శకునం చూసి వెళ్ళితే, కాళ్ళు విరిగాయట

shakunam chusi vellite, kallu virigayata

Translation

When one went after checking for a good omen, the legs were broken.

Meaning

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where, despite taking all necessary precautions or waiting for an auspicious moment, the outcome was still a disaster or a failure. It highlights the irony of bad luck striking even when one tries to be extra careful.

Related Phrases

If given, it's a wedding; if not, it's total destruction.

This expression describes an extreme, 'all or nothing' attitude or a situation that results in either a grand celebration or complete ruin. It is often used to characterize people who are unpredictable and prone to overreacting—becoming overly generous when happy but destructive or hostile when they don't get their way.

An onion is not a jasmine flower, and a mistress is not a wife.

This proverb is used to highlight that certain things have inherent limitations and can never replace the original or the ideal. Just as an onion's pungent smell can never match the fragrance of a jasmine, a temporary or illegitimate relationship cannot provide the status, stability, or respect of a legal marriage.

Anger upon seeing an enemy, peace upon seeing a saint

This expression describes the natural human tendency to react differently based on the person encountered. It implies that our internal state—whether aggressive or calm—is often a reflection of the company we keep or the character of the person standing before us. It is used to suggest that one should strive for emotional balance or to describe how someone's demeanor shifts instantly depending on their surroundings.

When told to leave, acting as if invited to a wedding

This expression describes a person who thick-skinnedly ignores a clear rejection or an order to leave, instead pretending they were invited to stay for a celebration. It is used to mock someone who is unwelcome but refuses to take the hint or is intentionally being stubborn and naive to serve their own interest.

Fear is for the money, not for the wisdom.

This expression is used to describe a situation where people respect or fear someone only because of their wealth and social status, rather than their character, intelligence, or integrity. It highlights the materialistic nature of society.

The woman who doesn't know the difference between misfortune and fortune went to her husband's wedding.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks common sense, social awareness, or the ability to distinguish between a favorable and an unfavorable situation. It mocks the absurdity of someone celebrating or participating in an event that is actually detrimental to them.

Thinking of migrating to the same house one visited for a wedding.

This proverb is used to describe a person who, after experiencing a brief moment of hospitality or luxury at someone's house (like during a wedding), immediately desires to move in permanently. It mocks overstaying one's welcome or lacking the common sense to distinguish between temporary celebration and permanent living arrangements.

If given, it's a marriage; if not, it's shattered pieces.

This proverb describes a fickle or opportunistic person who is pleasant and supportive only as long as they receive favors or benefits. If their demands are met, everything is celebrated (like a wedding); if not, they turn hostile and create trouble (represented by the sound of crackers or destruction).

Even if its thighs swell to the size of a buffalo's, it will never become an elephant.

This proverb is used to describe people who think they can achieve greatness or a higher status simply by outward appearance or minor improvements. It implies that inner quality, true strength, or inherent nature cannot be changed through superficial growth. Just as a buffalo can never become an elephant no matter how big it grows, a person lacking true character or capability cannot become great just by imitating the external traits of greatness.

Shakuni

Refers to a person who is a master manipulator, a cunning strategist, or someone who creates rifts and discord within a group. It is derived from the character Shakuni in the Mahabharata who orchestrated the downfall of the Pandavas through deceit. It is commonly used to describe a person who gives malicious advice or plays mind games to cause trouble.