కులము కాదు, స్థలము కాదు, కుమ్మరి వారి పిల్ల కోరి దయ్యమై పట్టింది

kulamu kadu, sthalamu kadu, kummari vari pilla kori dayyamai pattindi

Translation

It's not about caste, it's not about place; the potter's girl became a ghost by choice and possessed [him/her].

Meaning

This expression is used when someone gets into a self-inflicted trouble or develops an obsession regardless of logic, background, or suitability. It highlights situations where problems arise not because of external circumstances, but because of a person's own stubborn desires or poor choices.

Related Phrases

A known devil is better than an unknown devil.

This proverb suggests that it is better to deal with a person or situation that is familiar, even if it is difficult or unpleasant, rather than facing something completely new and unpredictable. It is used when choosing between a known risk and an uncertain one.

Swelling is not strength, and a branding scar is not beauty.

This proverb warns against mistaking unhealthy or artificial growth for true progress or strength. Just as swelling (edema) might make a limb look larger but actually indicates illness rather than muscle, superficial or temporary gains should not be confused with genuine success or health. It is used to caution people who are proud of hollow achievements.

Even if one field merges with another, or one land merges with another, one should not let it go.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of protecting one's property and boundaries. It suggests that even if land boundaries become blurred or merged due to natural or external factors, one must remain vigilant and assert their ownership rights rather than abandoning them or being indifferent.

Neither the caste nor the place matters, they say a shepherd girl has possessed him as a ghost.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is obsessed or fixated on something irrelevant or unexpected, despite there being no logical connection or prior history. It often highlights how problems or infatuations can arise from unexpected quarters, regardless of one's status or background.

Manure is not permanent, and a stream is not a companion.

This proverb highlights the temporary nature of certain aids. Just as manure only enriches the soil for a short time and a seasonal stream cannot be relied upon as a permanent water source or a steady path, one should not depend on external or temporary help for long-term stability.

Whatever one touches/holds, it is as if a ghost has possessed it.

This expression is used to describe someone who goes to extremes or becomes obsessively persistent in whatever task they undertake. It can also refer to someone who consistently encounters bad luck or complications in every endeavor they start, as if it were cursed or jinxed.

Wife is jaggery, mother is a ghost.

This proverb is used to describe a person who prioritizes his wife and finds her sweet (like jaggery) while neglecting his mother or viewing her as a burden/troublemaker (like a ghost). It is typically used as a criticism of someone who forgets their filial duties after marriage.

Know the lineage before making a relative, know the place before making a home.

This proverb advises caution and due diligence in personal and practical matters. It suggests that one should understand a person's background and character before establishing a close relationship or marriage, and similarly, one must thoroughly investigate the safety, resources, and environment of a location before deciding to settle there.

[ Form ] your connexions when you know the caste, [ choose ] your residence when you know the place.

This proverb advises caution and due diligence in social and personal life. It suggests that one should understand a person's background and character before establishing a close relationship or marriage alliance, and similarly, one should thoroughly investigate a location's safety, resources, and suitability before settling down there.

When the daughter-in-law wore her deceased mother-in-law's saree because she died, the mother-in-law returned as a ghost to haunt her.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to benefit from another person's misfortune or death, only to find that the benefit brings unforeseen troubles or burdens. It highlights that ill-gotten gains or taking advantage of a situation can lead to haunting consequences.