శాపాలు ఉత్సవాల వంటివి, అవి ఊరేగి ఊరేగి బయలుదేరిన చోటుకే వచ్చి చేరును.

shapalu utsavala vantivi, avi uregi uregi bayaluderina chotuke vachchi cherunu.

Translation

Curses are like festivals; they process around and eventually return to the place where they started.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that bad intentions or curses directed at others often come back to haunt the person who uttered them. It is similar to the English expression 'curses like chickens come home to roost.' It is used to caution people against wishing ill upon others, implying that the negative energy will eventually return to the sender.

Related Phrases

If a saint gets provoked or if vulgarity breaks out, it won't end easily.

This proverb suggests that certain things, once triggered, are difficult to contain or calm down. A quiet, patient person (Saint) once pushed to anger becomes extremely fierce, and similarly, once a situation turns foul or vulgar, the unpleasantness lingers or escalates uncontrollably.

One fails and turns toward the north

This expression is used to describe a person who, after failing at their primary task or profession, turns to spirituality or pilgrimage (symbolized by the North/Himalayas). It is often used to mock someone who takes up religious life only because they have no other options left or have failed in worldly matters.

Like setting out on a journey with an owl tucked under one's arm.

In Telugu culture, owls are often associated with bad luck or ill omens. This expression is used to describe someone who knowingly or unknowingly carries something that brings bad luck, or starts a task with a negative element that ensures failure or trouble.

Like someone setting out to commit a theft during the day just because the days are good.

This proverb is used to mock someone who misinterprets a favorable situation or a 'good time' as an excuse to perform foolish, risky, or illegal acts without caution. It highlights the irony of using a positive circumstance to justify an inherently wrong or illogical action.

If Pubba bursts forth ( in rain ) or if obscenity breaks out, they won't stop.

This proverb refers to the 'Pubba' rain (part of the rainy season in the Telugu calendar), which is known for its sudden, intense, and loud outbursts that subside quickly. It compares this natural phenomenon to a person's sudden outburst of foul language or anger, suggesting that both are temporary and will inevitably die down soon.

Pubba is the eleventh lunar mansion. If the first of July it be rainy weather, 'Twill rain more or less for four weeks together.

Tie yourself to a hanging rope basket and go around the village.

A sarcastic expression used to mock someone who is overly proud or seeking excessive attention for a minor or insignificant achievement. It is used to tell someone that they are acting as if they have done something heroic when they haven't.

If the jaw (speech/hunger) flares up or if the club (violence) flares up, it is hard to stop.

This proverb is used to describe situations that have escalated beyond control. 'Davada' (jaw) refers to either incessant talking/arguing or extreme hunger, while 'Daddu' (club/staff) refers to physical violence or mob fury. It implies that once a verbal conflict or physical aggression reaches a certain intensity, it is nearly impossible to contain or restrain.

When a 'virtuous' housewife went out in a procession, the entire village was burnt down by a single prickly chaff flower plant.

This is a sarcastic proverb used to describe incompetent or unlucky people who cause massive disasters while claiming to be perfect or auspicious. It is often used to mock someone's self-proclaimed greatness when their actions lead to unintended, widespread chaos.

The village can do nothing to a person who remains silent.

This expression emphasizes the power of silence and patience. It suggests that if a person remains calm, avoids unnecessary arguments, and stays silent during a conflict, even an entire community or a large group cannot harm them or provoke them into trouble. It is often used to advise someone to stay quiet to avoid escalating a situation.

Pleasures are like flowers; they vanish as soon as they are experienced.

This expression emphasizes the fleeting and ephemeral nature of worldly pleasures. Just as a flower's beauty and fragrance are short-lived once plucked or enjoyed, human comforts and joys are temporary and do not last forever. It is often used to remind someone to remain grounded or to seek deeper meaning beyond temporary satisfactions.