కడగా ఉన్న గొడ్డలిని కాలిమీద వేసుకున్నట్లు.

kadaga unna goddalini kalimida vesukunnatlu.

Translation

Like dropping an axe that was lying aside onto one's own foot.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily invites trouble or creates a problem for themselves when things were perfectly fine. It refers to self-inflicted harm caused by meddling in matters that do not concern them or by making a foolish decision.

Related Phrases

Keep the footwear that doesn't fit your foot aside.

This proverb suggests that things or relationships that are not suitable for you or cause discomfort should be discarded or kept at a distance. It is used to advise someone to let go of unnecessary burdens, incompatible people, or situations that do not serve their well-being.

Like pouring water into one's own stove when the neighbor is flourishing.

This proverb describes the height of envy and spite. It refers to people who are so jealous of others' success (greenery/prosperity) that they self-destruct or stop their own progress out of sheer malice or depression caused by seeing others thrive.

Holding leaves after the fingers are burnt, by holding a hot cooking pot or object.

The proverb refers to action taken after something harmful has already happened. It is always desirable to take proper precautions to avoid any undesirable developments rather than regretting after the event. Prevention, they say, is better than cure.

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.

Like poking a tiger with a stick

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily provokes or irritates a powerful, dangerous, or short-tempered person, thereby inviting trouble or a violent reaction. It highlights the foolishness of instigating someone who is already capable of causing significant harm.

Like digging and pushing it onto oneself.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily creates a problem for themselves through their own actions or meddling. It is similar to 'digging one's own grave' or bringing avoidable trouble upon one's own head.

Serving a newly rich person is like walking on a sword's edge.

This proverb highlights the volatility and unpredictability of serving or working for someone who has recently acquired wealth (a nouveau riche person). It implies that such individuals may be arrogant, demanding, or lack the temperament of established wealth, making the relationship as precarious and dangerous as performing acrobatics on a sharp blade.

Like pulling something passing in the wind onto one's own foot

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily invites trouble or a problem that was not meant for them. It refers to the act of voluntarily involving oneself in an issue that was passing by, resulting in self-inflicted hardship.

Like cutting off one's own nose because of being angry at the mirror.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's foolish or impulsive reaction to a problem ends up causing more harm to themselves than to the object of their anger. It highlights self-destructive behavior driven by spite or petty frustration.

Wealth does not stay in a house where there is constant complaining or misery.

This proverb suggests that prosperity and fortune avoid homes filled with negativity, sorrow, or a lack of contentment. It emphasizes that a positive and harmonious environment is necessary for wealth and well-being to flourish.