కాని కాలమునకు పయిబట్ట పక్షులు ఎత్తుకుపోయినట్టు

kani kalamunaku payibatta pakshulu ettukupoyinattu

Translation

Like birds carrying away the upper garment during bad times.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a string of bad luck or an unfortunate period where everything goes wrong. It implies that when one is facing a 'bad time' (Kani Kalam), even the most unexpected or bizarre misfortunes—like a bird snatching the clothes off your back—can happen, leaving you helpless.

Related Phrases

When he went for salvation, an alligator carried him off. He was bathing in holy water for the attainment of eternal beatitude. య.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone sets out with a noble or high intention, but encounters an unexpected and disastrous setback. It highlights how bad luck or unforeseen obstacles can ruin even the most virtuous pursuits.

When someone went to Yeleswaram for showing off, a dog ran away with their sleeping mat.

This proverb is used to describe a person who tries to show off or maintain a high social status they cannot afford, and in the process of pretending, they lose the basic necessities they already had. It serves as a warning against vanity and prioritizing false prestige over practical reality.

When he went to raise a new loan, the old debt fell upon him. i. e. His creditor reminded him of the old score.

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to solve an existing problem or acquire a new resource results in being confronted by previous unresolved obligations. It is used when someone's efforts to move forward are hindered by their past mistakes or debts suddenly demanding attention.

In bad times, even a stick turns into a snake.

This proverb is used to describe a period of misfortune where everything seems to go wrong. It implies that when luck is against you, even harmless or helpful objects (like a walking stick) can become sources of danger or obstacles (like a snake). It is used to express how vulnerability increases during a streak of bad luck.

The mother-in-law gave good counsel to her daughter-in-law and went astray herself.

This proverb is used to describe hypocritical behavior where a person advises others on morality and ethics but fails to follow those same principles themselves. It highlights the irony of someone acting as a teacher or moral compass while secretly engaging in the very activities they condemn.

In an evil time birds flew away with the cloth off his body. Alluding to the story of Nala.—See the Nalopâkhyânam Book ix.

This proverb describes a streak of extreme misfortune where everything goes wrong. It suggests that when one's luck is down, even the most improbable or absurd accidents occur, leading to further loss. It is used to express that during a period of bad luck, one might lose even the most basic possessions in unexpected ways.

Like going to glean in a field of Sama (millet).

This expression is used to describe a situation where one's efforts are wasted because they are directed at something that yields very little or nothing at all. Sama is a tiny grain, and 'pariga' refers to gleaning (picking up leftover grains after harvest). Trying to glean such small grains is considered a futile and unrewarding task.

Like a dog going to a village market

This expression is used to describe someone who goes to a place or joins an event where they have no purpose, relevance, or benefit. Just as a dog at a crowded market gets pushed around and gains nothing, it refers to aimless wandering or being out of place in a busy situation.

Hesitation is far from liberation.

This expression is used to advise that being overly hesitant or shy (Mogamatam) prevents one from achieving their goals or finding true freedom (Moksham). It suggests that if you are too worried about what others think or too shy to speak your mind, you will never reach your full potential or find peace.

While the man was sluggishly ploughing, thieves stole the rope collars.

This proverb describes a situation where starting a task with a negative attitude, lack of enthusiasm, or a heavy heart leads to further misfortune or failure. It implies that if you don't put your heart into your work, even the basic tools or opportunities will be lost, or the outcome will be naturally jinxed.