పిచ్చివాని చేతిరాయి తగిలితే తగులుతుంది, తప్పితే తప్పుతుంది

pichchivani chetirayi tagilite tagulutundi, tappite tapputundi

Translation

A stone thrown by a madman may hit or it may miss.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe an unpredictable outcome or a situation governed purely by chance rather than skill or logic. It suggests that when dealing with an unstable person or a disorganized plan, the result is entirely accidental—success is a stroke of luck and failure is just as likely, so one should not depend on it.

Related Phrases

The toe that is already injured is the one that gets hit again.

This proverb is used to describe a streak of bad luck or a situation where troubles seem to accumulate for someone who is already suffering. It is similar to the English expression 'When it rains, it pours.'

What is offered to the mouth hits the chest.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one's own words, deeds, or actions (often negative or ill-intended) eventually come back to affect them personally. It is similar to the English expressions 'what goes around comes around' or 'reaping what you sow.'

If moderation is missed, well-being is lost.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of life. It suggests that once a person exceeds limits—whether in food, speech, or behavior—the benefit or goodness associated with it disappears and leads to negative consequences.

If a step is missed, a lightning strike is avoided.

This expression is used to signify a narrow escape from a major disaster or a life-threatening situation. It suggests that a small change in timing or a slight physical shift saved someone from a great calamity.

If the king fails in righteousness, the land loses its fertility

This proverb emphasizes the impact of leadership on society. It suggests that when a leader lacks integrity or fails to govern justly, the entire region and its people suffer. In a modern context, it is used to describe how the lack of ethics in management or governance leads to the decline and ruin of an organization or a nation.

If one loses their character, their glory diminishes.

This proverb emphasizes that a person's reputation and status (glory) are directly tied to their conduct and character. If one deviates from their values or loses their integrity, their social standing and respect will naturally decline. It is used to advise someone to maintain their standards to preserve their dignity.

A stone thrown by an unskilled laborer might hit the target or it might miss it entirely.

This proverb is used to describe actions or outcomes that are completely dependent on luck or chance rather than skill or planning. It implies that when someone incompetent or careless does something, there is no guarantee of the result; it is purely accidental if it works out.

The injured finger is the one that keeps getting hit.

This expression is used to describe a situation where troubles or misfortunes seem to repeatedly affect the same person or the same weak spot. It is similar to the English proverb 'Misfortunes never come singly' or the idea that 'it always pours when it rains.' It highlights how a person already in distress often faces further complications.

A wounded foot is always striking against something.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where misfortunes or problems seem to follow a person who is already in trouble. It is similar to the English expression 'misfortunes never come singly' or 'when it rains, it pours.' It highlights how vulnerable points are often the ones that suffer repeated setbacks.

A stick always hits the finger that is already wounded.

This proverb describes a streak of bad luck where problems seem to target those who are already suffering. It is used when a person who is already in a difficult situation faces even more setbacks or when an existing weakness is repeatedly exposed to further damage.