కంటికి తగిలే పుల్లను కనిపెట్టి తిరుగుమన్నారు.

kantiki tagile pullanu kanipetti tirugumannaru.

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

The trouble that befell the iron has now befallen the charcoal.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent associate or a bystander suffers the same harsh punishment or hardship as the main culprit. Just as charcoal is burnt and exhausted while heating iron in a forge, an innocent person often gets caught up and destroyed in the process of dealing with a problematic person or situation.

Like shaving the head of a bear.

This expression is used to describe a task that is unnecessarily difficult, messy, or yields no meaningful result. It implies that the effort put into a job is disproportionate to the outcome, or that the task itself is foolishly complicated due to the nature of the subject.

A child suitable for the mother, a porch suitable for the house

This proverb describes a perfect match or a natural compatibility between two entities. Just as a child reflects the traits of the mother or a porch is built to complement the structure of a house, it is used to highlight that someone or something is exactly as expected given their origin or environment.

Like catching a flying thorn bush with one's own foot.

This expression is used when someone unnecessarily involves themselves in a problem that has nothing to do with them, resulting in self-inflicted trouble. It describes a situation where an individual invites a nuisance or a complication into their life that could have easily been avoided.

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.

Like saying 'I was invited to Thimmanna's feast'

This expression is used to describe a person who behaves with excessive entitlement or self-importance at an event just because they were invited. It highlights the irony of someone acting like they are the guest of honor or the owner of the place when they are just one of many invitees.

A child worthy of its mother, a Pandili fit for the house.

This proverb is used to describe two things or people that are perfectly matched in quality, character, or behavior. It is often used to remark on how a child's traits mirror their parent's, or how an environment is perfectly suited to its occupants.

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.

Sun-turning (Sunflower) and bush-turning.

This expression is used to describe someone who talks in a roundabout way or beats around the bush instead of getting straight to the point. While 'Poddu Tirugudu' refers to the sunflower following the sun, 'Donka Tirugudu' specifically refers to evasive, indirect, or circuitous speech.

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

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.