గుట్టం పోతూ గూటం పీకుకొని పోయినట్లు

guttam potu gutam pikukoni poyinatlu

Translation

Like a horse running away and pulling the hitching post along with it.

Meaning

This expression is used when someone or something is already causing a loss or leaving, and while doing so, they cause further damage or take something valuable along with them. It describes a situation where an existing misfortune is compounded by an additional, unnecessary loss.

Related Phrases

When he went for salvation, an alligator carried him off. He was bathing in holy water for the attainment of eternal beatitude. య.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone sets out with a noble or high intention, but encounters an unexpected and disastrous setback. It highlights how bad luck or unforeseen obstacles can ruin even the most virtuous pursuits.

Like going to a village fair relying on a paramour

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone relies on an unreliable or untrustworthy person for support, only to be abandoned when they are needed most. It highlights the foolishness of trusting someone who has no real commitment to you, leading to inevitable disappointment and helplessness in a public or critical situation.

Like carrying a drum under the arm while going to commit a theft.

This proverb is used to describe someone who attempts to do something secret or stealthy but acts in a way that attracts unnecessary attention. Just as the sound or size of a drum would immediately expose a thief, certain foolish actions make it impossible to keep a secret mission hidden.

Like squeezing an empty civet bag. You cannot get blood out of a stone.

This expression describes a situation where something is extracted or forced out with great difficulty, very slowly, or in minute quantities. It is often used to refer to someone who is extremely stingy or a situation where getting a result requires an exhausting amount of effort for a very small reward.

* Noli equi dentes insipere donati,

Like squeezing an oilseed plant.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or futile task. Just as it is impossible to extract oil by simply squeezing the stalk or the whole plant of a sesame seed without proper processing of the seeds, it refers to efforts that yield no results because the approach is fundamentally wrong.

Like losing one's senses while going for an ascetic.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person, in the pursuit of something minor or spiritual, ends up losing their common sense or something far more valuable. It highlights a loss of perspective or poor judgment during a specific endeavor.

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.

A snake's grudge, a tail's kinship

This proverb is used to describe deep-seated, long-lasting enmity. It implies that just as a snake is believed to carry a grudge for a long time, some rivalries are permanent and cannot be easily resolved. It is often used to warn someone about an unforgiving enemy who waits for the right moment to strike.

Like carrying a cat under the arm while going to a wedding

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone brings along an unnecessary burden or an unlucky distraction that ruins an important or auspicious occasion. It highlights the foolishness of creating complications for oneself when things should be simple and celebratory.

The snake is your relation, and it's hood your enemy. Being on friendly terms with members of a family though on bad terms with the head of the house.

This proverb describes a paradoxical situation where a person might be close to you or appear friendly, but their inherent nature or specific actions are dangerous and hostile. It is used to warn someone about a treacherous person who cannot be fully trusted despite a formal relationship or acquaintance.