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.
Related Phrases
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.
చూచింది పాము, కరిచింది మామిడిటెంక
chuchindi pamu, karichindi mamiditenka
What was seen was a snake, but what bit was a mango stone.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is so overwhelmed by fear or a preconceived notion that they misinterpret a harmless event as a dangerous one. It highlights how psychological fear can make a person believe a disaster has occurred, even when the actual cause is trivial (like a sharp mango seed poking someone who thought they saw a snake).
వెట్టికి కని వెలుగులో పారవేశినారా?
vettiki kani velugulo paraveshinara?
Did [ my parents ] beget me for nothing and throw me into the hedge ? Said by a disciple illtreated by his Guru, or by an apprentice illtreated by his master, &c.
This expression is used when someone feels their hard work or existence is being taken for granted or treated as if it has no value. It is often used to question why one should work for free or why they are being treated with such neglect and lack of respect, as if they were born without purpose or value.
పాపమని పాతచీర ఇస్తే, గోడచాటుకు పోయి మూరవేసిందట.
papamani patachira iste, godachatuku poyi muravesindata.
When an old saree was given out of pity, she went behind a wall and measured its length.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is ungrateful or overly critical of a charitable act. It refers to a person who, instead of being thankful for a gift given out of kindness, immediately starts looking for flaws or checking its value/size to see if it meets their expectations.
పాపమని పాలుపోస్తే, పలుచనని పారబోసినాడట.
papamani paluposte, paluchanani parabosinadata.
When milk was given out of pity, he poured it out saying it was too thin.
This proverb describes someone who is ungrateful or overly critical of an act of kindness. It is used when a person receives help or a gift but instead of being thankful, they find minor faults in it and reject or complain about it.
పెద్దల వుసురు పెనుబామై తాకును
peddala vusuru penubamai takunu
The sorrow [ you have caused ] to the pious will come upon you again like a great serpent. " His mischief shall return upon his own head." Psalm vii. 16.
This proverb warns that the grief, pain, or silent tears of elders (caused by ill-treatment or disrespect) will eventually result in severe consequences or misfortune for those responsible. It emphasizes the moral weight of respecting one's elders.
* A mengua de pan, buenas son tortas.
పెద్దల ఉసురు పెనుబామై తగులును
peddala usuru penubamai tagulunu
The sighs of elders will strike like a giant serpent.
This proverb warns that the grief or pain caused to elders or wise people (referred to as 'usuru') will result in severe consequences or curses that haunt the offender like a massive snake. It is used to emphasize the importance of respecting and caring for elders.
కాని కాలానికి కట్టె పామై కరుస్తుంది
kani kalaniki katte pamai karustundi
In bad times, even a stick turns into a snake and bites.
This proverb is used to describe a period of misfortune where everything seems to go wrong. It implies that when one is going through a streak of bad luck, even harmless objects or trusted situations can unexpectedly cause harm or turn against them.
అల్లుడికి పేరుపెట్టి పుల్ల విరిచి వేస్తే, ఎగిరి పడిందట.
alludiki perupetti pulla virichi veste, egiri padindata.
When a stick was snapped and thrown while naming it after the son-in-law, it supposedly jumped up.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is so sensitive or easily offended that even a symbolic or minor gesture is perceived as a major insult. It mocks people who overreact or behave with extreme self-importance, suggesting that even an inanimate object (the stick) named after them would act out or show 'attitude'.
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.