నిప్పును ఎవరైనా గుడ్డను కట్టుకుంటారా?

nippunu evaraina guddanu kattukuntara?

Translation

Does anyone wrap burning coal in a cloth?

Meaning

This expression is used to highlight that it is impossible to hide a dangerous secret or a harmful truth for long. Just as fire will eventually burn through the cloth and reveal itself, a person's bad deeds or a significant secret will inevitably come to light and cause damage to the one trying to conceal it.

Related Phrases

A rag which had held assafëtida.

This expression is used to describe a person or a family that has lost their past wealth or glory but still retains the aura or reputation of it. Just as a cloth used to wrap pungent asafoetida smells of it long after the spice is gone, the person carries the prestige of their former status.

Said of a man who is respected on account of his connection with the family of some famous person, no longer living ; or on account of his own greatness, now passed away.

While eating one's own food and wearing one's own clothes, should one fear the village?

This expression is used to assert independence and self-reliance. It implies that if a person is self-sufficient, works hard for their own livelihood, and does not depend on others for basic needs like food or clothing, they do not need to worry about societal criticism or be intimidated by others' opinions.

No smoke without fire.

Unless there is some basis, there can be no suspicion, or gossip. One should take care to see that there isn’t even a slight lapse that gives rise to avoidable scandal .

Like tying the rice-mortar to his neck out of rivalry. Two men were dancing.—One had a drum round his neck ; the other, not to be out-done, hung the mortar round his neck. ల.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person, driven by excessive pride, anger, or a false sense of honor, takes on a burden or makes a decision that only causes them more trouble and hardship. It highlights the foolishness of taking extreme actions just to prove a point when those actions lead to self-inflicted misery.

He said, 'I didn't build this temple, and I don't know who built that temple.'

This expression is used to describe a person who tries to escape responsibility or feigns complete ignorance about a situation even when it is not necessary. It reflects a 'playing it safe' attitude taken to an absurd or suspicious extreme to avoid any potential trouble or involvement.

The husband one is married to, the jewelry one is wearing.

This expression highlights the items or people that truly belong to a person and provide real security or status. It is used to emphasize that only what is legally yours or physically in your possession can be relied upon in times of need or social standing.

He has fire in his skirt.

This expression is used to describe a person who is in a state of extreme anxiety, restlessness, or fear due to a dangerous situation they have created or a secret they are hiding. Just as carrying burning coals in one's clothing causes constant pain and the threat of catching fire, the person is suffering from internal turmoil or the constant fear of imminent trouble.

If a Turk comes to attack, would one remain still just because the stars are unfavorable?

This proverb is used to emphasize that when facing an immediate, life-threatening danger or urgent crisis, one should not worry about superstitions, omens, or astrological timings (like 'Chukkeduru'). It highlights that survival and action take precedence over ritualistic beliefs.

Like tying a stone mortar around one's neck out of pride or spite.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person, driven by ego, pride, or stubbornness, takes an action that only causes them self-harm or creates an unnecessary burden. It highlights the foolishness of letting one's emotions lead to a decision that is difficult to sustain or carries heavy consequences.

The cloth that wrapped asafoetida will never lose its scent.

This proverb describes how a person's past status, experiences, or reputation (good or bad) continue to influence their character or how others perceive them, even after their circumstances have changed. It is often used to refer to someone who was once wealthy or powerful and still carries those mannerisms or 'aura' even if they are currently poor.