ఈగను కప్ప మ్రింగితే కప్పను పాము మ్రింగును.

iganu kappa mringite kappanu pamu mringunu.

Translation

If a frog swallows a fly, a snake will swallow the frog.

Meaning

This proverb illustrates the concept of the food chain and the 'law of the jungle'. It signifies that there is always someone more powerful or a bigger threat waiting to overcome those who prey on the weak. It is used to remind people that actions have consequences and that arrogance of power is temporary.

Related Phrases

Will one who swallows a banana swallow poison?

This expression is used to highlight a contradiction in behavior or expectations. It suggests that someone who enjoys or is accustomed to pleasant, sweet things (symbolized by the banana) would never knowingly consume something destructive or lethal (symbolized by poison). It is often used to question why someone would choose a harmful path when they know what is good.

When the tank fills, the frogs assemble.

This proverb is used to describe how people naturally flock to someone who is wealthy, powerful, or successful. Just as frogs gather at a filled pond without an invitation, opportunists and fair-weather friends appear when one has resources or prosperity.

The behavior of frogs in a well

This expression describes the behavior of narrow-minded or jealous people who, like frogs in a well, try to pull down anyone who attempts to climb up or succeed. It is used to characterize small-mindedness and the lack of a broader perspective or community support.

For Ellamma who swallowed elephants, corpses are like pepper seeds.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has committed massive frauds or handled enormous tasks, for whom smaller wrongdoings or minor challenges are trivial. It signifies that someone who has dealt with something huge will find small things insignificant or easy to handle.

Like a frog sitting under a cobra's hood

This expression describes a situation where someone is unknowingly or helplessly living in extreme danger. Just as a frog under a snake's hood is oblivious to its imminent death, it refers to a person residing in a precarious position or under the shelter of an enemy who could destroy them at any moment.

A donkey's egg and a frog's head

This expression is used to describe something that is non-existent, nonsensical, or a complete waste of time. It refers to a ridiculous or imaginary object that has no value or reality, often used to dismiss someone's foolish claims or a futile outcome.

One Lingadu may be gone, but chew well and swallow, he said.

This proverb describes a situation where someone experiences a significant loss or misfortune, yet they continue to focus on trivial or unrelated matters, or offer unsolicited, minor advice in the face of a larger disaster. It is used to mock people who remain stubbornly focused on small details when everything is already ruined.

If a big fish swallows a small fish, a fisherman swallows the big fish.

This expression refers to the 'food chain' or the hierarchy of power. It signifies that there is always someone more powerful or superior to oneself. It serves as a reminder to stay humble, as those who exploit the weak will eventually face a stronger force or a higher authority.

If you say "let it go" the snake will be angry, if you say "hold it" the frog will be angry. A difficulty in pleasing both parties in the settlement of a dispute. It is hard to please a' parties. (Scotch.)

This proverb describes a difficult dilemma or a 'no-win' situation where any decision made will inevitably offend or hurt one of the parties involved. It is used when a person is caught between two conflicting interests and is unable to please everyone.

Will the ocean face a shortage just because a fish swallowed a gulp of water?

This expression is used to describe a situation where a small loss or a minor consumption does not affect a vast resource or a wealthy person. It signifies that the actions of an insignificant individual cannot diminish the greatness or abundance of something immense. It is often used to dismiss petty thefts or minor expenses in the context of large organizations or very rich individuals.