కొల్లు మునిగిన కొన్నాళ్లకు కోనా మునిగింది

kollu munigina konnallaku kona munigindi

Translation

Soon after the destruction of Kollu by a flood, Kôna also was swept away. Kollu and Kôna are the names of two villages on either side of a river. The calamity which happened to one was a source of rejoicing to the other, which soon however suffered the same fate. Tauntingly used by a person towards those who took delight in his misfortune but have now been overtaken by a calamity themselves.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a chain of events where one disaster or misfortune is inevitably followed by another, often suggesting that if a major entity fails, a related or smaller entity will soon follow. It highlights the ripple effect of calamities within a specific region or context.

Related Phrases

After the mountains fall, the valleys will also fall in a few days.

This expression refers to the inevitable ripple effect of a major catastrophe or the downfall of a powerful entity. It implies that when great people or large institutions collapse, those who depend on them or are associated with them (the smaller entities) will eventually face the same fate soon after.

Like a palmyra fruit falling on a moaning fox

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person who is already in trouble or suffering faces yet another misfortune. It is similar to the English idiom 'To add insult to injury' or 'When it rains, it pours', highlighting a sequence of back-to-back calamities.

Moonlight for a few days, darkness for a few days

This expression is used to signify that life is a cycle of ups and downs. Just as the lunar cycle alternates between bright moonlight and darkness, human life consists of periods of joy and sorrow, success and failure. It is used to encourage resilience during tough times or to advise humility during prosperous times.

Some days of darkness, some days of moonlight.

This expression is used to describe the inevitable cycles of life. Just as nature transitions between dark nights and bright moonlit nights, human life alternates between periods of hardship and periods of happiness. It serves as a reminder to remain resilient during tough times and humble during good times, as neither state is permanent.

The hen that got used to eating (getting fed) ended up crowing from the rooftop.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who is pampered or given too much freedom eventually becomes arrogant, loses their boundaries, and starts behaving inappropriately. It is used to caution against over-indulging someone to the point where they lose respect for rules or hierarchy.

The mother-in-law's time lasts for a while, and the daughter-in-law's time lasts for a while.

This proverb signifies that power and circumstances are never permanent. Just as a daughter-in-law eventually becomes the mother-in-law in charge, everyone gets their turn to lead or dominate. It is used to remind people to be humble during their time of power, as the tables will eventually turn.

Even if the sky breaks or an eye is lost, you will not stop doing it.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stubborn person or someone who is persistent to a fault. It suggests that regardless of major disasters or personal injury, the individual refuses to change their course of action or stop a specific behavior.

He thinks the woman he loves to be Rambhâ and the water he bathes in, the Ganges. Rambhâ is the most beautiful of all the Apsarases or courtezans of Svarga, the Hindu elysium.

This expression is used to describe a person who is completely satisfied or content with what they have, believing their choices or possessions to be the absolute best. It signifies a state where one's preferences (like Rambha, the celestial beauty) and actions (like bathing in the holy Ganga) are perfectly aligned with their ideals, leaving no room for complaint.

Though it bathe in the Ganges, will a crow become a swan ?

This expression means that a person's inherent nature, character, or lack of skill cannot be changed simply by external actions, rituals, or by changing their environment. It is used to suggest that superficial changes do not alter one's true identity or capabilities.

Darkness for some days, moonlight for some days.

This proverb signifies the cyclical nature of life, suggesting that both bad times (darkness) and good times (moonlight) are temporary. It is used to offer comfort during hardships or as a reminder to stay humble during success, as neither phase lasts forever.

Joy and sorrow are equally divided.