కరవమంటే పాముకు కోపం, వదలమంటే కప్పకు కోపం

karavamante pamuku kopam, vadalamante kappaku kopam

Translation

If told to bite, the snake gets angry; if told to let go, the frog gets angry.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will result in displeasing one party or causing a problem. It reflects a state of being stuck between two difficult choices where you cannot satisfy everyone.

Related Phrases

When asked to dine he comes to stab.

This expression is used to describe a person who reacts with unnecessary hostility or anger to a kind offer or a helpful suggestion. It highlights a character that is ungrateful, perverse, or aggressive in nature.

If told to let go, the snake gets angry; if told to catch, the frog gets angry.

This proverb describes a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will result in someone being offended or a negative outcome. It is used when a person is stuck between two conflicting parties or choices where satisfying one inevitably displeases the other.

Although you feed a snake with milk, it will not refrain from biting you.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an inherently evil or ungrateful person will eventually cause harm, regardless of how much kindness, care, or help you provide them. It suggests that one's true nature cannot be changed by external kindness.

A barking dog never bites. Great barkers are nae biters. (Scotch.) A barking cur does not bite. (Italian.)

This proverb is used to describe people who make loud threats or talk aggressively but rarely take any real action. It suggests that those who boast or bluster the most are often the least dangerous.

A snake coiled around the leg will not stop without biting.

This expression is used to describe a persistent problem, a dangerous person, or a bad habit that is impossible to ignore or escape from without suffering some damage. It suggests that once you are entangled with something inherently harmful, the negative consequences are inevitable.

If asked to bite, the frog would be angry; if asked to let go, the snake would be angry.

This refers to a situation when there are two disputing parties and advising either of them to compromise or withdraw from the dispute will be rejected by both. On those occasions, it is wise to keep quiet.

A dog that barks does not bite.

It is said that a shouting man does not harm really. It is not necessary to take the loud threats of one seriously, because one may not really be able to carry out one’s threats.

A barking dog does not bite

This proverb is used to describe people who make a lot of noise, threats, or boasts but rarely take any actual action. It implies that those who are truly dangerous or effective do not need to shout about it, and those who shout are often harmless.

Even a herbivore will bite a dog that has lost its teeth.

This proverb describes how a person who has lost their power, influence, or strength will be intimidated or harassed even by those who are much weaker or whom they once dominated. It is used to highlight how circumstances can change one's status and invite disrespect from unlikely sources.

Will a snake coiled round your leg not bite you ? Said of a helpless dependant who must be supported.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an inevitable danger or a malicious person cannot be expected to show mercy. It implies that if you associate with or get trapped by something inherently harmful, you must face the consequences.