పురుగు చేరిన పన్ను పలవింపజేయదా?

purugu cherina pannu palavimpajeyada?

Translation

Will a worm-infested tooth not cause pain?

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe how a single bad person or a small internal problem can cause immense distress to the entire group or family. Just as a tiny cavity (worm) in one tooth causes the whole mouth to ache, a troublemaker can ruin the peace of an organization.

Related Phrases

Like a pest attacking before the flowering stage.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a project, idea, or life stage is ruined or faces major obstacles right at its inception or even before it has had a chance to begin properly. It signifies early misfortune or premature failure.

Work involving ten people is spoiled.

This proverb is equivalent to the English saying 'Too many cooks spoil the broth.' It suggests that when too many people are involved in a single task, conflicting opinions and lack of coordination lead to failure or poor results.

A word spoken calmly can appease even the Lord of Destruction.

This expression emphasizes the power of gentle and composed speech. It suggests that when a person speaks without agitation or anger, they have the ability to pacify even the most furious or powerful individuals, figuratively represented here by 'Layakaala' (Lord Shiva/Yama). It is used to advise someone to maintain their cool during conflicts to achieve a peaceful resolution.

Even a small twig is useful for picking teeth.

This proverb conveys that nothing in the world is useless and every small thing has its own value or purpose. It is used to caution against dismissing someone or something as insignificant based on their size or status.

Whether the crop yields or withers, the tax is inevitable.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one's obligations, debts, or taxes must be paid regardless of their personal circumstances or success. It highlights the rigid and often unforgiving nature of certain systems or responsibilities.

Like squeezing an oilseed plant.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or futile task. Just as it is impossible to extract oil by simply squeezing the stalk or the whole plant of a sesame seed without proper processing of the seeds, it refers to efforts that yield no results because the approach is fundamentally wrong.

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 matter how tall the silk cotton tree grows, the parrot will never find useful fruit from it.

This proverb refers to the Silk Cotton tree (Burugu), whose fruit contains only fluff and no edible pulp. It is used to describe a situation where something appears grand, impressive, or promising from the outside (like the height of the tree), but is ultimately useless or provides no real benefit to the seeker (like the parrot). It warns against being deceived by outward appearances or high expectations from things that lack substance.

Like picking a fight with the ferryman after reaching the shore.

This expression refers to a situation where a person displays ungratefulness or arrogance toward someone who helped them, immediately after the danger or need has passed. It describes the act of turning against a benefactor once their assistance is no longer required to ensure one's safety or success.

Earth does not adhere to the mole-cricket. Engaging in a business but keeping clear of all responsibility.

This proverb describes a person who remains unaffected or untainted despite being in a corrupt, messy, or negative environment. Just as a dung beetle or mole cricket lives in the mud/dirt but stays clean, it refers to an individual's integrity or detachment from worldly impurities.