కాని కాలానికి పైబట్ట పక్షులు ఎత్తుకుపోయాయట
kani kalaniki paibatta pakshulu ettukupoyayata
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.
Related Phrases
మోక్షానకు పోతే, మొసలి ఎత్తుకొని పోయినది
mokshanaku pote, mosali ettukoni poyinadi
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.
ఎరువుల సొమ్ములు ఎరువుల వారు ఎత్తుకొని పోతే, పెండ్లికొడుకు ముఖాన పేడనీళ్లు చల్లినట్టే ఉంటుంది.
eruvula sommulu eruvula varu ettukoni pote, pendlikoduku mukhana pedanillu challinatte untundi.
When the lenders take back the ornaments lent, it is like sprinkling cowdung water on the face of a bridegroom.
This proverb highlights the embarrassment and loss of prestige that occurs when one relies on borrowed items to maintain a false status. It is used to describe a situation where a person's temporary or superficial glory is stripped away because it wasn't theirs to begin with, leaving them humiliated in a public or important setting.
దొంగతనానికి పోతూ, డోలు చంకన పెట్టుకొని పోయినట్లు
dongatananiki potu, dolu chankana pettukoni poyinatlu
Like carrying a drum under the arm while going to commit a theft.
This proverb is used to describe someone who attempts to do something secret or stealthy but acts in a way that attracts unnecessary attention. Just as the sound or size of a drum would immediately expose a thief, certain foolish actions make it impossible to keep a secret mission hidden.
అయ్యవారయ్యవారు అటికంత, అయ్యవారి పెండ్లాము పుటికంత, పుటిక తీసుకొని పోయి మూల యింట్లో పెట్టితే, నక్క యెత్తుకొని పోయినది నారాయణా.
ayyavarayyavaru atikanta, ayyavari pendlamu putikanta, putika tisukoni poyi mula yintlo pettite, nakka yettukoni poyinadi narayana.
The priest, the priest is like a pot with a large mouth, the priest's wife is like a small basket—when the basket was put in the corner a jackal walked off with it, O Nârâyaṇa!
This is a humorous and rhythmic folk nursery rhyme or a playful 'sameta' used to mock situations that are absurdly small, fragile, or comical. It describes a tiny couple and a series of ridiculous events where the wife is so small she fits in a basket and gets stolen by a fox. It is often used to tease someone about their small stature or to describe a chaotic, nonsensical situation.
కాని కాలమునకు పయిబట్ట పక్షులు ఎత్తుకుపోయినట్టు
kani kalamunaku payibatta pakshulu ettukupoyinattu
Like birds carrying away the upper garment during bad times.
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.
కాలు పట్టుకొని లాగితే చూరు పట్టుకొని వేలాడేవాడు.
kalu pattukoni lagite churu pattukoni veladevadu.
When you pull him out by the leg, he holds on by the eaves.
This expression is used to describe an extremely stubborn, persistent, or shameless person who refuses to let go or give up. Even when someone tries to remove them or bring them down, they find another way to cling to their position or stay involved.
A man of no delicacy of feeling, not to be got rid of easily. A toady.
పెళ్ళికిపోతూ పిల్లిని చంకలో పెట్టుకొని పోయినట్లు
pellikipotu pillini chankalo pettukoni poyinatlu
Like carrying a cat under the arm while going to a wedding
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone brings along an unnecessary burden or an unlucky distraction that ruins an important or auspicious occasion. It highlights the foolishness of creating complications for oneself when things should be simple and celebratory.
పిల్లిని చంకన పెట్టుకుని పెళ్ళికి వెళ్ళినట్టు.
pillini chankana pettukuni pelliki vellinattu.
Like going to a wedding while carrying a cat under one's arm.
This expression describes a situation where someone brings along an unnecessary burden or a nuisance while trying to perform an important task. It refers to people who create their own obstacles or distractions that make a simple or celebratory event difficult for themselves and others.
గతుకులకు పోతే, బతుకులు పోయినవి
gatukulaku pote, batukulu poyinavi
When he went to lap, his livelihood went. When a greedy man went to spoon upon another for his breakfast he was kept waiting so long that he lost his situation.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone, out of greed or a desire for small, insignificant gains (scraps/leftovers), ends up losing something very valuable or even their entire livelihood. It serves as a warning against being penny-wise and pound-foolish, or taking unnecessary risks for minor rewards.
ఏడుస్తూ ఏరువాక సాగితే, కాడి మోకులు దొంగలు ఎత్తుకొని పోయారట.
edustu eruvaka sagite, kadi mokulu dongalu ettukoni poyarata.
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.