మీగడ మీద మెతుకు పడితే మిట్టి మిట్టి పడ్డాడు

migada mida metuku padite mitti mitti paddadu

Translation

When a grain of rice fell on his foot, he started with conceit. It is only when a man has plenty to eat that he lets a grain fall.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe someone who overreacts or creates a huge fuss over a very trivial, insignificant issue. It highlights the behavior of being overly sensitive or dramatic about minor inconveniences.

Related Phrases

The silver ring protects from danger; the wick protects from death.

This is an old Telugu saying related to superstitious beliefs and traditional medicine. It suggests that wearing a silver ring (kadi) can ward off accidents or evil eyes, while a medicinal wick or oil lamp (vatti) can prevent death or severe illness. It is used to highlight how small traditional remedies or protective charms are believed to save one from great calamities.

Like a temple coming and falling on you.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an unexpected, massive responsibility or a heavy burden suddenly falls upon someone without any prior warning or effort of their own. It is often used when an unavoidable problem or a huge task is thrust upon a person.

An unexpected calamity.

As if the sky had broken and fallen upon him. Said of any one sustaining a great shock by suddenly receiving bad news. Thunder-struck.

This expression is used to describe a sudden, overwhelming, or catastrophic event that happens unexpectedly. It conveys a sense of great shock or a situation where one feels like their entire world has collapsed instantly.

Miduthambattu is the death of farmers

This proverb refers to Miduthambattu, a character known for pseudo-astrology or false predictions. It is used to describe how false promises, bad advice, or unreliable seasonal predictions can lead to the financial ruin and ultimate downfall of hardworking farmers.

Even if a hundred (taxes/calamities) fall upon the village, not a single penny falls upon the village clerk.

This proverb describes a situation where an influential person or an administrator manages to remain unaffected by the troubles or financial burdens that plague the general public. It is used to critique corrupt officials or cunning people who shift burdens onto others while protecting their own interests at all costs.

Sword fighting on the edge of a blade

This expression describes a situation that is extremely precarious, delicate, or risky. It is used when a task requires immense skill, balance, or caution because even a small mistake could lead to disastrous consequences. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'walking on a tightrope' or 'walking on eggshells'.

As long as there is water, the fish will leap and jump about.

This proverb describes someone who acts arrogant, bold, or powerful only because they have support or favorable circumstances. Just as a fish loses its ability to jump once the water is gone, such people lose their influence and become helpless once their support system or resources are removed. It is used to remind someone that their current pride is temporary and dependent on their environment.

Touch-me-not plant

Literally referring to the Mimosa pudica plant, this expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, shy, or gets easily offended or hurt by even the slightest comment or touch.

Desire for the wife, but the bed is on a mat.

This expression is used to describe a person who has high desires or grand ambitions but lacks the basic resources or means to fulfill them. It highlights the gap between one's wants and their actual capabilities or reality.

Though a hundred [pagodas] be levied from the village, not a cash will be paid by the Karanaṁ. A cash ( కాసు ) is 1-60th of an Anna. The instrument of oppression does not himself suffer.

This proverb describes a situation where an influential person or authority figure remains unaffected by the troubles or financial burdens that plague the community they oversee. It is used to highlight systemic corruption or the cleverness of bureaucrats who ensure their own safety and wealth while others suffer losses.