నల్ల బాపడు, నాభి కంటు విషం
nalla bapadu, nabhi kantu visham
A dark-skinned Brahmin is more poisonous than a navel-string (or monkshood).
This is an old proverb based on traditional superstitions regarding physiological traits. It suggests that certain individuals who defy common physical stereotypes (like a dark-complexioned priest or a fair-complexioned laborer) are exceptionally cunning, shrewd, or dangerous to deal with. It is used to warn someone about people who might be deceptively clever or possess a sharp nature.
Related Phrases
విషంలో పుట్టిన పురుగు విషంలోనే జీవిస్తుంది.
vishamlo puttina purugu vishamlone jivistundi.
A worm born in poison lives only in poison.
This proverb describes people who are accustomed to bad environments or negative habits. Just as a creature born in venom becomes immune to it and knows no other life, people raised in corruption or negativity may find it difficult to adapt to a virtuous or healthy lifestyle. It is often used to imply that someone's nature or behavior is a result of their deep-rooted environment.
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.
రాజుకు కంటను, పాముకు పంటిను విషము.
rajuku kantanu, pamuku pantinu vishamu.
For a king, poison is in his eyes; for a snake, poison is in its teeth.
This proverb highlights how power and danger manifest differently. A king's anger or a mere look of disapproval can destroy someone (symbolized by the eye), whereas a snake's threat is physical and direct through its bite (teeth). It is used to advise caution when dealing with powerful people or dangerous entities.
విషానికి విషమే విరుగుడు
vishaniki vishame virugudu
Poison is the antidote for poison.
This expression is used to suggest that a problem or an evil force can only be neutralized or countered by something of its own nature or intensity. It is similar to the English proverb 'Fight fire with fire' or 'Like cures like.'
ఆలస్యం అమ్రుతం విషం.
alasyam amrutam visham.
Delay turns nectar into poison.
Opportunity unavailed becomes harmful. One should not delay.
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.
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.
పాముకు విషం పండ్లలో జ్ఞాతికి విషం కండ్లలో
pamuku visham pandlalo jnyatiki visham kandlalo
A snake's poison is in its teeth, while a relative's poison is in their eyes.
This proverb highlights the bitterness or jealousy that can exist between close relatives (gnathulu). It suggests that while a snake carries its venom in its fangs to strike, an envious relative's malice is visible in their gaze or perspective. It is used to caution people about the deep-seated rivalry or 'evil eye' often found within extended families.
మల నల్లబడితే వాన, చన్ను నల్లబడితే బిడ్డ
mala nallabadite vana, channu nallabadite bidda
If the mountain turns black, it rains; if the nipple turns black, a child is coming.
This is a traditional folk saying (Sameta) used to describe natural signs of inevitable events. It compares the darkening of clouds over mountains (signaling rain) to the physiological changes in a woman's breast during pregnancy (signaling a baby). It highlights the predictability of nature and life through observation.
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.