కంచే చేను మేస్తే కాపేమి చేయగలడు?

kanche chenu meste kapemi cheyagaladu?

Translation

If the fence itself grazes the crop, what can the guard do?

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where the person or entity responsible for protection becomes the source of harm. It is used when leaders, authorities, or protectors betray their trust, leaving others helpless because there is no higher authority to appeal to.

Related Phrases

Among a hundred crows, what could a single cuckoo do ? What can one good man do among so many bad men ?

This proverb highlights that a single good or wise person is often helpless and unable to influence a large group of wicked or ignorant people. It is used to describe situations where a lone voice of reason is drowned out by a majority of dissenters or wrongdoers.

A field without a fence and a child without a mother are the same.

This proverb highlights the importance of protection and care. Just as a crop field without a fence is vulnerable to being destroyed by animals or intruders, a child without a mother lacks the primary source of protection, guidance, and nurturing needed to thrive safely in the world.

If our gold be good, what can the goldsmith do ? The purest gold is the most easily tested, and a goldsmith cannot easily cheat with it. A good character is proof against slander.

This proverb suggests that if our own character or work is flawless, we do not need to fear others trying to cheat us or find faults. It is used to emphasize that self-integrity is the best defense against external criticism or deception.

You can make someone close their eyes, but can you make them dream?

This expression highlights the limits of control and coercion. While you can force someone to perform an external action or follow a rule, you cannot control their internal thoughts, imagination, or true desires. It is often used to emphasize that genuine inspiration or vision cannot be forced.

If the fence itself eats the field, who will be the guard?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person in a position of trust or authority, whose job is to protect something, ends up being the one who exploits or destroys it. It is commonly applied to corruption in leadership or betrayal by a protector.

If the mother cow grazes in the crop field, will the calf graze on the boundary?

Children naturally follow the habits and behavior of their parents. If the elders set a bad example or engage in wrongdoing, the younger generation will likely follow suit or even exceed them in those actions. It is used to emphasize that one's upbringing and parental influence shape their character.

If the fence itself eats the crop, who will protect it?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the person or entity responsible for protecting something is the one who ends up exploiting or destroying it. It is commonly applied to cases of corruption, breach of trust, or when authorities fail in their duties.

What is the danger to a ruined field, and what is the use of a shoe for a stumped leg?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person or thing has already reached the lowest possible state or has been completely ruined, so further threats or minor improvements no longer matter. It suggests that once everything is lost, there is no fear of further damage, and offering a solution to a broken situation is futile.

The village can do nothing to a person who remains silent.

This expression emphasizes the power of silence and patience. It suggests that if a person remains calm, avoids unnecessary arguments, and stays silent during a conflict, even an entire community or a large group cannot harm them or provoke them into trouble. It is often used to advise someone to stay quiet to avoid escalating a situation.

The fence ate up the crop.

This proverb is used when the law-enforcing officer demands and gets bribe. It calls upon the custodians of law to abide by law themselves and give no scope for any lapses in the performance of their duties.