పెద్దల వుసురు పెనుబామై తాకును

peddala vusuru penubamai takunu

Translation

The sorrow [ you have caused ] to the pious will come upon you again like a great serpent. " His mischief shall return upon his own head." Psalm vii. 16.

Meaning

This proverb warns that the grief, pain, or silent tears of elders (caused by ill-treatment or disrespect) will eventually result in severe consequences or misfortune for those responsible. It emphasizes the moral weight of respecting one's elders.

Notes

* A mengua de pan, buenas son tortas.

Related Phrases

If you preserve your life, you can at least live by selling salt. Used as an argument not to risk life for the sake of gain.

This proverb emphasizes that life is the most precious asset. As long as one is alive and healthy, they can find some way to make a living, even through the humblest of jobs like selling salt. It is used to encourage resilience and hope during times of great loss or financial ruin.

The words of elders are like a bundle of curd rice.

This proverb (often cited as 'Peddala mata saddi moota') means that the advice given by elders may seem cold or unappealing at first, just like curd rice packed for a journey, but it proves to be nourishing and beneficial in the long run. It emphasizes that following the wisdom of experienced people leads to safety and success.

At the marriage ceremony of a god all are rulers. Where there is no head, every one does what he likes.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no clear leader or hierarchy, and everyone acts as if they are in charge or equal in authority. It is often applied to social gatherings or collaborative tasks where everyone gives orders but no one follows them, or where no specific person is assigned the responsibility of a host.

Will they feed the bull for its muscles?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is working hard or performing a duty, but the benefits or rewards are not meant for them personally. It implies that just as a bull is fed to work in the fields and not for its own growth or meat, some efforts are purely functional and don't result in personal gain for the individual doing the work.

At God's wedding, everyone is an elder/leader.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no clear authority, hierarchy, or organization because everyone involved considers themselves to be in charge. It is often applied to chaotic events where everyone is giving orders but no one is following them.

A great name but the village a heap [of ruins ].

This expression is used to describe a person or situation that has a grand reputation or a high-sounding title, but lacks substance or quality in reality. It is similar to the English proverb 'Great cry and little wool' or 'All that glitters is not gold.'

A whirlwind is like a giant demon to a large tree.

This expression implies that just as a massive tree is more vulnerable to strong winds compared to small shrubs, people in high positions or with great reputations have more to lose and are more susceptible to major disasters or scandals. It is used to describe how significant challenges can disproportionately affect those who are established or prominent.

The sighs of elders will strike like a giant serpent.

This proverb warns that the grief or pain caused to elders or wise people (referred to as 'usuru') will result in severe consequences or curses that haunt the offender like a massive snake. It is used to emphasize the importance of respecting and caring for elders.

When thrown away thinking it was a piece of fibrous bark, it turned out to be a cobra and bit.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something or someone was dismissed as harmless, insignificant, or weak, but turned out to be dangerous or caused unexpected harm. It highlights the consequences of underestimating a threat or misjudging a situation based on superficial appearances.

When someone comes to visit as a relative but stays back and haunts like a ghost.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a guest or a person who initially came to help or visit ends up overstaying their welcome or becomes a major nuisance and burden that is hard to get rid of.