గుడ్లగూబను చంకలో బెట్టుకుని బయలుదేరినట్లు.

gudlagubanu chankalo bettukuni bayaluderinatlu.

Translation

Like setting out on a journey with an owl tucked under one's arm.

Meaning

In Telugu culture, owls are often associated with bad luck or ill omens. This expression is used to describe someone who knowingly or unknowingly carries something that brings bad luck, or starts a task with a negative element that ensures failure or trouble.

Related Phrases

Like taking an owl along while going for a housewarming ceremony.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone brings an unlucky, ominous, or ill-tempered person to an auspicious or happy occasion. Since owls are traditionally considered symbols of bad luck or inauspiciousness in Telugu culture, bringing one to a housewarming (an event signifying new beginnings) represents ruining a positive atmosphere with a negative presence.

When it was said that the brothel street was being looted, the monks started running while untying their loincloths.

This proverb is used to mock hypocritical people who claim to be pious or detached from worldly desires, but are actually the first to rush toward temptation or greed when an opportunity arises. It highlights the gap between one's outward appearance of holiness and their internal desires.

Even a tiger will not start its journey on a Wednesday

This is a popular Telugu proverb used to highlight a specific cultural superstition. It suggests that Wednesday is such an auspicious or significant day for staying put or finishing tasks that even a powerful creature like a tiger wouldn't begin a new journey or venture out on this day. It is often used humorously or to justify avoiding travel on Wednesdays.

Like entering a village while carrying a monitor lizard under one's arm.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone intentionally brings a source of trouble, misfortune, or a nuisance into their own environment or home. It refers to a person who creates their own problems by associating with something or someone inherently problematic.

Like someone setting out to commit a theft during the day just because the days are good.

This proverb is used to mock someone who misinterprets a favorable situation or a 'good time' as an excuse to perform foolish, risky, or illegal acts without caution. It highlights the irony of using a positive circumstance to justify an inherently wrong or illogical action.

Like holding a child in one's arms and searching for it throughout the whole village.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is searching frantically for something that they already possess or that is right with them. It highlights human absent-mindedness or the irony of looking far and wide for something that is close at hand.

Like carrying a kid (baby goat) under one's arm and searching the whole village for it.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is looking for something that they already possess or that is right with them. It is used to mock absent-mindedness or the act of searching far and wide for a solution that is close at hand.

Like searching the whole village for a goat kid while holding it under one's arm.

This expression describes a situation where someone is searching frantically for something that is already in their possession or right in front of them. It is used to mock absent-mindedness or the irony of looking far and wide for a solution that is close at hand.

Like having the ocean under one's arm, yet stretching out a hand for a small puddle.

This proverb is used to describe a person who possesses vast resources or great wealth but still begs or seeks help for something insignificant. It highlights the irony of not realizing or utilizing one's own immense potential and instead looking for petty external assistance.

Like searching the whole village while holding the child on your hip.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is searching frantically for something that they already possess or that is right with them. It highlights human absent-mindedness or the irony of looking far and wide for a solution that is close at hand.