotini tavvinavade andulo padedi

Translation

The one who digs the pit is the one who falls into it.

Meaning

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'He who digs a pit for others falls into it himself.' It is used to describe a situation where someone's malicious plans or traps for others end up causing their own downfall. It emphasizes the concept of poetic justice or karma.

Related Phrases

Not only pushing one down a hill but also digging a pit for them.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone not only causes initial harm or ruin to another person but also takes extra steps to ensure their complete downfall or prevent them from recovering. It is similar to 'adding insult to injury' but with a focus on deliberate, repeated sabotage.

Only the one who walks is the one who falls

This proverb is used to encourage people who make mistakes while trying something new or working hard. It implies that failure is a natural part of progress, and only those who take action and move forward risk falling, whereas those who stay idle never fail but also never succeed.

Like coming for a meal and digging a pit.

This expression describes extreme treachery or betrayal. It is used to refer to someone who receives hospitality or help from another person but then proceeds to plot against them or cause them harm.

Only the one who climbs the hill is the one who falls.

This expression is used to mean that failures and mistakes only happen to those who actually take initiative or attempt a task. It serves as a word of encouragement to someone who has failed, suggesting that making an effort is more important than the fear of falling, and that those who do nothing never fail but also never succeed.

He falls into the pit he dug himself.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'digging a pit for others and falling into it oneself.' It describes a situation where someone's malicious plans or schemes against others eventually backfire and cause their own downfall. It is used to highlight poetic justice or the consequences of one's own negative actions.

Like coming for a meal and then digging up the stove.

This proverb describes extreme ingratitude or malicious behavior. It refers to a person who accepts someone's hospitality (coming for a meal) but then proceeds to cause harm or ruin the source of that kindness (digging up/destroying the stove). It is used to criticize those who betray their benefactors.

The true scent of a leaf is only revealed when it is crushed.

This proverb suggests that a person's true character, strength, or integrity is revealed only when they are put under pressure or face difficult circumstances. Just as crushing a leaf releases its fragrance, trials reveal a person's inner nature.

The one who gives is liked, the one who dies is free of debt.

This proverb reflects a pragmatic and somewhat cynical view of human nature. It suggests that people only like those who provide them with something or give them money. The second part implies that a person's debts are effectively canceled or their accounts are settled only when they pass away, often used to comment on the difficulty of recovering debts or the fleeting nature of social approval based on transactions.

Like digging with the elbow just because the soil is soft.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes undue advantage of a person's kindness or submissiveness. It warns against exploiting a person's gentle nature or patience to an unreasonable or harmful extent.

The over liberal man is ruined ; when a man dies, his debts go with him.

This proverb highlights two harsh realities of life: people only appreciate those who are generous or provide help, and once a person dies, their debts and obligations often perish with them, making it impossible to recover what was owed. It is used to describe the nature of gratitude and the finality of death regarding liabilities.