కుళ్ళేవాని ముందు కునిసినట్లు

kullevani mundu kunisinatlu

Translation

Like dancing/preening in front of a jealous person.

Meaning

This expression describes a situation where someone shows off their happiness, wealth, or success in front of a person who is notoriously envious or resentful. It is used to suggest that such actions are unnecessary, insensitive, or likely to provoke a negative reaction from the jealous individual.

Related Phrases

Like removing a boulder and placing a spherical stone (cannonball) instead.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one difficult problem or burden is replaced by another equally difficult, if not worse, problem. It signifies a futile attempt at a solution that results in no real improvement or relief.

The one who lost their caste (status) is first in the dining row, the vegetable seller is first at the market.

This proverb describes people who are overly eager or arrive prematurely due to their specific needs or lack of social standing. Just as a vegetable seller arrives early at a market to secure a spot before others, a person who has been ostracized or lost status might rush to the front of a feast (pankti/row) to ensure they are served or acknowledged before being ignored.

They say one should flaunt or be cheerful right in front of those who are jealous.

This expression suggests that the best way to deal with envious or jealous people is to live happily and prosper openly. Instead of being bothered by their negativity, one should showcase their success and joy, as seeing you flourish is the ultimate response to those who wish for your downfall.

Like scratching one's nose in front of a mute person.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an action is misinterpreted due to a lack of communication or context. In this metaphor, a mute person might mistake the simple act of scratching one's nose as a hand sign or a mockery, as they rely heavily on visual cues. It refers to doing something that inadvertently causes confusion or gives a wrong signal to someone who is already limited in their ability to understand the intent.

Like placing a small oil lamp before a flaming torch.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something small, insignificant, or inferior is compared to or placed in front of something vastly superior and brilliant. It highlights how the smaller object's light is completely overshadowed and made redundant by the larger one's brilliance.

Like selling milk in Repalle.

This proverb refers to a futile or redundant effort, such as trying to sell a product in a place where it is already abundant. Since Repalle (associated with Lord Krishna's village) was a town of cowherds with an abundance of milk, trying to sell milk there would be foolish and unprofitable.

Like throwing stones in front of a one-eyed person.

This expression is used to describe an action that is redundant or unnecessary because the person is already limited or disadvantaged. It highlights a situation where someone is trying to hide something or perform a trick in front of someone who is already hyper-vigilant or uniquely focused due to their circumstances, making the attempt futile.

The lame man's struggles are his own, and the hunchback's struggles are his own.

This expression means that every person has their own unique set of problems and struggles which only they truly understand and endure. It is used to emphasize that one cannot compare or diminish someone's hardship, as everyone is preoccupied with their own specific challenges in life.

Like a wet knot tightening further.

This expression is used to describe a situation or problem that becomes more complicated, stubborn, or difficult to resolve over time or due to certain actions. Just as a wet hemp rope or knot becomes tighter and harder to undo, some issues become increasingly rigid and unmanageable.

Basavanna before Veeranna, Ganesha before Gauri.

This proverb describes a situation where a child or a subordinate is always accompanying or preceding someone, much like Nandi (Basavanna) is always found before Shiva (Veeranna) and Ganesha is associated with Gauri. It is used to describe inseparable duos or when a junior member always tags along with a senior.