నిప్పుకు చెదలు పట్టింది - నల్లికి తేలు కుట్టింది.
nippuku chedalu pattindi - nalliki telu kuttindi.
Termites infested the fire - a scorpion stung the bedbug.
This expression is used to describe highly improbable, impossible, or absurd situations. It highlights events that defy logic, as termites cannot survive in fire and a tiny bedbug being stung by a scorpion is a comical exaggeration of misfortune or weirdness.
Related Phrases
దొంగకు తేలు కుట్టినట్లు
dongaku telu kuttinatlu
Like a thief, stung by a scorpion.
This refers to some criminal who cannot even complain. If a person is doing something criminal, he cannot complain against a natural problem/discomfort he has to face. The moral is that it is better not to commit blunders one may find it difficult to get out of them.
దొంగను తేలు కుట్టినట్టు
donganu telu kuttinattu
Like a robber stung by a scorpion. A man does not cry out when he suffers from his own folly.
This expression describes a situation where someone is suffering or facing a problem but cannot complain or cry out for help because doing so would reveal their own wrongdoings or secrets. Just as a thief cannot scream when stung by a scorpion while stealing for fear of getting caught, it refers to a state of silent, helpless suffering.
కోతికి తేలు కుట్టినట్లు
kotiki telu kuttinatlu
Like a monkey bitten by a scorpion
This expression is used to describe a person who is naturally restless or mischievous, but becomes even more hyperactive, erratic, or uncontrollable due to a specific provocation or situation. It highlights a state of extreme agitation added to an already unstable personality.
తనువు చేసేది మనవు చేసేది మంచిదే అవుతుంది
tanuvu chesedi manavu chesedi manchide avutundi
What the body does and what the mind does will result in good.
This expression reflects a philosophical or fatalistic outlook, suggesting that whatever happens—whether driven by physical actions or mental intentions—is ultimately for the best or part of a larger destiny. It is often used to provide consolation during unexpected outcomes or to emphasize that things work out for the better in the long run.
మారు లేని తిండి మాలతిండి, దొరలేని తిండి దయ్యపుతిండి
maru leni tindi malatindi, doraleni tindi dayyaputindi
Food without a second helping is like scavenger's food; food without a master is like a ghost's food.
This traditional proverb emphasizes the cultural importance of hospitality and social structure. It suggests that a meal where one cannot ask for or receive a second serving (maaru) is considered poor or unfulfilling, while a meal eaten without a host or proper supervision (dora) is chaotic or unlucky, like food consumed by spirits.
హాస్యగాణ్ని తేలు కుట్టినట్టు
hasyaganni telu kuttinattu
Like a scorpion stinging a jester. No one believes it. One may cry " Wolf !" too often. క్ష.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person who is usually funny or non-serious is genuinely suffering or in trouble, but others mistake it for a joke or part of an act. It refers to a tragedy that is perceived as comedy by observers, leading to a lack of sympathy or help when it is actually needed.
చెప్పు కింద తేలు
cheppu kinda telu
A scorpion under a shoe. A ruffian under restraint.
This expression refers to a constant, imminent, and dangerous threat that is extremely close at hand. It is used to describe a situation or a person that causes perpetual anxiety because they can cause harm at any moment, yet they are currently suppressed or nearby.
డబ్బిచ్చి తేలు కుట్టించుకున్నట్టు
dabbichchi telu kuttinchukunnattu
Like paying money to get stung by a scorpion.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone knowingly or unknowingly spends their resources (money, time, or effort) only to end up with trouble or self-inflicted harm. It is used when a person's own actions or investments lead to a negative outcome for themselves.
మనిషి తిండి - దున్నపోతు పని, దయ్యపు తిండి - గొడ్డు పని
manishi tindi - dunnapotu pani, dayyapu tindi - goddu pani
Human's food - Buffalo's work, Devil's food - Beast's work
This expression is used to describe someone who eats very little but works excessively hard, or conversely, someone who eats like a glutton but does no work. It highlights the mismatch between consumption and labor.
నిప్పుకు చెదలంటునా?
nippuku chedalantuna?
Will white ants attack fire?
This expression is used to state that someone with a pure, strong, or impeccable character cannot be corrupted or harmed by petty rumors or evil influences. Just as termites can destroy wood but are instantly consumed by fire, a person of integrity remains unaffected by baseless accusations.