పులి పక్కన జోరీగ ఉన్నట్టు
puli pakkana joriga unnattu
Like a horsefly being beside a tiger
This expression is used to describe a situation where a weak or insignificant person stays close to a powerful person to feel important, or to describe a constant, annoying presence that bothers someone much more powerful than themselves.
Related Phrases
సాలె సభకు సాతాని పెద్ద, ఉల్లివనానికి జోరీగ కోకిల.
sale sabhaku satani pedda, ullivananiki joriga kokila.
In a council of weavers a Sâtâni presides ; in an onion garden the gad-fly is a cuckoo.
This proverb describes a situation where an incompetent or unqualified person is placed in a position of leadership or praise simply because no one else is available or because the environment is of low quality. Just as a horsefly might be mistaken for a melodic cuckoo in a smelly onion garden, an outsider or misfit might lead a group where they don't truly belong or where standards are low.
పులి పక్కన జోరీగ ఉన్నట్టు
puli pakkana joriga unnattu
Like a gadfly on a tiger's side. A safe refuge.
This expression describes a situation where a weak or insignificant person stays close to a powerful and dangerous person to act tough or harass others, relying on the tiger's presence for protection. It is used to mock someone who derives their confidence solely from their association with a powerful figure.
పేదవాని వెంట పడెనమ్మా జోరీగ
pedavani venta padenamma joriga
O mother, the gadfly is chasing the poor man.
This expression is used to describe a situation where troubles or misfortunes seem to disproportionately follow those who are already struggling. It highlights the irony and cruelty of fate where a person who has nothing is further harassed by even the smallest of nuisances or problems.
కాలిలో ముల్లు, చెవిలో జోరీగ
kalilo mullu, chevilo joriga
A thorn in the foot and a gadfly in the ear
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is suffering from multiple, persistent irritations or problems simultaneously. Just as a thorn makes walking painful and a gadfly's buzzing is incessantly annoying, it refers to being pestered by small but significant troubles that give a person no peace.
చెవి దగ్గర జోరీగలాగా
chevi daggara jorigalaga
Like a gadfly near the ear
Used to describe someone who is constantly nagging, complaining, or talking in an annoying manner. It refers to a persistent disturbance that is hard to ignore, much like the irritating buzz of a fly close to one's ear.
గోరీకాడి నక్క పొత్తు
gorikadi nakka pottu
A fox's partnership at a grave.
This expression is used to describe a friendship or alliance between people that is based solely on selfish interests or mutual exploitation, often in a sinister or opportunistic context. Just as a fox lingers near a grave for its own gain, this 'partnership' is untrustworthy and temporary.
మకరందపానంబు మధుకరాళికిగాక జోరీగలు జుజ్జిగలవా?
makarandapanambu madhukaralikigaka jorigalu jujjigalava?
Is the drinking of nectar for the honeybees, or can the gadflies taste it?
This expression is used to convey that only those with true refinement, taste, or merit can appreciate and enjoy higher qualities or sophisticated things. Just as a honeybee seeks nectar while a gadfly (horsefly) is attracted to filth, a person of low character or lack of intelligence cannot appreciate the depth of poetry, art, or wisdom. It highlights the inherent difference in nature and capability between individuals.
చెవిలో జోరీగ, కాలిలో ముల్లు
chevilo joriga, kalilo mullu
A beetle in the ear, a thorn in the foot
This expression is used to describe a situation or a person that is persistently annoying, irritating, or causing constant discomfort. Just as a buzzing beetle in the ear is distracting and a thorn in the foot makes every step painful, this phrase characterizes something that prevents peace of mind and requires immediate attention.
కొత్త కుండలో జోరీగ చొచ్చినట్టు
kotta kundalo joriga chochchinattu
Like a gad-fly flying into a new pot. The pot contains nothing, and the mouth being narrow, the fly has some difficulty in getting out again.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone or something creates a lot of noise, disturbance, or chaos in a quiet, pristine, or orderly environment. Just as a fly buzzing inside a resonant new clay pot creates an amplified and annoying sound, this refers to an individual who causes an unnecessary commotion or spoils a peaceful atmosphere.
ఊరు ఉన్నది, చిప్ప ఉన్నది
uru unnadi, chippa unnadi
There is the village and here is my cup. Said by a beggar.
This expression is used to describe a state of complete carelessness, detachment, or having nothing to lose. It implies that as long as there is a society to live in and a basic means to survive (even by begging), one need not worry about responsibilities or property. It is often said by or about people who are wandering or living a carefree, nomadic life without any attachments.