మోక్షానకు పోతే, మొసలి ఎత్తుకొని పోయినది
mokshanaku pote, mosali ettukoni poyinadi
When he went for salvation, an alligator carried him off. He was bathing in holy water for the attainment of eternal beatitude. య.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone sets out with a noble or high intention, but encounters an unexpected and disastrous setback. It highlights how bad luck or unforeseen obstacles can ruin even the most virtuous pursuits.
Related Phrases
దొంగతనానికి పోతూ, డోలు చంకన పెట్టుకొని పోయినట్లు
dongatananiki potu, dolu chankana pettukoni poyinatlu
Like carrying a drum under the arm while going to commit a theft.
This proverb is used to describe someone who attempts to do something secret or stealthy but acts in a way that attracts unnecessary attention. Just as the sound or size of a drum would immediately expose a thief, certain foolish actions make it impossible to keep a secret mission hidden.
నేను నీళ్లకు పోతే, బావి లోతుకు పోయినది.
nenu nillaku pote, bavi lotuku poyinadi.
When the jade went to the well, the water was too low. Said of a lazy person glad of any excuse to get off work.
This proverb describes a streak of bad luck or extreme misfortune. It refers to a situation where even a simple, routine task becomes impossible or complicated the moment a particular person attempts to do it. It is often used to express frustration when circumstances seem to turn unfavorable exactly when one needs them to work.
ఆకాశం గద్ద తన్నుకుపోయింది
akasham gadda tannukupoyindi
The sky was kicked away by the kite. Said in answer to an impertinent question.
This expression is used to describe an impossible or absurd claim. It refers to a situation where someone makes a statement that is clearly false or unbelievable, yet expects others to believe it. It is often used to mock gullibility or to point out a blatant lie.
కాని కాలానికి పైబట్ట పక్షులు ఎత్తుకుపోయాయట
kani kalaniki paibatta pakshulu ettukupoyayata
In an evil time birds flew away with the cloth off his body. Alluding to the story of Nala.—See the Nalopâkhyânam Book ix.
This proverb describes a streak of extreme misfortune where everything goes wrong. It suggests that when one's luck is down, even the most improbable or absurd accidents occur, leading to further loss. It is used to express that during a period of bad luck, one might lose even the most basic possessions in unexpected ways.
కాని కాలమునకు పయిబట్ట పక్షులు ఎత్తుకుపోయినట్టు
kani kalamunaku payibatta pakshulu ettukupoyinattu
Like birds carrying away the upper garment during bad times.
This expression is used to describe a string of bad luck or an unfortunate period where everything goes wrong. It implies that when one is facing a 'bad time' (Kani Kalam), even the most unexpected or bizarre misfortunes—like a bird snatching the clothes off your back—can happen, leaving you helpless.
మోక్షానికి పోతే మొసలి ఈడ్చుకుపోయిందట
mokshaniki pote mosali idchukupoyindata
When someone went for salvation, a crocodile dragged them away.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone sets out to achieve a noble or higher goal, but instead gets caught up in a sudden, unexpected, and mundane disaster or complication. It highlights the irony of encountering a great misfortune while seeking the ultimate spiritual liberation.
పిల్లిని చంకన పెట్టుకుని పెళ్ళికి వెళ్ళినట్టు.
pillini chankana pettukuni pelliki vellinattu.
Like going to a wedding while carrying a cat under one's arm.
This expression describes a situation where someone brings along an unnecessary burden or a nuisance while trying to perform an important task. It refers to people who create their own obstacles or distractions that make a simple or celebratory event difficult for themselves and others.
ఉన్నది గట్టు, పోయినది పొట్టు
unnadi gattu, poyinadi pottu
What remains is the bank (solid ground), what is lost is the husk.
This expression is used to describe a situation where, after a loss or a filtering process, only the essential or valuable part remains while the useless or trivial part is gone. It is often used to console someone by pointing out that even if something was lost, the core strength or the most important asset is still intact.
యతి చోటుకు పోతే, మతి పోయింది.
yati chotuku pote, mati poyindi.
When one went to a monk's place, they lost their mind.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone seeks wisdom or a solution from a supposedly wise person or place, but instead ends up becoming confused or losing their common sense. It highlights how influence from certain 'holy' figures or complex philosophies can sometimes disorient a person instead of helping them.
ఏడుస్తూ ఏరువాక సాగితే, కాడి మోకులు దొంగలు ఎత్తుకొని పోయారట.
edustu eruvaka sagite, kadi mokulu dongalu ettukoni poyarata.
While the man was sluggishly ploughing, thieves stole the rope collars.
This proverb describes a situation where starting a task with a negative attitude, lack of enthusiasm, or a heavy heart leads to further misfortune or failure. It implies that if you don't put your heart into your work, even the basic tools or opportunities will be lost, or the outcome will be naturally jinxed.