కాకిని కొడితే గద్ద చచ్చిందట

kakini kodite gadda chachchindata

Translation

They say a vulture died because a crow was hit.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where an action is taken against a minor or irrelevant target, but the result is claimed to have affected a much larger or more significant entity. It highlights a false sense of achievement or a logical fallacy where two unrelated events are linked to exaggerate one's prowess.

Related Phrases

A life habituated to eating died out of restlessness.

This proverb describes a person who becomes so addicted to a certain luxury, comfort, or habit that they suffer immensely or perish when they can no longer access it. It is used to caution against developing excessive dependencies or greed.

The reputation gained will not leave even after death

This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.

If you hit a dog, it might learn sense, but if you hit a laborer, will they learn sense?

This proverb highlights the difference between instinctive behavior and human dignity. It suggests that while animals might be disciplined through force, humans (especially workers) should be treated with respect and fair wages rather than harshness or exploitation, as physical aggression does not foster productivity or character in people.

The braying donkey spoiled the grazing donkey.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who is minding their own business and working productively is distracted or ruined by the foolish actions of another. It is used when a person's good progress is halted because they joined company with someone loud, lazy, or troublesome.

When hit on the mouth, the back of the head is said to have swollen.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the consequences of an action are disproportionate, unexpected, or when someone exaggerates the impact of a minor event. It can also refer to a scenario where one person's mistake leads to an unexpected reaction or result in a completely different area.

The woman who couldn't live fell into a well and died.

This expression is used to mock someone who makes a dramatic scene or an empty threat out of laziness or a lack of will to face responsibilities. It highlights a situation where someone chooses an easy, albeit extreme, way out rather than putting in the effort to sustain their life or solve their problems.

The children of the deceased woman are under the feet of the newcomer.

This proverb describes the plight of motherless children who are often neglected or mistreated by a stepmother or a new person entering the household. It is used to highlight situations where vulnerable individuals lose their protection and are left at the mercy of someone who may not care for their well-being.

Six months after the death of the mother-in-law, tears came into the eyes of the daughter-in-law.

This proverb describes a situation where a person shows a delayed, insincere, or hypocritical emotional reaction. It is used to mock someone who pretends to care about a loss or an event long after it happened, or when their reaction is clearly performative rather than genuine.

When the daughter-in-law wore her deceased mother-in-law's saree because she died, the mother-in-law returned as a ghost to haunt her.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to benefit from another person's misfortune or death, only to find that the benefit brings unforeseen troubles or burdens. It highlights that ill-gotten gains or taking advantage of a situation can lead to haunting consequences.

Calumny is not removed even by death.

This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.

Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.