ఇస్తే వరం, పెడితే శాపం

iste varam, pedite shapam

Translation

If given, a boon; if kept/placed, a curse.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a volatile or eccentric person whose behavior is unpredictable. If they are happy or pleased, they are extremely generous and helpful (giving a boon), but if they are offended or in a bad mood, they can be extremely destructive or hurtful (giving a curse). It highlights the risk involved in dealing with such individuals.

Related Phrases

Will the basket tear if you store cotton rolls in it?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a very light task or a small addition is expected to cause a major problem, which is impossible. It is often used sarcastically when someone overreacts to a minor burden or implies that a small effort will lead to exhaustion or damage.

If the crow builds a nest, it's the final rain.

This is a traditional agricultural observation or weather-lore. It suggests that when a crow begins building its nest, it signifies the end of the rainy season or the arrival of the final rains for that cycle. It is used to predict seasonal shifts based on animal behavior.

If it's not Sunday it's Monday. If to-day will not, to-morrow may.

This expression is used to describe someone who is indecisive or a situation that lacks a firm commitment. It implies that a task will be done eventually, but without a specific or reliable timeline, often suggesting procrastination or a casual attitude toward deadlines.

If kept, it's a curse; if given, it's a blessing.

This proverb is most commonly used in the context of food or charity. It suggests that keeping something (like excess food) until it spoils is a waste and a 'curse', whereas giving it to someone in need turns it into a 'blessing'. It encourages generosity and the timely sharing of resources.

If the right foot is placed, the clan is destroyed; if the left foot is placed, the lineage is destroyed.

This is a sarcastic or satirical expression used to describe a person who is perceived as extremely unlucky or bringing misfortune regardless of what they do. It is often used to mock superstitious beliefs or to highlight a 'no-win' situation where every action of a particular person is blamed for a disaster.

Apply the brand only after identifying the joint.

This proverb emphasizes that any action or corrective measure should be taken only after thoroughly understanding the root cause of a problem. In ancient medicine, 'vatha' (branding/cauterization) was a treatment, but it was effective only if applied precisely on the affected joint. It is used to advise someone to act with precision and knowledge rather than blindly.

If I invite him and he is too proud to come, it will be all right; but if he does come, how shall I manage it? Said by a poor man who was obliged to show hospitality which he could ill afford.

This expression is used to describe a person who is hesitant or reluctant to start something (often due to pride or shyness), but once they begin or arrive at a place (especially for a meal or a favor), they indulge uncontrollably and are impossible to stop. It highlights the irony of someone being difficult to invite but impossible to manage once they accept.

The house on Monday, the stove on Wednesday.

This proverb describes extreme laziness or procrastination. It refers to a person who starts cleaning the house on Monday but doesn't get around to lighting the stove to cook until Wednesday. It is used to mock someone who takes an unnecessarily long time to complete simple, daily tasks.

If an emperor does it, it is romance; if a washerman does it, it is adultery.

This proverb highlights the double standards and hypocrisy in society regarding social status. It suggests that the same action is judged differently based on the power, wealth, or status of the person performing it. Actions of the powerful are often glamorized or excused, while the same actions by common people are condemned as immoral or illegal.

If given, it's a marriage; if not, it's shattered pieces.

This proverb describes a fickle or opportunistic person who is pleasant and supportive only as long as they receive favors or benefits. If their demands are met, everything is celebrated (like a wedding); if not, they turn hostile and create trouble (represented by the sound of crackers or destruction).