కోళ్ళు సాకిన పొంతలో రెట్ట వేసినట్లు, కొద్ది తొత్తుల పొందు రచ్చకీడ్చును
kollu sakina pontalo retta vesinatlu, koddi tottula pondu rachchakidchunu
Just as a chicken droppings foul the coop where they are raised, the company of lowly characters drags one's reputation into the open streets.
This proverb warns that associating with unethical or low-minded people will eventually lead to public disgrace and shame. Just as filth is inevitable in a crowded poultry pen, bad company inevitably results in the exposure of one's private affairs or character to public ridicule (Rachakidchu).
Related Phrases
సముద్రంలో పిట్ట రెట్టవేసినట్లు
samudramlo pitta rettavesinatlu
Like a bird dropping its waste into the ocean
This expression is used to describe a contribution or an addition that is so insignificantly small compared to the vastness of the whole that it makes no difference at all. It is similar to the English idiom 'A drop in the bucket'.
ఇంటి గుట్టు రచ్చకెక్కినట్టు
inti guttu rachchakekkinattu
Like the secrets of the house being brought to the public square
This expression is used when a private family matter, secret, or internal conflict is exposed to the public. It highlights the embarrassment or loss of reputation that occurs when personal issues are discussed openly in a community or marketplace (raccha).
కోటలో పాగా వేసినట్లు
kotalo paga vesinatlu
Like placing a turban in the fort
This expression is used to describe a significant achievement, a grand success, or the act of establishing one's authority or presence in a difficult-to-reach place. Historically, placing one's turban in an enemy's fort symbolized victory and conquest. In modern context, it refers to reaching a milestone or securing a strong position in a competitive field.
గోరంతను కొండంత చేయడం
gorantanu kondanta cheyadam
Making a mountain out of a molehill (Literally: making a fingernail-sized thing as big as a mountain)
This expression is used to describe someone who exaggerates a very small issue or minor incident into something massive or significant. It is typically applied when someone overreacts or blows a situation out of proportion.
ఊట వేసిన ముడి, వాతవేసిన పసుపు
uta vesina mudi, vatavesina pasupu
A knot soaked in water, turmeric applied to a brand.
This expression is used to describe something that is fixed, permanent, or impossible to undo. Just as a wet knot becomes tighter and harder to untie, and turmeric applied to a cauterized wound stays fixed to the skin, this phrase refers to a decision or situation that is finalized and unchangeable.
సవరించిన కొద్దీ నిక్కినట్లు
savarinchina koddi nikkinatlu
Like stretching more when being corrected or adjusted.
This expression describes a person who becomes more stubborn, arrogant, or defiant as you try to correct their behavior or humble them. Instead of improving or listening, they react by showing even more ego or pride.
ఆయన అన్ని దేవళాలమీద రెట్టవేసిన పిట్టే.
ayana anni devalalamida rettavesina pitte.
He is a bird that has pooped on every temple.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely experienced, cunning, or has 'been there and done that' in every possible situation, often in a slightly cynical or negative sense. It implies the person has dealt with everyone and every place, leaving their mark (or causing trouble) everywhere.
కట్టవేసిన బట్టకు కావలి కాచినట్లు.
kattavesina battaku kavali kachinatlu.
Like guarding the clothes that have already been washed and spread out to dry.
This expression describes a situation where someone is performing a redundant or unnecessary task. It refers to a person watching over something that is already safe or in a state where guarding it serves no practical purpose, similar to 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or performing a futile, over-protective action.
తొత్తు క్రింద పడి తొత్తు
tottu krinda padi tottu
A slave serving under another slave
This expression describes a situation where a person is forced to serve or obey someone who is themselves subordinate or lacks any real authority. It is used to mock a double-layered hierarchy of servitude or a situation that is particularly humiliating because the person in charge has no real power of their own.
దేసూరు రెడ్ల పొందు దయ్యపు పొందు.
desuru redla pondu dayyapu pondu.
Friendship with Desuru Reddis is like friendship with a ghost.
This proverb is used to warn against entering into associations or friendships with people who are unpredictable, powerful, or potentially harmful. It suggests that just as one cannot trust a ghost, certain alliances may appear beneficial but will eventually lead to trouble or ruin.