పంచాగ్ని మధ్యమందు ఉన్నట్లు

panchagni madhyamandu unnatlu

Translation

Like being in the middle of five fires

Meaning

This expression describes a situation where someone is surrounded by immense trouble, pressure, or suffering from all sides. Historically, it refers to a severe form of penance (Panchagni Tapas), but in common usage, it signifies being trapped in an extremely stressful or unbearable environment.

Related Phrases

Like asking someone to recite evening prayers while they are dying.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gives impractical, ill-timed, or pedantic advice during a critical crisis. It refers to a person focusing on trivial rituals or formalities when immediate life-saving action or empathy is required.

Standing in the middle of five fires. An act of penance. Said of a person being unable to extricate himself from a difficult position in which he is surrounded by his enemies.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is surrounded by severe hardships, intense pressure, or inescapable difficulties from all sides. It originates from the 'Panchagni Vidya' or 'Panchagni Deeksha', an ancient penance where a person sits amidst four fires with the sun acting as the fifth above, signifying extreme endurance and being tested by fire.

Like a scarlet gourd in a parrot's beak

This expression is used to describe a perfect match or an extremely beautiful combination. Just as the bright red donda fruit (ivy gourd) looks striking and naturally fits the red beak of a green parrot, this phrase refers to something that is visually pleasing or a person who possesses a feature that enhances their overall beauty.

Like toddy pots disappearing among ascetics

This expression is used to describe a situation where something supposedly forbidden or inappropriate is secretly consumed or stolen by people who pretend to be virtuous. It highlights hypocrisy, where those who claim to be holy or disciplined (sanyasis) are the ones secretly indulging in vices (drinking toddy), leading to the 'mysterious' disappearance of the items.

Like being in the middle of five fires

This expression describes a situation where a person is surrounded by overwhelming difficulties, intense pressure, or severe tests from all directions. It is often used to convey a state of extreme distress or being trapped in a highly stressful environment.

If you ask an enemy for an astrological forecast, he will say you will die by afternoon

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one seeks advice or help from someone who wishes them ill. It implies that an enemy or a person with bad intentions will never give helpful advice and will instead predict or cause your downfall at the earliest opportunity. It warns against trusting those who harbor resentment toward you.

There is a remedy for disease, but is there a remedy for fate?

This proverb is used to express that while physical ailments or problems can be cured with medicine or effort, the outcomes of destiny or fate are inevitable and beyond human control. It is often said when someone faces an unavoidable misfortune despite taking all precautions.

A cuckoo among crows

This expression refers to someone who stands out as superior, talented, or graceful while surrounded by ordinary or inferior people. It is used to describe a person of quality in an environment where others lack that same refinement or skill.

Like being in the middle of five fires

This expression describes a situation where a person is surrounded by severe difficulties or intense pressure from all directions. It is derived from the 'Panchagni Tapas', an ancient penance where a person sits amidst four fires with the sun as the fifth fire above. It is used to describe someone facing an extremely challenging or unbearable environment.

When an enemy was asked to read the almanac (horoscope), he said death would occur by noon.

This proverb highlights that you should never expect an unbiased or favorable opinion from an enemy. Just as an enemy would predict the worst possible outcome when consulted, one should be cautious of the advice or motives of those who harbor ill will against them.