పుట్ట మీద గొట్టిన భుజంగము చచ్చునా?

putta mida gottina bhujangamu chachchuna?

Translation

Will the snake die if you hit the anthill?

Meaning

This proverb is used to illustrate that attacking the symptom or the external shell of a problem does not solve the root cause. Just as hitting the mound where a snake lives doesn't kill the snake inside, superficial actions will not yield results when the core issue remains untouched.

Related Phrases

Like beating a dead snake to death

This expression is used to describe an act of repetitive or redundant effort. It refers to someone who keeps attacking or criticizing a person or a situation that is already defeated or resolved, essentially wasting energy on something that no longer poses a threat or needs further action.

The ox died, but the branding mark was well-placed.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a lot of effort or a specific procedure was carried out perfectly, yet the ultimate goal or subject was lost. It highlights a bittersweet or ironic scenario where the operation was a success, but the patient died. It is often used to mock someone who focuses on technical perfection while failing to achieve the actual purpose.

Half dead is music, fully dead is harm.

This proverb highlights the stages of exhaustion or effort. It implies that being halfway through a struggle or being partially exhausted might still yield something artistic or useful (like music), but pushing oneself or a situation to the point of complete destruction leads only to ruin or loss.

Like breaking a pot of betel nuts on a flat stone.

This expression is used to describe an action that is done very quickly, decisively, or loudly. Just as smashing a clay pot full of hard betel nuts against a stone results in a sudden, sharp, and total shattering, this refers to saying something bluntly or finishing a task with sudden force without any hesitation.

If it is a copper tube, it is an amulet; if it is a gold tube, it is an ornament.

This proverb is used to describe how the value or status of an object or person changes based on the material or social standing, even if the shape or function remains the same. It highlights societal hypocrisy or the tendency to judge things based on their outward worth rather than their intrinsic nature.

If a shoulder bag is on the shoulder, one can travel the whole world.

This proverb highlights the freedom and independence that comes with a minimalist or mendicant lifestyle. It suggests that if someone has no attachments, possessions, or ego (symbolized by the monk's begging bowl or 'jole'), they are free to roam anywhere in the world without fear, burden, or social constraints. It is often used to describe someone who leads a carefree life with minimal needs.

Philosophies are six, but God is one.

This expression highlights the concept of 'unity in diversity' within spiritual paths. It refers to the Shat-Darshanas (six schools of Indian philosophy) and explains that while there may be various methods, perspectives, or intellectual paths to reach the divine, the ultimate truth or God remains a single entity. It is used to promote religious tolerance and philosophical harmony.

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.

When the robber of the water melon was spoken of, he felt his shoulders.

This proverb describes a person with a guilty conscience. When a general accusation is made, a guilty person instinctively reacts or checks themselves, inadvertently revealing their culpability. It is similar to the English expression 'If the shoe fits, wear it' or 'A guilty conscience needs no accuser.'

Guilty conscience.

Dying halfway for Puranas, dying completely for music.

This proverb is used to describe tasks or hobbies that are extremely exhausting, time-consuming, or require immense struggle to master. It suggests that learning ancient scriptures (Puranas) takes half of one's life/energy, but mastering music (Sangeetam) demands one's entire life and soul.