మనకు పులి భయం, పులికి మన భయం.

manaku puli bhayam, puliki mana bhayam.

Translation

We fear the tiger, and the tiger fears us.

Meaning

This expression describes a state of mutual fear or a standoff between two parties. It is used in situations where both sides are equally intimidated by each other, preventing either from taking action. It highlights that the perceived threat is often reciprocal.

Related Phrases

The inhabitant of the village is afraid of the cemetery; the stranger is afraid of the water. The inhabitant of the village has a superstitious dread of the burial or burning ground, and avoids it; but the stranger does not know its situation and walks through it. On the other hand, the villager knows the depth of the tank, and does not fear going into it, but the stranger is afraid to venture. No safe wading in an unknown water.

This proverb highlights how fear is often rooted in personal experience or specific knowledge. A local resident is afraid of the village cemetery because they know the legends or have seen deaths there, while a traveler or outsider is afraid of the local water sources (lakes or rivers) because they are unfamiliar with their depth or hidden dangers.

A broker fears loss, but a mosque has no fear of drool.

This proverb highlights the difference between those who have much to lose and those who have nothing at stake. A businessman or broker (Dalari) is always worried about financial loss (Danduga), whereas an inanimate object like a mosque (Masid) or someone with no reputation/possessions is indifferent to minor insults or filth (Chonga). It is used to describe how people's anxieties depend on their status or what they stand to lose.

Sin means fear

This expression is used to describe someone who is God-fearing, ethical, or has a strong conscience. It implies that a person's fear of committing a sin or doing wrong keeps them on the path of righteousness and integrity.

If there is fear, there is trembling; if there is fear, there is no victory.

This expression emphasizes that fear is a major obstacle to success. It suggests that being afraid leads to physical instability (trembling) and mental weakness, which ultimately prevents a person from achieving their goals or winning.

Why should the naked fear the world?

This expression is used to describe someone who has nothing left to lose and therefore acts without fear of social consequences, shame, or judgment. Similar to the English proverb 'A beggar can never be bankrupt,' it suggests that once a person is at their absolute lowest or has shed all pretenses, they become immune to the typical fears of society.

If it is the right path, why fear?

This expression is used to state that one who acts with integrity, honesty, and follows the righteous path has no reason to be afraid of anyone or any consequences. It is similar to the English proverb 'A clean hand wants no washing'.

The tiger is the goat's support, and the goat is the tiger's support.

This expression describes a situation of mutual dependency or a symbiotic relationship where two unlikely or even opposing parties rely on each other for survival or benefit. It is used to highlight how seemingly contradictory elements can sometimes form a necessary partnership.

A good person has no death

This expression signifies that while a person may physically pass away, their virtuous deeds, character, and legacy live on forever in the hearts of others. It is used to emphasize the immortality of a good reputation.

As long as there is victory, there is no fear

This expression is used to signify that success and confidence eliminate fear. It suggests that when one is continuously winning or in a state of triumph, they do not feel intimidated by challenges. It is often used to motivate someone to focus on achieving success to overcome their insecurities.

By mildness or severity. If one does not answer, the other must be tried.

This expression refers to a strategy of using both persuasion (friendly approach) and intimidation (threats) to get something done. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'by hook or by crook' or 'the carrot and the stick' approach.