నుయ్యి తీయబోతే దయ్యం బయటపడినట్లు

nuyyi tiyabote dayyam bayatapadinatlu

Translation

Like a ghost appearing when one went to dig a well

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one starts a task with good intentions or for a basic need, but unexpectedly encounters a huge problem or a hidden danger. It is similar to the English idea of 'opening a can of worms' or discovering an unforeseen complication while performing a routine job.

Related Phrases

Only when one dies, does the truth of the funeral song come out.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the true nature, secrets, or total accomplishments of a person or a situation are only fully revealed or understood at the very end or after it is finished. It implies that certain truths remain hidden until the final conclusion.

Like passing through a danger and the fetus coming out safely.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has successfully survived a life-threatening crisis or a very difficult ordeal. It compares overcoming a massive obstacle to the relief and safety felt after a complicated or dangerous childbirth.

A god outside, a devil at home

This expression describes a hypocritical person who acts virtuous, kind, and saintly in public or with strangers, but is cruel, abusive, or ill-tempered with their own family members behind closed doors. It is used to expose someone's double standards or fake personality.

When they began to dig a well, a devil came out. Applied to a sudden and heavy misfortune.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone starts a simple or helpful task but ends up facing an unexpected, major trouble or an scary complication. It highlights how a routine effort can sometimes lead to unforeseen negative consequences.

When visited thinking they were a relative, they caught hold like a ghost.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where you approach someone out of kindness, goodwill, or a sense of relationship, but they end up becoming a source of trouble, harassment, or a burden. It signifies that a person you expected help or comfort from turned out to be toxic or problematic.

Like escaping a danger and the fetus coming out safely.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has successfully survived a major crisis or a life-threatening ordeal. It originates from the relief felt after a difficult childbirth where both mother and child survive. It is commonly used when a high-stakes project is completed or a severe problem is resolved after much anxiety.

His attempt to make [an image of] Ganêśa ended in [the moulding of] a monkey. Mud images of Ganêśa are made and worshipped on the 4th day of the light fortnight in the month Bhâdrapada (August—September). A ridiculous failure.

This proverb describes a situation where one's well-intentioned efforts or ambitious plans go wrong, resulting in a ridiculous or unintended outcome. It is used when someone tries to improve something or create something great but ends up making it worse or spoiling it completely due to lack of skill or poor execution.

Like a ghost appearing when digging a well

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone starts a simple or necessary task but ends up facing an unexpected, significant problem or an unforeseen disaster. It highlights a scenario where a solution-seeking action inadvertently leads to more trouble.

Like a dog that fell into a grain pit trying to bite the person coming to rescue it.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is in a deep mess or trouble acts ungratefully or aggressively toward the person trying to help them. It refers to misplaced hostility from a person in a desperate situation.

Trying to make an idol of a God, but ending up with a monkey instead.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's attempt to improve or create something noble results in a complete failure or a ridiculous mess. It highlights unintended negative consequences of unskilled or over-ambitious work.