కన్ను తగిలే పుల్లను కనిపెట్టవద్దా?

kannu tagile pullanu kanipettavadda?

Translation

Should you not be careful of that which may stick into your eye? Keep an eye on your enemies.

Meaning

This expression is used to emphasize the importance of foresight and caution. It suggests that one should be vigilant enough to identify and avoid obvious dangers or obstacles before they cause harm.

Related Phrases

Having only one son is like having only one eye.

This proverb highlights the vulnerability of relying on a single source of support. Just as losing one's only eye results in total blindness, depending solely on one child or a single plan is risky because if that one fails, there is no backup or alternative support system.

As if a poor person is accused of killing a Brahmin.

This proverb describes a situation where an unfortunate person is unfairly burdened with an enormous problem or a heavy accusation that they have no capacity to handle or resolve. In traditional contexts, 'Brahmahatya' (killing a Brahmin) was considered the ultimate sin with the heaviest consequences; a poor person facing such a charge would be completely helpless.

One must observe the movements of time and fate

This expression suggests that one should be mindful and perceptive of how time and destiny unfold. It is often used to imply that instead of rushing or forcing things, one should wait and understand the natural flow of life's events and the consequences of actions over time.

Burnt earth will not adhere to unburnt. People in different positions in life cannot be very intimate.

This expression is used to describe two people or entities that are fundamentally incompatible or cannot reconcile their differences. Just as burnt clay/soil loses its binding property and cannot merge with raw, unburnt soil, people with opposing natures or those who have had a major falling out cannot be easily brought back together.

They said to look out for the stick that might hit your eye.

This proverb is a warning to be extremely cautious of immediate and obvious dangers. It suggests that one should be mindful and observant of their surroundings to avoid foreseeable harm or obstacles that are right in front of them.

If a daughter-in-law says she will give birth to a son, would any mother-in-law say no?

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers to do something that is universally beneficial or highly desired. It implies that no one in their right mind would refuse a proposal that brings mutual profit or happiness. It is often used when a deal or suggestion is so good that acceptance is a foregone conclusion.

One eye is a flower eye, the other eye is a fruit eye.

This expression is used to describe partiality or double standards shown by a person. It refers to a situation where someone treats one person or side with kindness and favor (the soft flower) while treating another with harshness or severity (the hard unripe fruit).

One eye is no eye, one son is no son.

This proverb suggests that relying on a single resource or individual is risky. Just as losing one's only eye leads to total blindness, depending on an only child (or a single point of failure) leaves one vulnerable. It is used to emphasize the importance of backups, security, or having multiple supports in life.

Envy always waits for an opportunity to strike a blow.

This proverb highlights the nature of jealousy and malice. It means that an envious person is always on the lookout for a chance to harm others or bring them down. It is used to warn someone to be cautious of those who harbor ill will, as they are patiently waiting for a moment of weakness to act.

If you touch the bullock, you must touch the soil.

This proverb emphasizes the necessity of hard work and physical labor to achieve results. It implies that if one engages in agriculture or any significant task (symbolized by the bullock), they must be prepared to get their hands dirty and work the land (the soil) to see success.