నోరులేని దయ్యం ఊరు ఆర్పిందట.

noruleni dayyam uru arpindata.

Translation

A ghost with no mouth reportedly destroyed the whole village.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who appears harmless, quiet, or incapable of causing trouble actually causes significant damage or performs an unexpected feat. It warns not to underestimate people based on their outward silence or apparent limitations.

Related Phrases

A known devil is better than an unknown devil.

This proverb suggests that it is better to deal with a person or situation that is familiar, even if it is difficult or unpleasant, rather than facing something completely new and unpredictable. It is used when choosing between a known risk and an uncertain one.

Like putting out lamps with one's eyelids.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or extremely difficult task. It highlights the futility of trying to achieve a significant result using very weak or inappropriate means, as eyelids are too delicate to extinguish a flame.

A village without a donor is a colony of ghosts

This proverb highlights the importance of charity and philanthropy in a community. It suggests that a town or village lacking generous people (donors) who contribute to the welfare of others becomes desolate, lifeless, and unpleasant, much like a haunted place.

If there is water, there is no village; if there is a village, there is no water.

This proverb is used to describe a state of poor planning, irony, or chronic lack of resources. It refers to a situation where essential elements are never present at the same time or place, making it impossible to settle or succeed. It highlights a mismatch between needs and available resources.

Food eaten without offering (a libation/offering) is like a devil's meal.

This expression emphasizes the importance of gratitude and tradition. It suggests that eating without offering a small portion to God, ancestors, or nature (a practice known as 'dhara' or 'bali') is uncivilized or inauspicious. It is used to teach manners, spiritual mindfulness, and the value of sharing before consuming.

A farm without a tree, a village without a relative

This proverb highlights the feeling of isolation and lack of support. Just as a farm without a tree offers no shade or respite for a farmer, a village where one has no relatives or friends offers no emotional support or belonging. It is used to describe situations where one feels lonely or lacks a support system in a particular place.

There is no country without Tamilians and no village without crows.

This is a popular Telugu saying used to describe the ubiquitous nature of Tamil people. It implies that just as crows are found in every corner of the world, you will find someone from the Tamil community (Arava) living and working everywhere, highlighting their widespread migration and presence.

He came as a relative and caught hold like a ghost.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone enters your life as a friend or guest but ends up becoming a major nuisance, burden, or an inescapable problem that is difficult to get rid of.

There is no country where people don't shout and no village where crows don't exist.

This proverb is used to indicate that certain things are universal and inescapable. Just as you will find crows in every village, you will find noise, problems, or specific types of people everywhere you go. It suggests that one cannot find a 'perfect' place free from common disturbances.

A village without a donor is a haunt for ghosts.

This expression emphasizes the importance of charity and philanthropy in a community. It suggests that a village or society lacking generous people (donors) who help others becomes lifeless, desolate, and undesirable, much like a place inhabited by ghosts.