పాముకాటు చీరతో తుడిచిన పోవునా?
pamukatu chirato tudichina povuna?
Will a snake bite go away if wiped with a saree?
This proverb is used to emphasize that serious problems or deep-seated issues cannot be solved with superficial or trivial remedies. Just as the venom of a snake bite cannot be removed by simply wiping the skin with a piece of cloth, complex challenges require appropriate and effective actions rather than mere symbolic gestures.
Related Phrases
అడవిలో తిని, ఆకుతో తుడిచినట్లు.
adavilo tini, akuto tudichinatlu.
Like eating in a forest and wiping with a leaf.
This proverb refers to an act that is done without any trace or evidence left behind. It describes someone who completes an action—often something sneaky or selfish—and cleans up so thoroughly that no one would ever know it happened. It is commonly used to describe someone who takes advantage of a situation and disappears without a sign.
కాలం గడిచిపోవును, మాట నిలిచిపోవును.
kalam gadichipovunu, mata nilichipovunu.
Time passes away, but the word remains.
This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of one's words. While time inevitably moves forward and situations change, the promises made or the words spoken (whether kind or hurtful) stay in people's memories and hold permanent value or consequences.
నీ ముక్కున చీమిడేమమ్మా అంటే నీ చేతితోనే తుడిచి పొమ్మన్నదట
ni mukkuna chimidemamma ante ni chetitone tudichi pommannadata
When asked 'What is that mucus on your nose, lady?', she replied, 'Wipe it off with your own hand and go'.
This proverb describes a situation where someone is so lazy, entitled, or shameless that when a flaw or problem of theirs is pointed out, they expect the person who pointed it out to fix it for them. It is used to mock people who take advantage of others' kindness or helpfulness.
చెట్టు ముదరనిచ్చి చిదిమిన పోవునా?
chettu mudaranichchi chidimina povuna?
If you let a tree grow old, will it break if you pinch it?
This proverb emphasizes that bad habits, problems, or children's misbehavior should be corrected when they are small or in their early stages. Once they grow strong or become deep-rooted over time, they become impossible to control or eliminate.
రాత పొడిచినా చావులేదు
rata podichina chavuledu
Death does not come even if the writing (fate) is pierced.
This expression is used to describe someone who is incredibly lucky or has survived a life-threatening situation against all odds. It implies that unless it is one's destined time to die, no amount of danger or misfortune can end their life.
పాము కాళ్ళు పామునకెరుక.
pamu kallu pamunakeruka.
The snake only knows where it's feet are.
This proverb is used to convey that a person's secrets, hidden traits, or internal struggles are best known only to themselves or to those within their own group. Since snakes do not have visible legs, it suggests that things hidden from the world are still known to the one who possesses them or to those of the same kind.
The Hindus believe that a snake has feet, though they are invisible. A man knows his own business best.
తనను పొడిచిన గంగిగోవునయినా పొడిస్తే పాపములేదు.
tananu podichina gangigovunayina podiste papamuledu.
Killing a sacred cow that gores you is not sin.
This proverb justifies self-defense. It implies that when someone attacks or harms you, you have the right to defend yourself or retaliate, regardless of how noble, virtuous, or superior that person is usually considered to be. Even a sacred cow (symbol of non-violence and divinity) loses its immunity if it turns aggressive.
గుడిపాము కరిచినట్లు, గంగిగోవు పొడిచినట్లు
gudipamu karichinatlu, gangigovu podichinatlu
Like a temple snake biting or a sacred cow goring.
This expression refers to being harmed by someone or something that is generally perceived as harmless, saintly, or trustworthy. It describes an unexpected betrayal or injury from a source where one only expected goodness or safety.
పోట్లాడే కోళ్ళు పొడిచినా పోవు
potlade kollu podichina povu
Fighting chickens will not leave even if they are pecked (hurt).
This proverb is used to describe people who are deeply committed to a rivalry or a conflict. Even when they suffer losses or injuries during the struggle, their stubbornness or animosity keeps them from backing down. It is often used to characterize persistent quarreling or long-standing feuds between individuals who refuse to reconcile despite the negative consequences.
చెంత దీపమిడక చీకటిపోవునా
chenta dipamidaka chikatipovuna
Will the darkness go away without placing a lamp nearby?
This proverb emphasizes that problems do not solve themselves and ignorance does not vanish without effort. Just as light is required to dispel darkness, active initiative or the light of knowledge is necessary to overcome obstacles or lack of understanding. It is used to suggest that one must take the necessary steps to achieve a result.