నందనవనములో నాగుబాముండటం, మృగనాభికి పిప్పతగిలినట్లు.
nandanavanamulo nagubamundatam, mriganabhiki pippatagilinatlu.
A cobra in paradise is like a blemish on musk.
This expression is used to describe a situation where something extremely beautiful, sacred, or perfect is ruined by the presence of a single dangerous or ugly element. Just as a poisonous snake spoils the beauty of a celestial garden (Nandanavanam) or a small impurity devalues precious musk (Mriganabhi), a small flaw can sometimes overshadow great excellence.
Related Phrases
ఇనుముకు తగిలిన పీడ ఇంగలానికి తగిలింది
inumuku tagilina pida ingalaniki tagilindi
The trouble that befell the iron has now befallen the charcoal.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent associate or a bystander suffers the same harsh punishment or hardship as the main culprit. Just as charcoal is burnt and exhausted while heating iron in a forge, an innocent person often gets caught up and destroyed in the process of dealing with a problematic person or situation.
నగుబాట్ల పెళ్ళికి నాడే నాగవల్లి
nagubatla pelliki nade nagavalli
The 'Nagavalli' ceremony on the same day as the mockery-filled wedding.
This proverb is used to describe situations where things are done in an extreme rush or in a disorganized, improper manner. Usually, the Nagavalli ceremony happens days after the wedding, but doing it on the same day implies a lack of proper planning, a sense of embarrassment, or trying to finish a task haphazardly just to get it over with.
నాగుబాము చిన్నదనవద్దు, పాలినవాడు సన్నమనవద్దు
nagubamu chinnadanavaddu, palinavadu sannamanavaddu
Do not say a cobra is small; do not say an enemy is weak.
This proverb warns against underestimating potential dangers based on size or appearance. Just as even a small cobra possesses deadly venom, an opponent or enemy, regardless of how weak or diminished they may seem, can still cause significant harm. It is used to advise caution and vigilance.
నగుబాట్ల పెండ్లికి నాడే నాగవల్లి
nagubatla pendliki nade nagavalli
For a wedding that is an embarrassment, the 'Nagavalli' ceremony happens on the same day.
This proverb is used to describe a situation that is poorly planned, failing, or being rushed to completion to avoid further humiliation. 'Nagavalli' is usually a ritual performed on the fourth or fifth day of a traditional Telugu wedding; performing it on the first day signifies a desperate attempt to wrap up a failing or shameful event quickly.
వెదకబోయిన తీగ కాలికి తగిలినట్లు
vedakaboyina tiga kaliki tagilinatlu
Like the vine you were searching for entangling your own foot.
This expression is used when you are searching for someone or something, and unexpectedly, that person or thing appears before you or crosses your path without any effort. It signifies a stroke of luck where a solution presents itself just when you were about to start looking for it.
మోచేయి పోయి మొకరానికి తగిలినట్లు
mocheyi poyi mokaraniki tagilinatlu
Like the elbow hitting the knee.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person moves from one difficult situation only to end up in another similarly painful or problematic one. It represents a state of being stuck between two equally unpleasant outcomes or a minor accident leading to another clumsy moment.
నారతడప అని పారవేస్తే, నాగుబామై కరిచిందట
naratadapa ani paraveste, nagubamai karichindata
When thrown away thinking it was a piece of fibrous bark, it turned out to be a cobra and bit.
This expression is used to describe a situation where something or someone was dismissed as harmless, insignificant, or weak, but turned out to be dangerous or caused unexpected harm. It highlights the consequences of underestimating a threat or misjudging a situation based on superficial appearances.
సముద్రంలో వాన పడినట్లు
samudramlo vana padinatlu
Like rain falling into the ocean
This expression is used to describe an action that is redundant, useless, or has no significant impact because it is being added to something that is already vast or abundant. Just as rain does not change the level of the sea, a small contribution or help given to someone who already has everything is considered pointless.
తగిలిన కాలే తగులుతుంది.
tagilina kale tagulutundi.
A wounded foot is always striking against something.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where misfortunes or problems seem to follow a person who is already in trouble. It is similar to the English expression 'misfortunes never come singly' or 'when it rains, it pours.' It highlights how vulnerable points are often the ones that suffer repeated setbacks.
నందనవనంలో కుందుగడ్డి మొలవవచ్చు
nandanavanamlo kundugaddi molavavachchu
Even in a celestial garden, weeds can grow.
This proverb is used to illustrate that even in the most perfect, beautiful, or elite environments, some flaws or undesirable elements can exist. It suggests that imperfections are inevitable everywhere.