ఇల్లు కట్టగానే ఎలుకల రాపిడి

illu kattagane elukala rapidi

Translation

As soon as the house is built, the nuisance of rats begins.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where new problems or unwanted disturbances arise immediately after completing a significant task or achieving success. It suggests that every new venture brings its own set of inevitable challenges or parasites.

Related Phrases

Will wrapping a ritual cloth around a coconut tree stop a thief?

This proverb highlights that mere formalities, rituals, or superficial measures cannot prevent someone with bad intentions from causing harm. It is used to point out that a person's character or a serious security threat won't be changed by symbolic gestures.

A flower gives off fragrance as soon as it is born.

This expression is used to describe a person who shows signs of greatness, talent, or intelligence from a very early age. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'The child is father of the man' or 'Genius manifests itself early'.

Does the wedding get completed just because the decorative arch (toranam) is tied?

This expression is used to remind someone that starting a process or completing the preliminary rituals does not mean the entire task is finished. It emphasizes that a goal requires consistent effort until the very end, and one shouldn't celebrate or relax prematurely after just taking the first few steps.

The cuckoo chick in the crow's nest flies away as soon as it gets wings.

This expression describes someone who takes help or shelter from others during their difficult times but leaves them without gratitude or a second thought once they become independent or successful. It highlights the inherent nature of individuals who use resources provided by others only until they are self-sufficient.

Like saying it's a thunderbolt as soon as the Lingam is tied.

This proverb describes someone who is extremely impatient and expects immediate results right after an action is initiated. It refers to the absurdity of expecting a divine sign or a consequence (like a thunderbolt) the very moment a ritual or task has just begun.

With a mere dung wash of the floor the festival is not complete.

On festival eve, the earthen floors are given a dung wash. But there must be several other tasks to be performed for the festival. The practice is still extant in villages. The use of dung is part of rural economy as well as a hygienic practice, fast fading out.

Will a holy cloth tied to a coconut tree stop a thief?

This proverb is used to say that external appearances of piety or ritualistic symbols cannot prevent someone with bad intentions from doing harm. It highlights the futility of using religious or symbolic gestures to solve practical security problems or to change someone's inherent nature.

The flower smells as soon as it is born

This expression is used to describe a person, usually a child, who shows signs of greatness or exceptional talent from a very young age. It implies that inherent qualities and potential are evident right from the beginning, much like a fragrant flower is aromatic from the moment it blooms.

As if the milk arrived the moment the child was born

This expression is used to describe a situation where a necessary resource or solution becomes available exactly when it is needed, often by natural design or perfect timing. It highlights the providence of nature or a stroke of good luck where preparation meets a new requirement perfectly.

The attack of rats even before entering the house.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where problems or obstacles arise even before a task or project has officially begun. It highlights premature trouble or facing difficulties at the very inception of an endeavor.