శేషయ్య బుసలు కొడితే గరుడయ్య గాండ్రించాడట

sheshayya busalu kodite garudayya gandrinchadata

Translation

When Seshayya hissed, Garudayya roared.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where two individuals are trying to intimidate or outdo each other with empty threats or exaggerated displays of power. It highlights a competitive rivalry where one person's provocation is met with an even louder or more aggressive response, often implying that neither is actually taking action but merely making noise.

Related Phrases

Remains of a debt, of a sore, or of a fire should not be left.

This proverb advises that certain things must be dealt with completely and never left unfinished. Debts (Runam) can grow with interest, wounds (Vranam) can become infected or septic if not fully healed, and fire (Agni) can regrow from a single spark to cause destruction. It is used to suggest that problems should be solved at their root entirely.

When asked 'Are you well, Garuda?', he replied 'I am well as long as I am with Sesha'.

This proverb highlights how one's safety or power often depends on their environment or the protection of someone more powerful. It originates from a story where a snake (Sesha), usually prey to the eagle (Garuda), remains safe because it is wrapped around Lord Vishnu's neck. It is used to describe situations where a person's status or security is purely due to their association with a position of power.

Do not leave remnants of fire, debt, enemies, or wounds.

This proverb advises that some things must be dealt with completely and never left unfinished. A small spark can restart a fire; a small unpaid debt can grow; a surviving enemy can return for revenge; and an unhealed wound can become infected. It is used to emphasize the importance of thoroughness in solving problems to prevent them from recurring.

When asked 'Garuda, are you well?', the response was 'Sesha is also well'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two rivals or enemies are forced to maintain a facade of civility due to their circumstances. It originates from a story where Garuda (the eagle) and Sesha (the serpent) meet; despite being natural enemies, they inquire about each other's well-being because the situation prevents them from fighting. It highlights tactical politeness or a stalemate between powerful opponents.

They say a vulture died because a crow was hit.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an action is taken against a minor or irrelevant target, but the result is claimed to have affected a much larger or more significant entity. It highlights a false sense of achievement or a logical fallacy where two unrelated events are linked to exaggerate one's prowess.

When one says 'Is Sesha well?', the other replies 'Is Garuda well?'

This expression describes a situation where two people who are mutual enemies or rivals pretend to care for each other's well-being for the sake of social etiquette or formality. It is used to mock insincere exchanges between individuals who secretly wish for each other's downfall, similar to the mythological enmity between Sesha (the serpent) and Garuda (the eagle).

"How are you Garuḍa ?" said the snake Śeśa, "How are you Śeśa ?" replied the kite. Śeśa took advantage of his position on the wrist of Śiva to address Garuḍa, the sacred kite of Viṣṇu, in an impertinently familiar manner, to which Garuḍa was compelled to submit. A mean person taking advantage of his influence with a great man, to treat his betters with insolence.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two arch-enemies or rivals are forced to maintain a facade of politeness due to circumstances. It originates from a dialogue between Garuda (the eagle) and the serpent Adi Shesha; despite being natural enemies, they inquire about each other's welfare while keeping a safe distance, implying a tense but respectful standoff.

When asked 'Is it sheekasha lessa?', the reply was 'Garudaya garudaya lessa'

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people have a conversation without understanding each other at all, or when someone gives a completely irrelevant and nonsensical answer to a question. It highlights a breakdown in communication where both parties are using gibberish or terms they don't comprehend.

Garuda service in Kanchi

This expression refers to a task that involves immense effort or travel but results in a very brief or momentary reward. It originates from the Kanchi temple festival where the deity's procession on the Garuda mount moves so swiftly that devotees only get a fleeting glimpse despite waiting for hours.

Remnants of fire, remnants of a wound, remnants of debt, and remnants of an enemy should not be left.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of complete resolution. It warns that even a small spark of fire can burn down a house, a partially healed wound can become infected again, a small remaining debt can grow through interest, and a defeated but surviving enemy can strike back. One must deal with these four problems thoroughly and leave no trace behind to ensure safety and peace.