పేనుకు పెత్తనమిస్తే, యీపిని యిరవైచోట్ల యీనిందట

penuku pettanamiste, yipini yiravaichotla yinindata

Translation

If you give authority to a louse, it will lay eggs in twenty places on your back.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an incompetent or mean-spirited person is given power, which they then abuse to cause excessive trouble or chaos. It suggests that giving authority to someone undeserving or petty will only lead to negative consequences.

Related Phrases

When power was given to a louse, it bit all over the head.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an undeserving or small-minded person is given power or responsibility, and they end up causing significant harm or abusing that power. It highlights the dangers of entrusting authority to the wrong person.

Abuse of authority.

"Holloa Doctor! we don't want medicine for a cured dis- ease, there's a bitch with pups in the house." Doing the Doctor, when he called for his fees.

This expression is used to describe someone who makes up excuses or finds irrelevant reasons to avoid something they no longer need or want. It illustrates a situation where a person, having recovered from an illness, tries to dismiss the doctor by citing a completely unrelated and silly reason (like a dog having given birth in the house) to justify why they won't take further treatment or pay for services.

If you give authority to a dog, won't it mess with the pots?

This proverb is used to describe the consequences of giving responsibility or authority to an unworthy, incompetent, or untrustworthy person. It suggests that such individuals will inevitably misuse their power or cause a mess, as they lack the character or skill to handle the position properly.

When a monkey was given authority, it reportedly swam across the Godavari river.

This proverb is used to describe the consequences of giving power or responsibility to an incompetent, irresponsible, or foolish person. Instead of using the authority wisely, they act erratically or perform unnecessary and reckless tasks that lead to chaos or waste.

If a scorpion is given authority, it will sting relentlessly all night long!

This proverb is used to describe the consequences of giving power to a cruel or incompetent person. Just as a scorpion's nature is to sting, a malicious person will misuse their newfound authority to harass others or cause harm without restraint.

Mr. Four hundred and twenty

This is a sarcastic expression used to refer to someone as a cheat, fraud, or a con artist. It combines the respectful prefix 'Sriyutulu' (Mr./Shree) with '420' (Nannuta Iravai), which is the section of the Indian Penal Code dealing with cheating and dishonesty. It is used to mockingly address a person who thinks they are clever but are actually known for their deceptive behavior.

When the scorpion was given power, it continued stinging until the morning.

This proverb describes the consequences of giving power or responsibility to a wicked or incompetent person. Just as a scorpion's nature is to sting, a malicious person will misuse their authority to cause constant harm or trouble to others once they are in control.

Applied to the abuse of authority by evil persons.

If you give a louse authority, it will bite the entire head off.

This proverb describes a situation where an undeserving, petty, or small-minded person is given power or authority, and they end up abusing it to cause significant damage or nuisance. It is used to caution against putting incompetent or mean-spirited people in charge.

If you give authority to a dog, it will bite all the sandals.

This proverb is used to describe the consequences of giving power or responsibility to an incompetent, unworthy, or foolish person. Instead of performing the duties properly, such a person will only cause destruction or focus on their base instincts, similar to how a dog given authority over a house would simply ruin the footwear.

A louse, if entrusted with authority, only does what it knows to do: it bites the whole

If an unworthy person is given authority, he will misuse it and destroy the whole organization. One should exercise great caution and proper judgment, while selecting the leaders.