కుక్కను కొట్టితే ఇల్లంతా పారుతున్నది

kukkanu kottite illanta parutunnadi

Translation

If you beat the dog, it fouls the whole house.

Meaning

This expression is used when a small action or interference in a messy situation leads to more trouble or creates a larger nuisance. It highlights how certain interventions can backfire and spread a problem everywhere rather than solving it.

Notes

* Setz einen Frosch auf golden Stuhl, Er hupft doch wieder in den Pfuhl.

Related Phrases

Do you require a painted stick to strike a dog with ?

This proverb is used to suggest that one does not need elaborate, expensive, or high-quality tools to perform a trivial or simple task. It emphasizes that a basic or ordinary method is sufficient for a low-level problem, and using something precious would be a waste of resources.

If you poke a stick into a dog's mouth, it will snap. A man may make his own dog bite him.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's predictable or inevitable reaction is provoked by a specific action. It implies that if you irritate or provoke someone, you should not be surprised when they react aggressively or loudly. It is often used to suggest that a person is simply acting according to their nature when triggered.

Water runs towards water. Men haste to help those of their own caste, &c.

This proverb is used to describe things that naturally follow a specific path or instinct. Just as water naturally flows toward lower ground (slopes), certain events or human tendencies are inevitable. It is often used to imply that truth will eventually come out or that people naturally gravitate towards their own kind or interests.

Can your house be burnt down with hot water?

This proverb is used to imply that small or insignificant actions cannot cause major damage, or that mild threats/anger cannot destroy strong foundations. It suggests that just because water is hot, it doesn't possess the destructive power of fire.

Applied to lenient or ineffective measures.

Like the daughter-in-law crying when the mother-in-law is beaten.

This proverb describes a situation where someone feigns sympathy or performs a fake reaction out of obligation or fear, rather than genuine emotion. It refers to hypocritical behavior where a person pretends to be upset about something that actually benefits them or that they are secretly indifferent to, similar to 'crocodile tears'.

Pickle the size of a grain, a canopy as big as the house, and a wife as big as a mother.

This proverb is used to describe things that are disproportionate, mismatched, or absurdly scaled. It mocks situations where the priorities are misplaced or where the dimensions of things do not fit their intended purpose or natural order.

Like taking possession of the whole house, when asked to come in for a while.

This expression is used to describe a person who takes undue advantage of someone's kindness or hospitality. It refers to a situation where a small favor is granted, but the recipient tries to seize complete control or asks for much more than was offered.

Give a rogue an inch and he will take an ell. (Danish.)*

If you abuse—anger; if you beat—pain.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive or lacks resilience. It highlights that they react negatively to even the smallest forms of criticism or physical hardship. It can also be used to point out obvious cause-and-effect reactions in human emotions and physical sensations.

Do you need a painted/ornamental stick to hit a dog?

This proverb is used to convey that one does not need sophisticated, expensive, or high-quality tools to perform a trivial or menial task. It suggests that the means should match the importance of the end, and using something precious for a common task is unnecessary.

If you kiss a dog, it licks your whole face. The result of encouraging low people.

This proverb is used to warn against being overly friendly or familiar with unworthy or low-minded people. It suggests that if you give too much respect or freedom to someone who doesn't know how to handle it, they will eventually overstep their bounds and disrespect you.