నీరు గప్పిన నిప్పు

niru gappina nippu

Translation

Fire covered by water (or Ash)

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person with immense hidden talent, power, or potential that is currently obscured or suppressed by circumstances. It implies that while the energy is currently invisible or dormant, it remains potent and can flare up at any moment.

Related Phrases

Fire covered by ash

This expression refers to a hidden talent, latent anger, or a dangerous situation that is not immediately visible. Just as hot embers remain burning beneath a layer of gray ash, it describes something or someone that appears calm or dormant on the surface but possesses great intensity or power underneath.

As much flour, so much bread (The bread is as big as the flour used)

This proverb means that the quality or quantity of an outcome is directly proportional to the effort, resources, or investment put into it. It is used to explain that you get what you pay for or that results depend on the quality of the input.

Like an ember covered by ash

This expression is used to describe a person whose immense talent, power, or intense emotion is currently hidden or suppressed but has the potential to flare up at any moment. It signifies latent strength or a hidden genius that isn't obvious to an observer at first glance.

Fire covered with embers. Said of a very learned and humble man.

This expression refers to a hidden talent, an underlying emotion, or a latent danger that is not immediately visible. Just as hot coal remains burning underneath a layer of ash, it describes someone or something that appears calm or dormant on the outside but possesses great intensity, power, or suppressed anger within.

* Dame donde me asienta, que yo me haré donde me acuesta.

Today fire, tomorrow water

This expression is used to describe a person with an extremely volatile temperament or a situation that changes drastically. It refers to someone who is furious one moment (fire) and completely calm or cool the next (water). It can also signify the fleeting nature of intense emotions or circumstances.

Like fire to salt

This expression is used to describe a relationship between two people or things that are highly incompatible or prone to sudden, violent conflict. Just as salt crackles and explodes when thrown into fire, this phrase characterizes a volatile, antagonistic, or 'cat and dog' relationship.

If sharpness is lost or if the season is missed, the tax is a waste.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and preparedness in agriculture. If the tools aren't sharp or if the farmer misses the specific sowing window (season), the crop will fail, making the payment of land taxes a total loss. It is used more broadly to signify that performing a task without proper preparation or at the wrong time leads to wasted effort and resources.

Whichever stick you set fire to, that stick will burn.

This expression is used to convey the principle of direct accountability or natural consequences. It implies that only the person involved in a specific action or trouble will experience its results, rather than someone else. It is often used to say that problems or punishments stay with those who cause or deserve them.

Even if you have to take a loan, you must drink hot liquor.

This is a humorous or self-justifying proverb used by addicts or spendthrifts to justify borrowing money for their vices or immediate pleasures. It implies that certain desires are so strong that one would go to the extent of getting into debt just to satisfy them, often used to highlight reckless behavior or misplaced priorities.

A king who cannot win tells many boasts.

This proverb is used to describe people who lack actual skills or achievements but try to compensate by bragging or telling tall tales. It is similar to the English expression 'Empty vessels make the most noise.'