పేదకు తగిలె బ్రహ్మహత్య అన్నట్లు
pedaku tagile brahmahatya annatlu
As if a poor person is accused of killing a Brahmin.
This proverb describes a situation where an unfortunate person is unfairly burdened with an enormous problem or a heavy accusation that they have no capacity to handle or resolve. In traditional contexts, 'Brahmahatya' (killing a Brahmin) was considered the ultimate sin with the heaviest consequences; a poor person facing such a charge would be completely helpless.
Related Phrases
మేయబోయి మెడకు తగిలించుకున్నట్లు
meyaboyi medaku tagilinchukunnatlu
Going to graze and getting it stuck around the neck
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to gain a benefit or enjoy something, but instead ends up getting trapped in a problem or incurring an unwanted responsibility. It is similar to the English concept of 'getting more than one bargained for' in a negative sense.
ఆకలివానికి అన్నమే బ్రహ్మం
akalivaniki anname brahmam
Food is God to a hungry person
This expression highlights that for someone suffering from hunger, satisfying that basic need is the highest priority and equivalent to a divine experience. It is used to emphasize that practical necessities are more important than philosophy or spirituality when a person is in dire need.
ఎగదీస్తే బ్రహ్మహత్య, దిగదీస్తే గోహత్య
egadiste brahmahatya, digadiste gohatya
If pulled up, it's the murder of a Brahmin; if pulled down, it's the killing of a cow.
This expression is used to describe a classic 'no-win' situation or a dilemma where every possible choice leads to a negative or sinful outcome. It represents being stuck between two equally bad alternatives where one cannot move forward or backward without causing harm.
పిల్లి బ్రహ్మహంత.
pilli brahmahanta.
Kill a cat, kill a Brahman. Doing harm to a cat is considered as sinful as injuring a Brahman.
This is a traditional Telugu saying used to emphasize the gravity of hurting or killing a cat, suggesting it is equivalent to the sin of killing a Brahmin (Brahmahatya Patakam). It is often used to discourage animal cruelty or to mock superstitious beliefs regarding the consequences of accidentally harming a cat.
మేయబోయి మెడకు తగిలించుకొన్నట్లు
meyaboyi medaku tagilinchukonnatlu
Like going to graze and getting it stuck around the neck
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to gain a benefit or take advantage of something, but instead ends up getting trapped in a problem or creating a new liability for themselves. It is similar to the English concept of 'getting more than one bargained for' in a negative sense.
తగినట్లు కూర్చెరా తాకట్లమారి బ్రహ్మ
taginatlu kurchera takatlamari brahma
The mischievous Brahma has matched them perfectly.
This expression is used to describe a pair (usually a couple or partners) who are perfectly matched, often in a sarcastic or humorous way because they share the same eccentricities, flaws, or unique habits. It suggests that the Creator (Brahma) went out of his way to find a person exactly like the other to bring them together.
చిలుకకూన బ్రహ్మాస్త్రమునకు తగునా
chilukakuna brahmastramunaku taguna
Is a parrot chick a worthy target for the Brahmastra?
This expression is used to highlight a massive mismatch between a problem and its solution. It suggests that one should not use overwhelming force, extreme measures, or advanced weapons to deal with something small, weak, or insignificant. It is often used to criticize an overreaction or an unnecessary use of power.
ఎగదీస్తే బ్రహ్మహత్య, దిగతీస్తే గోహత్య
egadiste brahmahatya, digatiste gohatya
If I say this, it will be killing a Brahman; if I say that, it will be killing a cow. Said by a reluctant witness to himself, when called to give evidence regarding a complaint made by a Brahman that another man's cow had grazed in his field. Being placed in a dilemma by having to give evidence in a quarrel between two friends.
This expression describes a classic 'Catch-22' or a 'double-bind' situation where any choice one makes leads to a disastrous or sinful outcome. It is used when a person is stuck between two equally bad alternatives and there is no way to act without causing harm or committing a mistake.
పిల్లి బ్రాహ్మణుడు, పీట ముత్తైదువ
pilli brahmanudu, pita muttaiduva
The cat is a Brahmin, and the low wooden stool is a married woman.
This expression is used to mock someone who puts on a false show of extreme piety, innocence, or virtue. It describes a hypocrite who pretends to be saintly while harboring deceitful intentions or having a questionable character.
ఆనందమే బ్రహ్మానందం
anandame brahmanandam
Happiness itself is the supreme bliss.
This expression is used to describe a state of pure, divine, or overwhelming joy. It suggests that true happiness is equivalent to 'Brahmananda' (the highest spiritual bliss). In common parlance, it is used when someone is exceptionally happy or satisfied with a situation.