పొడుపుం బాము
podupum bamu
Like the Boa Constrictor.
This expression refers to someone who is a quiet but dangerous instigator. It describes a person who hides their intentions like a snake in a hole and suddenly 'pokes' or strikes at the right moment to create trouble or conflict.
Applied to indolent persons; or to those who, from religious motives, separate themselves from the world and strive to quench all natural emotions.
Related Phrases
బూడిద గుంటలో కుక్క
budida guntalo kukka
Like a dog lying in the warm ashes. Keeping quiet for a while, but soon returning to mischief.
This expression is used to describe a person who settles into a comfortable or lazy situation and refuses to move or take up responsibilities. Just as a dog finds warmth in a pit of warm ashes and remains there stubbornly, it refers to someone who is stagnant and indifferent to their surroundings or progress.
చవక దూబరదిండికి కారణము
chavaka dubaradindiki karanamu
Cheapness causes extravagance. A good bargain is a pick purse. What is not needed is dear at a farthing. (Latin.)
This expression suggests that buying something just because it is cheap often leads to waste. It is used to advise people that low-quality or inexpensive items may not last long or may be unnecessary, eventually leading to more spending or loss than buying a quality item.
మంచి చేసిన ముంగిసకు మరణము సంభవించినట్టు
manchi chesina mungisaku maranamu sambhavinchinattu
Although it did a good act, death overtook the Mongoose. The Mongoose tore in pieces a snake which approached a sleeping child. The mother, who had been out, met the little animal covered with the blood of the snake and killed it, thinking it had killed her son.— ( See Telugu Selections 20th story. )
This expression refers to a story from the Panchatantra where a loyal mongoose kills a snake to protect a baby, but the mother kills the mongoose thinking it harmed the child. It is used to describe situations where a well-intentioned or noble act results in undeserved punishment, tragedy, or misunderstanding due to hasty judgment.
నివురు గప్పిన నిప్పు
nivuru gappina nippu
Fire covered with embers. Said of a very learned and humble man.
This expression refers to a hidden talent, an underlying emotion, or a latent danger that is not immediately visible. Just as hot coal remains burning underneath a layer of ash, it describes someone or something that appears calm or dormant on the outside but possesses great intensity, power, or suppressed anger within.
* Dame donde me asienta, que yo me haré donde me acuesta.
నాగుబాము చిన్నదనవద్దు, పాలినవాడు సన్నమనవద్దు
nagubamu chinnadanavaddu, palinavadu sannamanavaddu
Do not say a cobra is small; do not say an enemy is weak.
This proverb warns against underestimating potential dangers based on size or appearance. Just as even a small cobra possesses deadly venom, an opponent or enemy, regardless of how weak or diminished they may seem, can still cause significant harm. It is used to advise caution and vigilance.
గాము సోకినట్లు
gamu sokinatlu
As if possessed by an evil spirit or celestial influence
This expression is used to describe a person who is acting strangely, stubbornly, or behaving in an irrational and unpredictable manner. In traditional belief, 'Gaamu' refers to a malefic planetary influence or a spirit. It is commonly used to critique someone's sudden negative change in behavior or their persistent bad mood.
రేగుచెట్టు కింద ముసలమ్మ
reguchettu kinda musalamma
Like the old woman under the Rēgu tree. To knock off the fruit, boys were throwing stones into the tree, and they fell on the old woman who was too infirm to move away. An unfortunate position.
This phrase refers to someone who is talkative and gossips excessively. It originates from the image of an old woman sitting in the shade of a jujube tree (Regu chettu), where people gather, leading to endless chatting and rumor-mongering.
లోపల లొటలొట పైన మిటమిట
lopala lotalota paina mitamita
Hollow on the inside, shining on the outside
Used to describe a situation or a person who appears grand, wealthy, or impressive on the outside but is actually empty, poor, or lacking substance internally. It is often applied to people who maintain a fake status despite having no resources.
ఓడ పగిలినా కళాసులకి ఏమిటి భయం?
oda pagilina kalasulaki emiti bhayam?
Like the crew of a wrecked ship. In a miserable plight. Said of something sudden and alarming.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where subordinates or employees are not worried about the loss or failure of a project or business because they don't have a personal stake or investment in it. They believe they can simply find work elsewhere, while only the owner suffers the loss. It highlights a lack of responsibility or ownership among workers.
బురద గుంటలో పంది
burada guntalo pandi
Like a pig in the mire.
This expression is used to describe someone who is in their element or perfectly happy in a situation that others might find dirty, messy, or unpleasant. It can also refer to a person who is lazy and refuses to leave a stagnant or bad situation because they find it comfortable.