మంచి చేసిన ముంగిసకు ముప్పు వచ్చినట్లు
manchi chesina mungisaku muppu vachchinatlu
Like the mongoose who did a good deed but met with danger.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's good intentions or helpful actions result in a misunderstanding or negative consequences for them. It originates from the Panchatantra story where a pet mongoose saves a baby from a snake, but is killed by the mother who mistakenly thinks the mongoose harmed the child.
Related Phrases
అగ్గికి చల్లదనం వచ్చినట్లు.
aggiki challadanam vachchinatlu.
Like fire becoming cold.
This expression is used to describe something that is impossible, highly improbable, or contrary to its inherent nature. It is often used to refer to a person who is usually very angry or aggressive suddenly acting calm or gentle, which feels unnatural to their character.
పాలకు వచ్చి ముంత దాచినట్లు.
palaku vachchi munta dachinatlu.
Like coming for milk but hiding the vessel.
This proverb is used to describe a person who approaches someone for help or with a specific purpose but hesitates to speak their mind or hides their true intentions due to shyness, false pride, or unnecessary secrecy. It highlights the irony of wanting something while being too secretive to ask for it.
మంచి చేసిన ముంగిసకు మరణము సంభవించినట్టు
manchi chesina mungisaku maranamu sambhavinchinattu
Although it did a good act, death overtook the Mongoose. The Mongoose tore in pieces a snake which approached a sleeping child. The mother, who had been out, met the little animal covered with the blood of the snake and killed it, thinking it had killed her son.— ( See Telugu Selections 20th story. )
This expression refers to a story from the Panchatantra where a loyal mongoose kills a snake to protect a baby, but the mother kills the mongoose thinking it harmed the child. It is used to describe situations where a well-intentioned or noble act results in undeserved punishment, tragedy, or misunderstanding due to hasty judgment.
పాలకు వచ్చి ముంత దాచినట్టు
palaku vachchi munta dachinattu
Begging for milk and hiding his cup.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone approaches another person for help or a favor but is too hesitant, shy, or secretive to state their actual need. It highlights the irony of intending to ask for something while concealing the very tool or reason needed to receive it.
Poverty and pride.
ముసలి ముప్పందాన కుసుమరోగం వచ్చినట్లు.
musali muppandana kusumarogam vachchinatlu.
Like suffering from a menstrual disorder in old age (specifically at the age of thirty).
This proverb is used to describe an untimely or inappropriate desire, behavior, or event that doesn't suit one's age or current stage of life. It highlights the awkwardness of things happening when the time for them has long passed.
అప్పు ముప్పు
appu muppu
Debt is danger
This proverb serves as a warning about the risks associated with borrowing money. It implies that being in debt brings unforeseen troubles, stress, and potential ruin to one's life. It is used to advise people to live within their means and avoid financial liabilities.
నిప్పులో ఉప్పు వేసినట్లు
nippulo uppu vesinatlu
Like throwing salt into the fire
This expression is used to describe someone who gets extremely irritated, flares up in anger, or reacts with instant agitation. Just as salt crackles and pops loudly when thrown into a fire, it refers to a person's explosive or sharp temper in response to a situation.
తప్పు చేసిన వాడికి అప్పు చేసిన వాడికి ముఖం చెల్లదు
tappu chesina vadiki appu chesina vadiki mukham chelladu
One who has committed a mistake and one who has taken a debt cannot show their faces.
This proverb highlights the feelings of guilt and shame. Just as a person who owes money avoids the lender out of embarrassment, a person who has done something wrong lacks the courage or confidence to face others directly. It is used to describe the loss of dignity or boldness resulting from wrong actions or financial burdens.
ముందు నడిచే తప్పు మూలనుంటే, వెనుక చేసిన తప్పు మంచం కాడికి వచ్చినట్లు.
mundu nadiche tappu mulanunte, venuka chesina tappu mancham kadiki vachchinatlu.
If a mistake made in the past is hiding in the corner, a mistake made later will follow you all the way to your bed.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where past errors or secrets eventually catch up with a person, often at the most inconvenient or personal moment. It emphasizes that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions, as they will eventually manifest and confront the individual directly.
వచ్చిన వాడు చచ్చినా పోదు.
vachchina vadu chachchina podu.
Calumny is not removed even by death.
This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.
Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.