గూటి గుటంతో గుండెలు గుద్దుకొన్నట్టు

guti gutanto gundelu guddukonnattu

Translation

Like hitting one's own chest with a wooden mallet (gutam) from the same nest.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is harmed or outwitted by their own people, tools, or resources. It refers to a self-inflicted injury or a betrayal by someone very close, similar to the English expression 'to be hoisted by one's own petard'.

Related Phrases

Like running with the rabbits and hunting with the hounds.

This expression describes a person who is hypocritical or double-dealing. It refers to someone who pretends to be a friend to both sides of a conflict, or someone who tries to support opposing interests simultaneously for their own benefit.

A bird of any nest will eventually return to its own nest.

This proverb implies that no matter how far one travels or wanders, they will ultimately return to their place of origin, home, or their natural group. It is often used to describe how people's true nature or loyalties eventually lead them back to where they belong.

An elephant is as high as a hill even when it is lying down.

This proverb is used to describe a person of great stature, wealth, or influence. It suggests that even when such a person is at their lowest point or in a period of decline, they are still superior or more powerful than ordinary people. It emphasizes inherent greatness that doesn't disappear completely during tough times.

The parrot of a particular nest will speak the language of that nest only.

This expression means that a person's behavior, speech, and values are heavily influenced by their upbringing, environment, or the company they keep. It is often used to describe how people naturally adopt the traits of their family or social circle.

Like going for a bunch (of flowers/fruit) and bringing back a club.

This proverb describes a situation where someone goes out expecting a benefit or a pleasant outcome but returns with something harmful or a punishment instead. It is used to mock poor decision-making or bad luck where an attempt to gain something resulted in a loss.

Like removing a thorn and driving in a peg.

This expression describes a situation where a person tries to solve a minor problem but ends up creating a much larger, more difficult, or painful one. It is used when a remedy is worse than the original ailment.

The parrot of a particular nest will speak the language of that nest.

This proverb means that people's behavior, thoughts, and speech are heavily influenced by the environment or company they grow up in. It is used to describe how a person's background or upbringing dictates their character and actions.

May a man fight with his Guru ?

This expression is used when someone challenges, argues with, or tries to outsmart their own mentor, expert, or the person who taught them everything they know. It implies that such a conflict is disrespectful, foolish, or a losing battle for the student.

Like hitting one's own chest with a temple bell's mallet.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's actions, intended to solve a problem or perform a task, end up causing them unexpected pain, distress, or self-inflicted harm. It highlights a self-defeating or counterproductive action.

Like a rabbit licking its own leg

This expression is used to describe a person who is overly self-satisfied or takes immense pride in their own small achievements, often ignoring the bigger picture or failing to realize that their actions are self-serving and of little consequence to others.