జడ్డిగములో మిడతపోటు
jaddigamulo midatapotu
A grasshopper eating the seed in the drilling machine. Premature ruin.
This expression is used to describe an unexpected disaster or a significant problem that occurs at the very beginning of a task. A seed drill (jaddigamu) is used to plant seeds for the future; if a locust (midatha) attacks at that specific point, it ruins the entire potential crop before it even has a chance to grow. It is similar to the English idiom 'to nip it in the bud,' but refers to a negative external event ruining the foundation of an endeavor.
Related Phrases
అగ్నిలో మిడత పడ్డట్టు
agnilo midata paddattu
Like a grass-hopper jumping into the fire (flame).
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone blindly or foolishly rushes into a danger that will lead to their certain destruction. It signifies an act of self-destruction or a fatal attraction to something harmful.
To try, they say, to extinguish it. Applied to rash acts. * Catula dominas imitantes.
గోరుచుట్టు మీద రోకలి పోటు.
goruchuttu mida rokali potu.
The blow of a wooden pestle on a whitlow-infected nail.
Refers to a severe blow of misfortune on some one already suffering. When misfortunes come, they come in battalions. It is on those occasions, one should be bold and face the situation.
పులగం మీద పప్పు
pulagam mida pappu
Dal on top of Pulagam (rice-lentil mix)
This expression refers to something that adds extra benefit or comfort to an already good situation. Since 'Pulagam' is a wholesome meal of rice and dal cooked together, adding extra 'Pappu' (dal/lentil stew) on top makes it even more delicious and rich. It is used to describe a situation where a small addition makes something significantly better.
అందములో పుట్టిన గంధపుచెక్క, ఆముదములో పుట్టిన మడ్డి.
andamulo puttina gandhapuchekka, amudamulo puttina maddi.
A piece of sandal wood born of beauty, and the dregs of castor oil.
This expression is used to highlight a stark contrast between two people or things, usually siblings or items from the same source. It compares one that is virtuous, high-quality, or beautiful (sandalwood) to another that is useless, inferior, or unpleasant (castor oil residue).
తాత పోతే బొంత నాది
tata pote bonta nadi
If grandfather dies, the patched quilt is mine.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is overly greedy or selfishly waiting for someone's death just to inherit even the smallest, most insignificant belongings. It highlights an insensitive attitude where one cares more about material gain than the loss of a loved one.
జడ్డిములోనే మిడతపోటు.
jaddimulone midatapotu.
A locust attack during a drizzle.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an unexpected additional problem arises when one is already dealing with a pre-existing difficult or slow-moving situation. It signifies double trouble or a crisis within a crisis, specifically when one is already vulnerable.
సముద్రంలో కోటివి అద్దినట్లు
samudramlo kotivi addinatlu
Like dipping a small stick into the ocean.
This expression is used to describe an action that is insignificant or has no noticeable impact on a vast situation. It refers to a task that is so small compared to the scale of the problem that it makes absolutely no difference, similar to the English idiom 'a drop in the ocean.'
రానివాడి మీద రాయి
ranivadi mida rayi
Throwing a stone at someone who doesn't come
This expression is used when someone is absent or not responding, and others take advantage of the situation by blaming them or making decisions in their absence. It implies that since the person isn't there to defend themselves, they are an easy target for criticism or accusations.
అగ్నిలో మిడత పడ్డట్లు
agnilo midata paddatlu
Like a grasshopper falling into the fire.
This expression describes a situation where someone blindly rushes into a dangerous situation or self-destruction without realizing the consequences. It is used to signify a fatal mistake or an inevitable doom caused by one's own impulsive actions, similar to the English idiom 'like a moth to a flame'.
ఈటెపోటు మానుతుంది గాని మాటపోటు మానదు
itepotu manutundi gani matapotu manadu
A wound from a spear will heal, but a wound from a word will not.
Physical injuries or wounds caused by weapons heal over time, but the pain caused by harsh, cruel, or insulting words leaves a permanent scar on the mind. This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of speech and warns people to be careful with their words, as emotional damage is much harder to repair than physical hurt.