నిప్పుతో చెలగాటం

nipputo chelagatam

Translation

Playing with fire

Meaning

This expression is used to warn someone that they are engaging in a very dangerous or risky activity that could lead to severe consequences or self-destruction. It is typically used when someone is underestimating a serious threat.

Related Phrases

A game for the cat, a danger to life for the mouse

What is a trivial amusement or a sport for one person might be a matter of life and death or a serious struggle for another. It is used to describe situations where someone's casual actions cause severe distress or harm to someone else.

For the cat, fanciful play and for the mouse, mortal fear.

This refers to a situation when a powerful person/power attacks a weak person/power for self-glorification. It may be merely a (power)game for the powerful, but it will be a question of life and death for the weak.

If he points with the foot, it must be done with the head. Said of the obsequiousness necessary to a dependant.

This expression describes extreme obedience or the proactive nature of a dedicated subordinate or servant. It implies that if a master gives a minor or casual command (symbolized by pointing with a foot), the subordinate should execute it with the utmost respect, diligence, and intellectual effort (symbolized by the head). It is used to illustrate deep loyalty or the expectation of swift, high-quality execution of tasks.

Cringing is a gainful accomplishment.

Sport to the cat, death to the rat. What is sport to the cat is death to the mouse. (German.)† What is play to the strong is death to the weak. (Danish.)

This proverb describes a situation where one person's amusement or casual action causes extreme suffering or danger to another. It is used to highlight the power imbalance and lack of empathy in certain interactions, reminding people that what is 'just fun' for one might be a matter of survival or deep distress for another.

Like hitting someone with a slipper in the street and then holding their feet inside the house.

This expression describes a hypocritical or manipulative behavior where someone publicly insults or humiliates another person but privately seeks their forgiveness or favor. It is used to point out the insincerity of someone who tries to make amends secretly after causing a major public offense.

Like salt in the fire

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely agitated, irritable, or prone to sudden outbursts of anger. Just as salt crackles and pops violently when thrown into a fire, it characterizes a person's volatile temperament or a situation that is highly unstable and reactive.

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.

Flirting with a young woman is like playing with a snake.

This proverb serves as a warning about the risks of reckless flirtation or pursuing forbidden relationships. It suggests that just as playing with a venomous snake is life-threatening and unpredictable, involving oneself in romantic mischief or illicit affairs can lead to dangerous consequences, social ruin, or sudden trouble.

Friendship with a snake, fencing with a sword.

This expression is used to describe a friendship or association with a dangerous, unpredictable, or untrustworthy person. It implies that being close to such individuals is as hazardous as playing with a venomous snake or practicing with a sharp sword; one must always be on guard because a single mistake or a change in their mood could result in fatal consequences.

Friendship with a snake and friendship with a king are one. Both treacherous.

This proverb warns that befriending powerful people or rulers is as dangerous as befriending a venomous snake. Just as a snake might bite at any moment regardless of intimacy, a powerful person can turn against you or cause your downfall due to their unpredictable nature and authority.