నాభిలో పుట్టిన పురుగు నాభిలోనే పెరుగును
nabhilo puttina purugu nabhilone perugunu
The worm born in the poisonous plant grows within the same poisonous plant.
This proverb (sameta) is used to describe a person who is born into a specific environment or nature and continues to thrive or remain in it, regardless of how toxic or limited it may be. It is often applied to people who adapt perfectly to their surroundings, even if those surroundings are negative or harmful to others.
Related Phrases
పూతకు ముందే పురుగు పట్టినట్లు
putaku munde purugu pattinatlu
Like a pest attacking before the flowering stage.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a project, idea, or life stage is ruined or faces major obstacles right at its inception or even before it has had a chance to begin properly. It signifies early misfortune or premature failure.
చీర చిరుగును, పెయ్య పెరుగును
chira chirugunu, peyya perugunu
The sari will tear, the heifer will grow.
This proverb is used to emphasize making wise investments or spending money on things that appreciate in value. It compares buying clothes (which wear out and lose value) to buying livestock (which grows and produces profit), suggesting one should prioritize long-term growth over temporary material possessions.
మీద మెరుగులు, లోన పురుగులు
mida merugulu, lona purugulu
Glitter on the outside, worms on the inside
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks attractive, polished, or perfect on the outside but is actually rotten, corrupt, or empty on the inside. It is equivalent to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold' and is often used to warn against judging by outward appearances.
ఎందులో పుట్టిన పురుగు, అందులోనే చస్తుంది.
endulo puttina purugu, andulone chastundi.
The insect dies in the same place where it was born.
This expression is used to describe a person who is deeply attached to their place of origin, a specific habit, or a particular situation and remains there until the very end, despite better opportunities or the need for change. It signifies that one eventually perishes in the environment or lifestyle they are accustomed to.
విషములో పుట్టిన పురుగు, విషములోనే జీవిస్తుంది.
vishamulo puttina purugu, vishamulone jivistundi.
A worm born in poison lives only in poison.
This expression is used to describe individuals who are born into and raised in negative, corrupt, or toxic environments. It suggests that such people become so accustomed to their surroundings that they cannot thrive or exist anywhere else, often remaining unchanged despite external influences.
పూతకు ముందే పురుగు పట్టినది
putaku munde purugu pattinadi
Worm eaten before blossoming.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a project or an endeavor faces significant problems or failure right at its inception, before it even has a chance to develop or show progress.
Premature. Precocious.
పేడ తిన్న పురుగు బెల్లం మెరుగురా
peda tinna purugu bellam merugura
A worm that eats dung cannot know the taste of jaggery.
This proverb is used to describe a person with low tastes or poor character who cannot appreciate the value or quality of something superior. Just as an insect that thrives in filth cannot comprehend the sweetness of jaggery, an ignorant or narrow-minded person cannot understand refined ideas or virtuous things.
విషములో పుట్టిన పురుగుకు విషమే ఆహారం.
vishamulo puttina puruguku vishame aharam.
For a worm born in poison, poison itself is the food.
This expression suggests that individuals become accustomed to the environment they are raised in, no matter how toxic or harsh it may be. It is used to describe people who have grown up in negative circumstances and therefore find those conditions normal or even necessary for their survival.
నాభిలో పుట్టిన పురుగు వంటివాడు
nabhilo puttina purugu vantivadu
One like a worm born in the Nâbhi. Nâbhi ( Sans. Vatsanâbha ) is an active vegetable poison, ' the root of the Aconite ferox brought from Nepal' ( Wilson ). Said of a treacherous villain.
This expression is used to describe someone who has intimate, first-hand, and deep knowledge of a person, family, or organization. Just as a worm residing in the navel knows everything about the body, this phrase refers to an insider who knows all the secrets and internal affairs.
నల్లనివాడికి నాభిలో విషం
nallanivadiki nabhilo visham
A dark-complexioned person has poison in their navel.
This is a traditional folk saying used to warn that people who appear dark or quiet might harbor deep-seated cunning or hidden malice. It is often used to suggest that one should be cautious of the hidden intentions of certain individuals, though it is considered a stereotypical or superstitious observation in modern contexts.