నరుడి కన్ను పడితే నల్లరాయి కూడా బద్దలవుతుంది

narudi kannu padite nallarayi kuda baddalavutundi

Translation

If a human's eye falls on it, even a black stone will break into pieces.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the destructive power of the 'evil eye' or jealousy. It suggests that human envy is so potent that it can cause damage to even the strongest, most inanimate objects like a solid rock. It is used to caution people about the consequences of attracting too much attention or envy from others.

Related Phrases

If there is sunlight there is life, if there is life there is cooking, if there is cooking there is food, and if there is food there is sleep.

This traditional proverb highlights the interconnectedness of nature and human survival. It emphasizes that the sun is the primary source of life (agriculture/sustenance), which leads to domestic stability, the ability to prepare meals, nourishment, and ultimately, the comfort of rest. It is used to describe the natural order of life and the importance of favorable conditions for prosperity.

By the look of a man's eye, granite will be broken. The power of an evil eye.

This expression refers to the harmful power of the 'evil eye' or jealousy. It suggests that a person's envious gaze is so potent and destructive that it can shatter something as solid as a black granite stone. It is commonly used when someone experiences a sudden misfortune or when something breaks unexpectedly, attributing it to the jealousy of others.

There will be one who can kick the head of the one who kicks the top of a palm tree.

There are always people who are of superior abilities. One should try for the best in life, but after achieving a good position in life, one should not feel that one is at the top of the world; there are still higher peaks to reach.

Does cleaning the house make it a festival? Does hanging a garland make it a wedding?

This expression is used to convey that superficial preparations or external appearances do not equate to the actual occurrence of a major event. It implies that just because you have started the basic groundwork, it doesn't mean the grand result is guaranteed or complete. It is often used to caution someone against premature celebration or oversimplification of a complex task.

His speech will answer for flour or for a thunderbolt. Said of an ambiguous speech.

This expression is used to describe a person who speaks with clever ambiguity or doublespeak. Their words are crafted in such a way that they can be interpreted in two completely different ways depending on the outcome, allowing them to claim they were right regardless of what happens.

A small grain becomes a mountain

This expression is used to describe a situation that starts as a minor issue but escalates into a major problem, or when someone exaggerates a tiny matter into something significant. It is similar to the English idiom 'to make a mountain out of a molehill'.

If spoken, it becomes a scandal; if not spoken, it becomes a source of contempt.

This proverb describes a 'catch-22' or a dilemma where a person is stuck between two bad options. It is used when pointing out a mistake might lead to public embarrassment or unwanted drama (aaradi), but staying silent might lead others to take one's patience for granted or treat them with disrespect (alusu).

Will a dream come true? Can a crow become a cuckoo!

This expression is used to convey extreme skepticism or to dismiss an idea as impossible. It suggests that just as a crow can never transform into a melodious cuckoo, certain unrealistic dreams or expectations will never manifest into reality. It is often used to ground someone who is being overly idealistic or delusional.

One eye is a flower eye, the other eye is a fruit eye.

This expression is used to describe partiality or double standards shown by a person. It refers to a situation where someone treats one person or side with kindness and favor (the soft flower) while treating another with harshness or severity (the hard unripe fruit).

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.