పిట్టపోరు పిట్టపోరు పిల్లి తీర్చినట్లు

pittaporu pittaporu pilli tirchinatlu

Translation

Like a cat resolving the fight between two small birds

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where two parties are fighting over something, and a third party intervenes under the guise of helping, only to take advantage of the situation and seize the prize for themselves. It serves as a warning against letting outsiders mediate internal conflicts when their intentions might be predatory.

Related Phrases

The mediation of a lapwing bird.

Used to describe a situation where a weak or insignificant person attempts to mediate between two powerful parties, often resulting in no one listening to them or the mediation being entirely ineffective. It originates from folklore where a small bird tries to settle a dispute between larger animals or forces.

Like the cat settling the dispute between two birds. By eating them both up ( See Telugu Panchatantra, page 94. )

This proverb describes a situation where a third party takes advantage of a conflict between two people. Instead of resolving the issue fairly, the mediator benefits themselves at the expense of both disputing parties, much like a cat eating the birds it was supposed to mediate for.

Like birds flocking to a small pool of water.

This expression is used to describe a situation where people naturally gravitate towards a source of profit, help, or abundance. Just as birds gather at a 'chelama' (a small pit of water dug in a dried-up riverbed) during dry times, people flock to those who have wealth or resources.

No mother-in-law's nagging, no father-in-law's nagging, and no buffalo in the place where one went to pick dung.

This proverb describes a state of absolute freedom or a worry-free situation where there is no one to monitor, criticize, or obstruct one's work. It is used to express that a task can be done peacefully without any external interference or obstacles.

Like a bird whose wings have been plucked.

This expression describes a state of utter helplessness, powerlessness, or vulnerability. Just as a bird cannot fly or protect itself without its wings, it refers to a person who has lost their primary source of strength, support, or resources, leaving them unable to function or defend themselves.

Nagging by the wife at home, and the pressure of debts outside.

This proverb describes a situation where a person is caught between two stressful environments. It is used to express being overwhelmed by constant domestic complaints or arguments on one side, and financial pressures or creditors' demands on the other.

How much can you feed a tiny bird?

This expression is used to describe a person with a very small appetite or someone who consumes very little. It implies that the amount required to satisfy them is negligible, much like the tiny amount of food a small bird eats.

If you have a mouth, you can win the battle

This expression emphasizes the power of eloquence and communication skills. It suggests that a person who speaks persuasively, boldly, or cleverly can overcome challenges, win arguments, and succeed in difficult situations, even without physical strength.

Two birds with one blow

This expression is used when a single action or effort achieves two different goals or solves two problems simultaneously. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English idiom 'Killing two birds with one stone'.

Like a cat settling a fight between two birds.

This proverb is used when two parties in a dispute seek help from a third party who ends up exploiting the situation for their own benefit, causing both original parties to lose everything. It is a cautionary saying about trusting an untrustworthy mediator.