నేను నీళ్ళకుపోతే బావి లోతుకు పోయింది
nenu nillakupote bavi lotuku poyindi
When I went for water, the well went deep.
This proverb is used to describe a stroke of extreme bad luck or a situation where a person's presence seems to make things go wrong. It implies that even a simple task becomes impossible or the resources disappear just when a specific person tries to access them, often used in a self-deprecating or sarcastic manner about one's own misfortune.
Related Phrases
నేను నీళ్లకు పోతే, బావి లోతుకు పోయినది.
nenu nillaku pote, bavi lotuku poyinadi.
When the jade went to the well, the water was too low. Said of a lazy person glad of any excuse to get off work.
This proverb describes a streak of bad luck or extreme misfortune. It refers to a situation where even a simple, routine task becomes impossible or complicated the moment a particular person attempts to do it. It is often used to express frustration when circumstances seem to turn unfavorable exactly when one needs them to work.
తిండిలేనమ్మ తిరునాళ్ళకుపోతే ఎక్కాదిగా సరిపోయింది
tindilenamma tirunallakupote ekkadiga saripoyindi
If a woman with no food goes to a festival, it's just enough for her to climb (the stairs/hill).
This proverb describes a situation where someone who is already struggling takes on a new endeavor, only to find that the effort required for the endeavor consumes whatever little resources they had left. It is used when a person's attempt to improve their situation or enjoy something actually results in more exhaustion or loss because they were ill-prepared or lacked the basic means to begin with.
మెతుకుపోతే బ్రతుకు పోతుంది
metukupote bratuku potundi
If the grain of rice is lost, life is lost
This expression highlights the vital importance of food security and agriculture. It signifies that even a single grain of rice represents sustenance, and without food (the means of survival), one's very existence is at risk. It is often used to emphasize the value of hard work, the importance of not wasting food, or the critical nature of one's livelihood.
గుడ్డిది నీళ్ళకుపోతే ముగ్గురికి చేటు
guddidi nillakupote mugguriki chetu
If a blind woman goes to fetch water, it causes harm to three people.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an incompetent person attempts a task they cannot handle, resulting in multiple casualties or problems. The 'three' usually refers to the woman herself (who might fall), the pot (which might break), and the person waiting for the water (who remains thirsty).
నంగనాచి నీళ్లకు పోతే, నీళ్ళన్నీ ఒక రేవుకు వచ్చాయట.
nanganachi nillaku pote, nillanni oka revuku vachchayata.
When a pretentious woman went to fetch water, it's said all the water gathered at one bank.
This proverb is used to mock someone who pretends to be extremely innocent, delicate, or slow to the point of being useless or overly dramatic. It describes a situation where a person acts so 'special' or 'helpless' that they expect nature or others to conform specifically to their slow pace or behavior.
అన్నవస్త్రాలకు పోతే ఉన్న వస్త్రం ఊడిపోయింది
annavastralaku pote unna vastram udipoyindi
When went for food and clothes, the existing cloth also fell off.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person, in an attempt to gain more or seek additional luxuries/necessities, ends up losing even the basic things they originally possessed. It is similar to the English expression 'to go for wool and come home shorn.' It highlights greed or ill-timed ambition leading to total loss.
చుట్టాలకు పెట్టినిల్లు చుట్టపోయింది, వేల్పులకు పెట్టినిల్లు విచ్చిపోయింది
chuttalaku pettinillu chuttapoyindi, velpulaku pettinillu vichchipoyindi
The birth-house for relatives is rolled up, and the birth-house for gods is scattered.
This proverb is used to describe a state of complete ruin or destitution where one is no longer able to offer hospitality to relatives or perform traditional worship. It reflects a situation where someone who was once prosperous and charitable has lost everything and can no longer fulfill their social or religious obligations.
యతి చోటుకు పోతే, మతి పోయింది.
yati chotuku pote, mati poyindi.
When one went to a monk's place, they lost their mind.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone seeks wisdom or a solution from a supposedly wise person or place, but instead ends up becoming confused or losing their common sense. It highlights how influence from certain 'holy' figures or complex philosophies can sometimes disorient a person instead of helping them.
గతుకులకు పోతే, బతుకులు పోయినవి
gatukulaku pote, batukulu poyinavi
When he went to lap, his livelihood went. When a greedy man went to spoon upon another for his breakfast he was kept waiting so long that he lost his situation.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone, out of greed or a desire for small, insignificant gains (scraps/leftovers), ends up losing something very valuable or even their entire livelihood. It serves as a warning against being penny-wise and pound-foolish, or taking unnecessary risks for minor rewards.
పోయిన నీళ్ళకు కట్ట కట్టినట్లు
poyina nillaku katta kattinatlu
Like building a dam after the water has already flowed away
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes corrective action or precautions after the damage has already been done and it is too late to be effective. It is similar to the English proverb 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.