కరవబోతే కాటు వేసినట్లు

karavabote katu vesinatlu

Translation

Like getting bitten when going to bite.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's attempt to harm or intimidate another person backfires immediately, or when someone is so aggressive that they react violently even to those similar to them. It is often used to describe highly irritable or hostile behavior.

Related Phrases

Like applying mascara to a blind eye

This expression is used to describe a futile action or an effort that serves no purpose. Just as applying kohl or mascara to a blind eye does not improve sight or serve an aesthetic purpose for the wearer, this phrase refers to doing something that is wasted or useless in a given context.

There is no medicine for the bite of a man. The bite of an enraged man is said to be fatally poisonous.

This proverb refers to the malicious nature of human behavior, specifically betrayal, gossip, or cruelty. While there are remedies for snake bites or animal wounds, the damage caused by a person's words or actions can be irreparable and impossible to heal with physical medicine.

A snake bites; a scream (or commotion) spoils.

This proverb suggests that while a snake's bite is a direct physical harm, the panic or loud screaming that follows can cause even more damage or ruin the situation. It is used to advise someone to stay calm during a crisis, as overreacting or creating a commotion can be more counterproductive than the problem itself.

Even if one screams and shouts

This expression is used to describe a situation where no matter how much effort is put into shouting, pleading, or complaining, it falls on deaf ears or yields no result. It implies that a person's protests or cries for help are being completely ignored or are futile.

An old thief will not remain uncaught forever.

This proverb suggests that no matter how experienced or clever a person is at committing wrongful acts, they will eventually be caught. It is used to warn that one's luck in getting away with misdeeds will eventually run out.

Applying mascara after seeing the eye; placing a seat after seeing the bird.

This expression refers to performing an action or making a decision based on the specific context, status, or capacity of the person involved. It suggests that one should offer resources, respect, or tasks in proportion to the individual's merit or needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

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

This proverb is used to describe a period of misfortune where everything seems to go wrong. It implies that when one is going through a streak of bad luck, even harmless objects or trusted situations can unexpectedly cause harm or turn against them.

Neither was it standing then, nor is it lifting up now.

This expression refers to a state of constant failure or persistent poverty. It is used to describe a situation where things were not stable in the past and show no signs of improvement or progress in the present. It implies that there has been no growth or positive change over time.

I was never rich one day and poor another.

This proverb describes a person who has been consistently useless or unsuccessful throughout their life. It refers to someone who lacked stability or foundation in the past ('nadu') and shows no progress or elevation in the present ('nedu'). It is often used to critique someone's lack of growth or contribution over a long period.

Said by a man who had not experienced the ups and downs of fortune, but had remained in a mediocre state throughout his life.

Like a louse biting the ear when it gets angry.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is weak or insignificant tries to show their anger or retaliate in a way that is ultimately harmless or petty. It highlights the futility of an underdog's rage against someone much stronger.