కొండనాలికకు మందు వేస్తే, ఉన్న నాలుక ఊడిపోయినట్టు
kondanalikaku mandu veste, unna naluka udipoyinattu
When he applied medicine to the uvula, it took out the whole tongue.
This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to fix a minor problem ends up causing a much larger, catastrophic loss or making the situation far worse. It is used to caution against reckless or unqualified attempts at problem-solving that result in unintended disastrous consequences.
The remedy is worse than the disease.
Related Phrases
చిలక ముక్కున దొండపండు ఉన్నట్టు
chilaka mukkuna dondapandu unnattu
Like a Donda fruit in a parrot's beak. The reverse of No. 574 q. v.
This expression is used to describe a perfect match or a beautiful combination. Just as the vibrant red scarlet gourd (Dondapandu) looks exceptionally beautiful in the bright green beak of a parrot, this phrase refers to situations where two things complement each other perfectly, often used to describe a well-matched couple or an aesthetically pleasing pairing.
వెలమవారి పెండ్లికొడుకు మారడగనేరడు, ఉన్నదంతా ఊడ్చి పెట్టు మన్నట్టు.
velamavari pendlikoduku maradaganeradu, unnadanta udchi pettu mannattu.
The Velama bridegroom cannot ask, sweep it all on to his platter.
This expression refers to someone who is too shy, proud, or polite to ask for a second helping or for what they need. It is used in contexts where one must proactively offer everything available to a guest or a person who won't speak up for their needs, ensuring they are well-fed or satisfied without them having to ask.
Men of the Velama caste are said to be reserved and modest.
ఆసనాలు వేస్తే, పాసనాలు పుట్టినట్లు
asanalu veste, pasanalu puttinatlu
When yoga postures (asanas) were practiced, stools (pasanalu) were born.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an attempt to improve something or do something good leads to an unexpected, messy, or undesirable outcome. It highlights irony when a sophisticated effort results in a crude or counterproductive consequence.
పోయిన కంటికి మందు వేస్తే, ఉన్న కన్నూ ఊడ్చుకొని పోయింది
poyina kantiki mandu veste, unna kannu udchukoni poyindi
When he applied medicine to his bad eye, the sight of the other eye was lost.
This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to fix a problem or recover a loss ends up causing even more damage or losing what little was left. It is used when a remedy is worse than the disease or when a risky move results in a total loss.
వేలుకు వేస్తే కాలికి, కాలికి వేస్తే వేలికి.
veluku veste kaliki, kaliki veste veliki.
If put on the finger it goes to the toe, and if put on the toe it goes to the finger.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely manipulative, inconsistent, or shifty in their speech. It refers to someone who changes their story or logic constantly to suit their convenience, making it impossible to pin them down to a single fact or commitment.
చెడిపోయిన బ్రాహ్మణుడికి చచ్చిపోయిన ఆవును దానము చేసినట్టు
chedipoyina brahmanudiki chachchipoyina avunu danamu chesinattu
Like offering a dead cow to an outcast Brahman. Knock a man down, and kick him for falling. Him that falls all the world run over. (German.) All bite the bitten dog. (Portuguese.)
This expression describes a situation where one useless or ruined thing is given to someone who is already in a helpless or destitute state. It refers to a mock charity or a futile gesture where neither the giver is making a sacrifice nor the receiver is getting any benefit. It is used to mock instances where someone tries to solve a problem with a worthless solution.
చదవవేస్తే ఉన్న మతి పోయినట్లు
chadavaveste unna mati poyinatlu
When set to read, the [ little ] sense he had left him.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's attempt to learn or improve themselves results in them becoming more confused or losing the common sense they originally had. It is often applied to people who overthink simple things or become less practical after formal education.
Making bad worse. John has been to school to learn to be a fool. ( French. )* ' Jean a étudié pour être bête,
వ్యాధికి మందు వున్నదిగాని, విధికి మందు వున్నదా?
vyadhiki mandu vunnadigani, vidhiki mandu vunnada?
There is a remedy for disease, but is there a remedy for fate?
This proverb is used to express that while physical ailments or problems can be cured with medicine or effort, the outcomes of destiny or fate are inevitable and beyond human control. It is often said when someone faces an unavoidable misfortune despite taking all precautions.
నల్లేరు మీద బండి నడక
nalleru mida bandi nadaka
Like a cart moving over a Cissus quadrangularis (Nalleru) plant.
This expression is used to describe a process that is extremely smooth, easy, and without any obstacles. Just as a cart glides effortlessly over the soft, succulent Nalleru plant, it signifies that a task is being completed very easily.
కొండకు ఒక వెంట్రుక ముడి వేస్తే, వస్తే కొండే వస్తుంది, పోతే వెంట్రుకే పోతుంది.
kondaku oka ventruka mudi veste, vaste konde vastundi, pote ventruke potundi.
If you tie a hair to a mountain, the mountain will come or the hair only go. The possibility of great gain with the risk of little loss.
This expression is used to describe a high-reward, low-risk situation. It encourages taking a chance where the potential gain is massive and the potential loss is negligible or insignificant.