కునుకుపట్టి చుట్టూ దవాగ్ని

kunukupatti chuttu davagni

Translation

Falling into a nap while surrounded by a forest fire

Meaning

This expression describes a situation where someone is dangerously unaware or negligent of a looming disaster. It is used to criticize laziness or a lack of vigilance when immediate action is required to avoid catastrophe.

Related Phrases

Is he a blood relation, or a dinner relation ?

This proverb is used to question the nature of a relationship. It asks whether a person is a genuine blood relative (pegu chuttam) who cares out of love, or a 'fair-weather friend' (pettu chuttam) who is only around for financial gain, gifts, or personal benefit. It is often used when someone shows sudden interest in a person's life only when they become wealthy or influential.

A table friend is changeable. (French.)‡ * Vache de loin a lait asses. † Geluk en glas brekt even ras. ‡ Ami de table est variable.

Like mother, like child; like yarn, like cloth

This proverb suggests that a child's character and upbringing are reflections of their mother, just as the quality of a fabric depends on the quality of the yarn used. It is used to describe how heredity, environment, and parental influence shape a person's nature.

Dattu dattu shield and sword, a sharp knife in the eaves of the roof.

This is a rhythmic nursery rhyme or a play-chant used by children in Andhra Pradesh. While it doesn't have a deep philosophical meaning, it is often used as a rhythmic 'counting-out' rhyme or during games to create a sense of bravery and action. It describes traditional weapons like the shield and sword, and a sharp hidden knife, capturing a child's imagination of being a warrior.

A snake coiled around the leg will not stop without biting.

This expression is used to describe a persistent problem, a dangerous person, or a bad habit that is impossible to ignore or escape from without suffering some damage. It suggests that once you are entangled with something inherently harmful, the negative consequences are inevitable.

Like hanging onto the eaves of the roof when being pushed out by the neck

This expression describes a person who shamelessly or desperately tries to stay in a place or situation even after being explicitly rejected or insulted. It signifies an extreme lack of self-respect or an obsessive attachment to something even when one is no longer welcome.

Even if it is a fathom's length extra, go only by the established path.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of safety and reliability over shortcuts. It suggests that it is better to take a slightly longer, familiar, and safe route or method rather than taking a shorter but risky or unknown path. It is used to advise someone to follow conventions and proven ways to avoid unnecessary danger.

When told that circumambulations result in children, she checked her belly after every single round

This proverb mocks extreme impatience or the expectation of immediate results for a long-term process. It describes a person who expects an instant reward the moment they start a task, failing to understand that certain goals require time, patience, and consistent effort.

When told that circumambulating the Peepal tree results in children, she checked her belly immediately after the first round.

This proverb is used to mock people who expect instant results for their actions or lack patience. It describes a situation where someone performs a task and immediately expects the final outcome without allowing for the natural time or process required.

A relative in words, but not a relative at mealtime.

This expression describes people who offer verbal sympathy or make grand promises but disappear when actual help or hospitality (like providing a meal) is required. It refers to someone who is friendly only on the surface and avoids the responsibility of true friendship or kinship.

When someone comes to visit as a relative but stays back and haunts like a ghost.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a guest or a person who initially came to help or visit ends up overstaying their welcome or becomes a major nuisance and burden that is hard to get rid of.