గూబ ఎక్కిన కొంప చెడును.

guba ekkina kompa chedunu.

Translation

If an owl sits on the house, the family/household will be ruined.

Meaning

This is a traditional Telugu proverb rooted in superstition. It implies that if an owl (traditionally considered an ill omen in some contexts) perches on a house, it brings bad luck or destruction to the family living there. In a broader sense, it is used to suggest that certain bad signs or the presence of negative influences can lead to the downfall of a home or organization.

Related Phrases

A house looted by thieves

This expression is used to describe a place that is in a state of absolute chaos, emptiness, or total disarray. It can refer to a house that looks messy or, metaphorically, to a situation where everything of value (be it materials, ideas, or assets) has been stripped away, leaving behind a scene of devastation or utter disorder.

A coconut on which a dove sits and a house on which an owl sits are of no use.

This proverb highlights deep-rooted superstitions in Telugu culture. It suggests that a coconut pecked or sat upon by a dove (pigeon) is considered spoiled or unfit for ritual use, and a house where an owl perches is traditionally viewed as an ill omen leading to ruin or bad luck. It is used to describe things or places that are perceived as jinxed or destined for waste.

A man is ruined by not roaming; a woman is ruined by roaming.

This traditional proverb suggests that a man gains knowledge, opportunities, and success by going out into the world and networking, whereas staying idle at home leads to his downfall. Conversely, in a traditional social context, it implies that a woman's reputation or domestic stability might be compromised if she wanders aimlessly or neglects her home. It is often used to emphasize the importance of being active for men and the value of discretion or domestic focus for women.

By rivalry a house is ruined, by rheumatic pains the body is worn out.

This proverb highlights how internal conflicts and constant bickering between family members or partners lead to the downfall of a household. It compares this domestic discord to 'Vata' (rheumatic or joint pains) which slowly but surely deteriorates the physical body. It is used to advise people to maintain harmony at home to avoid total ruin.

One must watch and ruin an enemy. Wait time and place to take your revenge, for it is never done well in a hurry. ( Italian. )

This expression suggests that if you want to defeat or ruin a wicked person or an enemy, you should not act impulsively. Instead, one must wait patiently for the opportune moment or a point of vulnerability to ensure the downfall is complete.

A house as big as Lanka

This expression is used to describe a very large, spacious, or sprawling house. It draws a comparison to the mythical city of Lanka from the Ramayana, which was known for its immense size and grandeur. It is often used to emphasize that a house is disproportionately large for the number of people living in it or simply to remark on its vastness.

A woman is ruined by wandering; a man is ruined by not wandering.

This traditional proverb suggests that a woman's reputation or character may suffer if she spends too much time outside her home (reflecting historical social norms), whereas a man's prospects and knowledge suffer if he stays confined at home and doesn't venture out to explore, network, or work.

One ruins themselves by taking debts, just as one ruins themselves by letting go of their hand after climbing a tree.

This proverb warns against the dangers of reckless financial behavior and overconfidence. It compares taking excessive loans to the fatal mistake of letting go of a branch while high up in a tree; both actions lead to certain downfall. It is used to advise people to live within their means and avoid risky situations created by their own negligence.

A child who has climbed onto the hip won't get down even if they die.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gets too comfortable with a favor or a position of privilege and refuses to let go of it. It typically refers to people who take advantage of others' kindness or tolerance and become a burden, refusing to become independent or vacate their position.

O good son, do not ruin the house/family.

This is a sarcastic expression used to warn someone whose actions are causing significant harm, disgrace, or financial loss to their own family or household. While 'Suputra' literally means 'good son', it is used ironically here to point out the person's irresponsible behavior.