పెయ్యను కాపాడమని పెద్దపులికి అప్పజెప్పినట్లు
peyyanu kapadamani peddapuliki appajeppinatlu
Like entrusting a tiger to protect a calf
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone seeks protection or help from the very person who is likely to cause them harm. It highlights the foolishness of trusting a predator with its natural prey or putting a person in charge of something they are known to exploit.
Related Phrases
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.
చిలుకను పెంచి, బావురుగానికి అప్పచెప్పినట్లు
chilukanu penchi, bavuruganiki appacheppinatlu
Like raising a parrot and handing it over to a wild cat.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone puts immense effort, love, and care into nurturing something or someone, only to see it end up in the hands of someone who will ruin or destroy it. It signifies the irony of a precious outcome being wasted or falling into the wrong hands due to unfortunate circumstances or bad decisions.
చిన్న నోటికి పెద్ద మాట
chinna notiki pedda mata
Big words for a small mouth
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone (often a younger person or someone in a subordinate position) speaks in a manner that is overly ambitious, arrogant, or beyond their age and status. It is often used as a mild rebuke or a way to highlight that someone is talking beyond their experience or authority.
ఆచారం చెప్పిన పెద్దమనిషి ఆకూటికే
acharam cheppina peddamanishi akutike
The gentleman who preaches customs also seeks the same food.
This expression is used to highlight hypocrisy. It describes a person who preaches strict rules, values, or traditions to others but ignores them when it comes to their own personal gain or basic needs. It suggests that even those who act superior or disciplined are ultimately driven by the same basic desires or self-interest as everyone else.
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.
కడుపులో కాపాడినవాడు కాలాన కాపాడడా?
kadupulo kapadinavadu kalana kapadada?
Will the one who protected [you] in the womb not protect [you] in due time?
This is an expression of faith and reassurance. It suggests that since God (or nature) protected a person during their most vulnerable stage inside the mother's womb, they will surely be looked after during difficult times in life. It is used to instill hope and patience during periods of crisis or uncertainty.
ఉన్నవాడు ఊరికి పెద్ద, చచ్చినవాడు కాటికి పెద్ద.
unnavadu uriki pedda, chachchinavadu katiki pedda.
He that is alive is the head man of the village, and he that is dead is the head man of the burial ground. A taunt used to one who tries to make out that he is very highly connected.
This proverb highlights the transient nature of power and social status. It suggests that authority and leadership are only relevant while a person is alive and present in society; once deceased, their worldly influence vanishes and they belong only to the graveyard.
చిన్న ఇల్లు కట్టుకొని పెద్ద కాపురము చేయవలెను
chinna illu kattukoni pedda kapuramu cheyavalenu
Build a small house, and become great. The Hindus consider it unlucky to commence housekeeping in a large house.
This proverb advises financial prudence and modesty. It suggests that one should live in a modest house (within their means) while focusing resources on the growth, prosperity, and well-being of the family members. It emphasizes prioritizing people and life quality over showy material assets.
పెయ్యను పెంచితే పేదరికం లేదు
peyyanu penchite pedarikam ledu
If you raise a heifer, there is no poverty.
This proverb highlights the importance of animal husbandry and long-term planning. A heifer (young female cow) eventually grows to provide milk and offspring, ensuring a source of livelihood and financial security for a household. It suggests that small, diligent investments in livestock can eliminate poverty.
పిలిచి పెద్దపులికి పేరంటం పెట్టినట్లు
pilichi peddapuliki perantam pettinatlu
Like inviting a tiger to a social gathering.
This proverb describes a situation where someone voluntarily invites a dangerous or troublesome person into their lives or affairs, essentially creating their own misfortune. It is used when a person's own actions or invitations lead to a predictable disaster or threat.