కంటికి రెప్ప ఆసరా, పులికి మల ఆసరా

kantiki reppa asara, puliki mala asara

Translation

The eyelid is the support for the eye, and the forest is the support for the tiger.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the importance of natural habitat, protection, and interdependence. Just as an eyelid naturally protects the eye, a dense forest (mala) provides the necessary cover and strength for a tiger to survive and hunt. It is used to suggest that everyone has a specific place or environment where they are most powerful and safe.

Related Phrases

Like tying a knot between the sky and the earth

This expression is used to describe an impossible task, a highly exaggerated statement, or a clever person who can bridge two completely unrelated or extreme things through their talk or actions. It is often used to describe someone who spins tall tales or attempts to reconcile vast differences.

A lid to the eye, a shoe to the foot. The protection necessary.

This expression refers to someone or something that provides constant, essential protection and support. Just as an eyelid naturally protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot from harsh terrain, this phrase describes a guardian, a loyal companion, or a preventive measure that keeps one safe from harm.

A nose-ring for the face, a clasp for the necklace.

This proverb refers to the final finishing touches that provide completeness or a perfect fit to something. Just as a nose-ring enhances the face and a clasp completes a necklace, it describes the essential finishing element that makes a person or a situation look complete and proper.

Good conduct and family life.

This expression highlights that a person's good character (Nalasaramu) and their family/domestic life (Samsaramu) are the two pillars of a respectable existence. It is used to emphasize that one's reputation depends equally on individual integrity and how they manage their household.

Infection to the eye, pain to the body

This expression is used to describe a situation that is extremely annoying, constant, and difficult to ignore. Just as an eye infection causes persistent discomfort and a body ache makes one restless, this phrase refers to a person or a problem that causes continuous irritation or trouble.

An eyelid for the eye, a sandal for the foot

This expression refers to things that are essential for protection and safety. Just as an eyelid protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot, it describes someone or something that acts as a constant guardian or a basic necessity for one's well-being. It is often used to describe a protective person or a relationship where one takes care of another's safety.

Are these eyelids distant from this eye ?

This proverb is used to describe an inseparable relationship or an intimate bond between two people or things. It implies that certain entities are so closely linked by nature, family, or affection that they can never be truly distanced or considered strangers to one another.

Applied to any thing which can easily be tested by actual observation.

Two stakes for a blind eye, two musical bands for a squint eye.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is being overly cautious or excessive in trying to compensate for a minor or major defect. It highlights how people sometimes apply unnecessary or mismatched solutions to their problems, often making the situation look more dramatic or complicated than it needs to be.

The tiger is the goat's support, and the goat is the tiger's support.

This expression describes a situation of mutual dependency or a symbiotic relationship where two unlikely or even opposing parties rely on each other for survival or benefit. It is used to highlight how seemingly contradictory elements can sometimes form a necessary partnership.

We fear the tiger, and the tiger fears us.

This expression describes a state of mutual fear or a standoff between two parties. It is used in situations where both sides are equally intimidated by each other, preventing either from taking action. It highlights that the perceived threat is often reciprocal.