కదనభీతుజూచి కాలుడునవ్వురా
kadanabhitujuchi kaludunavvura
Seeing the one who is afraid of battle, the God of Death laughs.
This expression is used to signify that cowardice does not prevent death; in fact, fate or death mocks those who flee from their duties or challenges out of fear. It implies that since death is inevitable, one should face life's battles with courage rather than trembling in fear.
Related Phrases
సకలగుణాభిరాముడు
sakalagunabhiramudu
Endowed with every grace. Said ironically.
This expression is used to describe a person who possesses all good qualities, virtues, and a charming personality. It is most commonly used as an epithet for Lord Rama, but in a modern context, it can be used to praise someone who is well-rounded, virtuous, and highly respected.
కరవబోతే కాటు వేసినట్లు
karavabote katu vesinatlu
Like getting bitten when going to bite.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's attempt to harm or intimidate another person backfires immediately, or when someone is so aggressive that they react violently even to those similar to them. It is often used to describe highly irritable or hostile behavior.
సందు చూసి పీర్ల పెట్టెలు దించినట్లు
sandu chusi pirla pettelu dinchinatlu
Like unloading the Pirla boxes upon finding a small gap/opportunity.
This expression describes a person who takes undue advantage of a small opportunity or a brief moment of distraction to settle in or create a large burden for others. It is used when someone cunningly makes themselves comfortable or inserts their own agenda the moment they find a little space or time.
నాభిలో పుట్టిన పురుగు నాభిలోనే పెరుగును
nabhilo puttina purugu nabhilone perugunu
The worm born in the poisonous plant grows within the same poisonous plant.
This proverb (sameta) is used to describe a person who is born into a specific environment or nature and continues to thrive or remain in it, regardless of how toxic or limited it may be. It is often applied to people who adapt perfectly to their surroundings, even if those surroundings are negative or harmful to others.
నంగనాచి నవ్వు నలుగందాల చేటు.
nanganachi navvu nalugandala chetu.
A hypocrite's smile leads to ruin in four directions.
This proverb is used to describe a person who appears innocent or modest (a hypocrite) but is actually cunning. It warns that relying on or being deceived by the fake sweetness of such a person will lead to trouble or loss from all sides.
పాపభీతికంటే ప్రజాభీతికే వెరుస్తారు
papabhitikante prajabhitike verustaru
People fear public opinion more than the fear of sin.
This expression highlights human nature where individuals are often more concerned about their social reputation and what others might say (public shame) than the moral or spiritual consequences of their wrongdoings. It is used to describe situations where social pressure acts as a stronger deterrent than one's own conscience or religious beliefs.
స్వాతి కురిస్తే భీతి కలుగుతుంది
svati kuriste bhiti kalugutundi
If it rains during the Swati constellation, it causes fear.
This is an agricultural proverb. Rain during the Swati Karti (usually occurring in October) is often heavy and accompanied by strong winds or cyclones. While rain is generally good, rain during this specific period can destroy standing crops like paddy that are ready for harvest, hence causing fear among farmers regarding their livelihood.
నల్ల బాపడు, నాభి కంటు విషం
nalla bapadu, nabhi kantu visham
A dark-skinned Brahmin is more poisonous than a navel-string (or monkshood).
This is an old proverb based on traditional superstitions regarding physiological traits. It suggests that certain individuals who defy common physical stereotypes (like a dark-complexioned priest or a fair-complexioned laborer) are exceptionally cunning, shrewd, or dangerous to deal with. It is used to warn someone about people who might be deceptively clever or possess a sharp nature.
నందనవనములో నాగుబాముండటం, మృగనాభికి పిప్పతగిలినట్లు.
nandanavanamulo nagubamundatam, mriganabhiki pippatagilinatlu.
A cobra in paradise is like a blemish on musk.
This expression is used to describe a situation where something extremely beautiful, sacred, or perfect is ruined by the presence of a single dangerous or ugly element. Just as a poisonous snake spoils the beauty of a celestial garden (Nandanavanam) or a small impurity devalues precious musk (Mriganabhi), a small flaw can sometimes overshadow great excellence.
తనకు గాని ఆలు దానవురాలురా
tanaku gani alu danavuralura
A wife who is not your own is like a demoness
This proverb serves as a warning against coveting or becoming involved with another man's wife. It suggests that such a relationship is dangerous, destructive, and will ultimately lead to ruin, much like an encounter with a demoness.