పక్కలో బల్లెము
pakkalo ballemu
A spear in the side of the bed
This expression describes a hidden danger or a constant threat from someone who is very close or intimate. It is typically used to refer to a traitor, a secret enemy within one's own circle, or a persistent problem that causes anxiety because it is impossible to ignore.
Related Phrases
చిక్కుల గుర్రానికి కక్కుల కళ్లెము
chikkula gurraniki kakkula kallemu
A serrated bit for a troublesome horse.
This proverb suggests that difficult or stubborn problems require harsh or specialized solutions. Just as a horse that is hard to control needs a sharper, more painful bit (kakkula kallemu) to be tamed, a person with a difficult temperament or a complex situation needs an equally firm or tough approach to be managed.
అక్కమ్మ గుమ్మాలు ఎక్కలేము దిగలేము
akkamma gummalu ekkalemu digalemu
Akkamma's doorsteps can neither be climbed up nor climbed down.
This proverb is used to describe a situation or a task that is extremely difficult, tricky, or impossible to navigate. It refers to a dilemma where every path or option seems equally challenging or obstructive, often used when dealing with stubborn people or complex bureaucratic hurdles.
పాలలో పడ్డ బల్లివలె
palalo padda ballivale
Like a lizard that fell into milk
This expression describes a situation where a single unpleasant element or unwanted person ruins an otherwise pure, good, or perfect situation. Just as a lizard falling into milk makes the entire container of milk unfit for consumption, this phrase is used when someone's presence or a specific event creates a sense of disgust or spoils the harmony of a gathering.
అలసిసొలసి అక్కపక్కలోకి వస్తే, అక్క ఎత్తుకపోయి బావపక్కన వేసిందట.
alasisolasi akkapakkaloki vaste, akka ettukapoyi bavapakkana vesindata.
When someone tired and exhausted came to sleep beside their sister, she picked them up and put them beside the brother-in-law.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone seeks comfort, relief, or help from a trusted person, but instead of finding rest, they are pushed into a more difficult, uncomfortable, or awkward situation. It highlights the irony of getting additional trouble instead of the expected solace.
పలుగులు కాల్చి పక్కలో వేసినట్లు
palugulu kalchi pakkalo vesinatlu
Like heating iron bars and placing them in one's bed.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's words or actions are extremely painful, stinging, or cause intense distress. Just as lying on hot iron bars would be agonizing, this metaphor highlights the severity of an insult, betrayal, or a harsh truth that makes a person feel restless and deeply hurt.
బొక్కలో పిల్ల, డొక్కలో పిల్ల
bokkalo pilla, dokkalo pilla
Child in the hole, child in the belly.
This expression is used to describe a woman who is already taking care of a young child while being pregnant with another. It highlights the challenging situation of a mother handling consecutive pregnancies or very young children with a very small age gap.
గుర్రము తోకకు కళ్లెము పెట్టినట్టు
gurramu tokaku kallemu pettinattu
Like putting the bridle on the horse's tail. To put the cart before the horse.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is doing something in a completely wrong, backward, or illogical manner. Just as a bridle belongs on a horse's head to control it, putting it on the tail is useless and absurd. It highlights fundamental errors in planning or execution.
పీనుగను పొడిచిన బల్లెమువాడు
pinuganu podichina ballemuvadu
The man with the spear who stabbed a corpse.
This expression is used to describe a person who claims false bravery or credit for performing an act that required no effort or courage. It mocks someone who 'defeats' something that is already dead or powerless, highlighting the pointlessness and cowardice of their action.
బల్లి పలికిందని బావపక్కలో చేరిందట
balli palikindani bavapakkalo cherindata
She entered her brother-in-law's bed just because a lizard chirped.
This proverb is used to describe people who use silly superstitions or trivial excuses as a justification to do something they already intended or desired to do. It mocks those who pretend that an omen forced their hand when they were actually looking for any small reason to act on their hidden motives.
పక్కలో కత్తి
pakkalo katti
A sword by the side [ on a bed ].
This expression refers to a hidden enemy or a traitor who is very close to you, posing a constant, immediate threat while pretending to be an ally. It is used to describe someone trustworthy who could betray you at any moment.