కోతి పుండు బ్రహ్మరాక్షసి, నాలిముచ్చు పుండు రంపరాక్షసి

koti pundu brahmarakshasi, nalimuchchu pundu ramparakshasi

Translation

A monkey's wound is a Brahma-Rakshasa; a silent person's wound is a saw-toothed demon.

Meaning

This proverb describes how different characters handle trouble. A monkey makes its wound worse by constantly picking at it (Brahma-Rakshasa refers to something uncontrollable). Similarly, the hidden malice or suppressed anger of a deceptive, silent person (nalimuchu) is even more dangerous and agonizing, like a jagged saw. It is used to warn that small problems or quiet people can become extremely destructive if mishandled.

Related Phrases

A small belly is protected by Lord Rama.

This expression is used to describe a person with very limited needs or a simple lifestyle. It implies that since their requirements are so minimal, they will always find a way to survive or be satisfied, as if divinely protected. It is often used to express contentment with a modest income or small possessions.

Like a monkey's wound becoming gigantic.

This proverb describes how a small problem or a minor issue can become huge and uncontrollable if one keeps dwelling on it or meddling with it unnecessarily. Just as a monkey constantly picks at a small scratch until it becomes a large, infected wound, humans often worsen situations by overthinking or interfering excessively.

A demon who chants the name of Rama.

This expression describes a hypocrite who pretends to be pious, virtuous, or godly by outward appearances or speech, but possesses a wicked and cruel nature internally. It is used to warn others about individuals who use religion or a 'good person' persona as a facade to hide their malicious intentions.

The protection of the great Râma.

This expression is used to signify divine protection or a strong safeguard. It is commonly used as a blessing for someone's safety, or to describe something that is perfectly secure and beyond harm. It can also be used as a closing statement to wish for ultimate well-being.

Said in cases of absolute want, &c.

One can stay in the veranda of a short-tempered person, but should not live in the house of a deceitful person.

It is better to deal with someone who is openly angry or short-tempered because their feelings are transparent, whereas a deceitful or hypocritical person (who hides their true intentions) is much more dangerous to live with or trust.

Dust for the Gods and mud for the demons.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a conflict, competition, or effort results in absolutely no benefit for any of the parties involved. Just as dust and mud are worthless, it implies that both the 'good' side and the 'bad' side ended up with nothing but waste or trouble, signifying a lose-lose situation or a completely futile outcome.

You may live in the verandah of a hot-tempered man's house but you should not dwell in the middle of the house of a man who conceals his resentment.

This proverb contrasts the behavior of an openly angry or short-tempered person with that of a sly, manipulative person. It suggests that while a hot-tempered person may be loud or harsh, their feelings are transparent and predictable. In contrast, a deceitful person (Nalimuchu) hides their true intentions and can cause much more harm from within. It is used to advise that honesty, even if blunt, is better than hidden malice.

A demon can be born to a human, but a human will not be born to a demon.

This expression suggests that good people can sometimes have children with bad traits or wicked behavior (metaphorically 'demons'), but it is highly unlikely or impossible for truly evil or inherently cruel individuals to produce someone with saintly or humanistic qualities. It is often used to comment on lineage, upbringing, and the unpredictable nature of character inheritance.

A sore is a she-demon to a monkey. Making a great fuss about nothing.

This expression refers to a small problem that becomes much larger and uncontrollable due to constant meddling or aggravation. Just as a monkey cannot stop scratching its wound until it becomes a severe, unhealable sore, some people make their troubles worse by obsessing over them or interfering unnecessarily.

Human flesh is dear to a demoness, an open wound is dear to an old monkey

This proverb describes how different beings have their own peculiar, and sometimes grotesque, obsessions or preferences. It is used to highlight that what seems repulsive to others might be highly valued or obsessively nurtured by someone else due to their inherent nature or habit. It often refers to people who find pleasure in negative things or those who keep picking at their own problems/flaws.