సెగ తగిలితే పాకం కరుగుతుందట

sega tagilite pakam karugutundata

Translation

They say the syrup melts when it feels the heat

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is stubborn, cold, or unresponsive finally starts to yield or change their attitude when they face pressure, difficulty, or a direct consequence (the 'heat'). It implies that everyone has a breaking point or a point of vulnerability.

Related Phrases

The trouble that befell the iron has now befallen the charcoal.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent associate or a bystander suffers the same harsh punishment or hardship as the main culprit. Just as charcoal is burnt and exhausted while heating iron in a forge, an innocent person often gets caught up and destroyed in the process of dealing with a problematic person or situation.

One who eats it raw because it might shrink if dried.

This expression describes an extremely stingy or miserly person. It refers to someone who is so obsessed with quantity and saving that they would rather consume something in its inferior, raw state (like wet grain or wood) just to avoid the natural, slight loss in volume or weight that occurs during the drying process.

If Rama's foot touches, even stones become beautiful women

This expression refers to the mythological story of Ahalya, who was turned into a stone by a curse and regained her human form when Lord Rama's feet touched her. It is used to describe the transformative power of a great person's presence or the idea that even the most lifeless or difficult situations can be sanctified and improved by a noble touch or divine grace.

If the crop-wind hits, the harvest will be abundant.

This proverb highlights the importance of favorable weather conditions, specifically the cooling breeze known as 'pairugali', for a successful agricultural yield. It is used to express that when the right environment or support is present, success and prosperity are guaranteed.

If the quality decreases, the shine decreases.

This expression means that a person's reputation or outward respect depends entirely on their character or the quality of their work. If one's inner worth or standard of work (vasi) declines, their fame and public standing (vanne) will automatically diminish.

If you touch the bullock, you must touch the soil.

This proverb emphasizes the necessity of hard work and physical labor to achieve results. It implies that if one engages in agriculture or any significant task (symbolized by the bullock), they must be prepared to get their hands dirty and work the land (the soil) to see success.

Will the quantity decrease if you count them?

This expression is used when someone is reluctant to share or reveal a large quantity of items out of fear that counting or showcasing them will somehow diminish their value or amount. It highlights the irrationality of being overly secretive or stingy when nothing is actually lost by being transparent or acknowledging the truth.

An iron pot can be mended if it breaks, but a clay pot cannot be mended if it breaks.

This proverb highlights the difference between salvageable and irreparable damage. It is often used to compare relationships or situations: strong bonds (iron) can be repaired after a conflict, but delicate trust or certain reputations (clay) are permanently destroyed once broken.

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.

If you show fire, butter melts without being asked.

This expression means that certain results are inevitable when the right conditions are met. Just as butter cannot resist heat, people or situations will react naturally and immediately to strong influence, pressure, or temptation without needing to be told.