పెద్దపులి ఎదుటయినా పడవచ్చుగాని, నగరివారి ఎదుట పడరాదు
peddapuli edutayina padavachchugani, nagarivari eduta padaradu
One may face a tiger, but one should never face government officials.
This proverb highlights the unpredictable and potentially destructive nature of bureaucracy and state power in ancient times. It suggests that while a tiger is a known physical danger, the legal or political entanglements with authorities (royalty/government) can be more complex, lingering, and ruinous to a person's life.
Related Phrases
పెద్ద పులి యెదటనయినా పడవచ్చునుగాని, నగరి వారి యెదట పడరాదు.
pedda puli yedatanayina padavachchunugani, nagari vari yedata padaradu.
You may face a royal tiger but you should not face a go- vernment official.
This proverb highlights the historical fear and unpredictability of government authority and bureaucracy. It suggests that while a wild animal is a known danger, the complications, legal troubles, and harassment one might face from officials or the state can be far more ruinous and difficult to escape.
చిరుతపులి కడుపున పెద్దపులి పుట్టినట్లు
chirutapuli kadupuna peddapuli puttinatlu
Like a tiger being born to a leopard.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a child or descendant far surpasses the parents in stature, capability, or greatness. It highlights an extraordinary outcome from modest or ordinary origins, similar to the English concept of 'the student surpassing the master' or a humble lineage producing a great leader.
దాగబోయి తలారి ఎదుట దూరినట్లు
dagaboyi talari eduta durinatlu
Like trying to hide and ending up right in front of the village guard.
This expression is used when someone's attempt to escape trouble or hide a mistake leads them directly to the person who can punish them or to the very problem they were trying to avoid. It signifies an ironic turn of events where a person's defensive action results in their exposure.
ఇంట్లో ఈగపులి, బయట పెద్దపులి
intlo igapuli, bayata peddapuli
At home he is a spider, abroad he is a tiger. Demure at home, a ruffian abroad. He looks as if butter would not melt in his mouth.
This proverb describes a person who is extremely timid or submissive at home (often toward a spouse or family) but displays great courage, authority, or intimidation when dealing with the outside world. It highlights the contrast between someone's private vulnerability and their public bravado.
పొద్దు పోదు, నిద్రరాదు, పద్మాక్షీ, ఒక పాటయినా పాడవే అన్నట్లు
poddu podu, nidraradu, padmakshi, oka patayina padave annatlu
Time doesn't pass, sleep doesn't come; oh lotus-eyed woman, at least sing a song.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely bored or restless and is trying to find any trivial activity or distraction to kill time. It often implies that the activity being suggested is a desperate attempt to overcome boredom rather than a genuine interest.
దొంగపోయి తలారివాని ఎదుట దాగినట్లు.
dongapoyi talarivani eduta daginatlu.
Like a thief going and hiding in front of the village watchman.
This proverb describes a foolish or ironical situation where someone tries to seek refuge or hide in the very place where they are most likely to be caught. It is used when a person's attempts to escape trouble lead them directly into the hands of the authorities or the person they are avoiding.
ఊరివారి బిడ్డను నగరివారు కొడితే, నగరివారి బిడ్డను నారాయణుడు కొడతాడు
urivari biddanu nagarivaru kodite, nagarivari biddanu narayanudu kodatadu
If the royalty strikes the commoner's child, God will strike the royalty's child.
This proverb conveys the concept of divine justice or karma. It suggests that if those in power (the palace/royalty) oppress or harm those who are defenseless (the common people), they will eventually face retribution from a higher power (God). It is used to warn people against abusing their authority or status.
ఊరివారి బిడ్డను నగరివారు కొట్టితే, నగరివారి బిడ్డను నారాయణుడు కొట్టును.
urivari biddanu nagarivaru kottite, nagarivari biddanu narayanudu kottunu.
If one of the royal family strike a villager's child, Nârâyaṇa will strike his child. "[ The LORD ] will avenge the blood of his servants." Deuteronomy xxxii. 43.
This proverb emphasizes the concept of divine justice and karma. It suggests that if those in power oppress or mistreat the common people who have no one to protect them, God will eventually intervene and punish the oppressors in a similar manner. It serves as a warning against the abuse of power.
పైతళ్ళుక్కయితే పడరాని పాట్లు పడవచ్చునుగాని, మొగం ముడతలు పడితే చేసే దేమున్నది
paitallukkayite padarani patlu padavachchunugani, mogam mudatalu padite chese demunnadi
If it is just a loss of wealth, one can endure any hardships to earn it back, but if the face gets wrinkled, what can be done?
This proverb highlights the difference between material loss and the irreversible passage of time or aging. It implies that lost wealth can be regained through hard work and perseverance, but lost youth and the physical effects of aging are permanent and beyond human control. It is used to emphasize that some things in life are rectifiable while others are inevitable.
పానము పాడైపోయినా, ప్రాణము కుదుట పడదు.
panamu padaipoyina, pranamu kuduta padadu.
Even if the drink/vessel is ruined, the life (breath) does not settle down.
This expression is used to describe a state of extreme anxiety, restlessness, or deep distress where no amount of material loss or external change can calm a person's inner turmoil. It highlights a situation where one's peace of mind is so severely disturbed that they cannot find comfort even after a crisis has passed or a sacrifice has been made.