సింహం కూడా చీమకు భయపడే సమయం వస్తుంది
simham kuda chimaku bhayapade samayam vastundi
Even a lion will have a time when it must fear an ant
This proverb emphasizes that no matter how powerful or strong someone is, there are situations where even the smallest or seemingly weakest opponent can cause them trouble. It is used to teach humility and to warn against underestimating others based on their size or status.
Related Phrases
చిక్కిన సింహాన్ని బక్కకుక్క కూడా కరుస్తుంది
chikkina simhanni bakkakukka kuda karustundi
Even a lean dog will bite a lion that is trapped.
This proverb highlights how even the weak or cowardly take advantage of a powerful person when they are in a vulnerable, helpless, or weakened position. It is used to describe how circumstances can humiliate even the greatest of people.
ఆకొన్న సింహానికి ఏనుగు దొరికినట్లు
akonna simhaniki enugu dorikinatlu
Like a hungry lion finding an elephant
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone in desperate need or intense desire suddenly finds a massive, perfect opportunity or a great reward. It implies that a long-awaited solution has appeared at just the right time, providing more than enough to satisfy the need.
కరడికాటు పడినవాడు కంబళిని చూసి భయపడతాడు
karadikatu padinavadu kambalini chusi bhayapadatadu
One who has been bitten by a bear is afraid even at the sight of a black blanket.
This expression describes a state of extreme trauma or caution following a bad experience. Just as a black blanket resembles the fur of a bear, a person who has suffered a specific misfortune becomes paranoid or fearful of anything that even slightly resembles the original cause of their trouble. It is similar to the English proverb 'Once bitten, twice shy'.
ఎద్దును చూస్తే ముద్దు వస్తుంది, ఈడ్పు చూస్తే పడ్పు వస్తుంది
eddunu chuste muddu vastundi, idpu chuste padpu vastundi
Looking at the ox brings affection, but looking at its struggle to pull brings weariness.
This proverb highlights the contrast between the attractive appearance or potential of something and the harsh reality of the hard work or effort required to manage it. It is used when someone likes the idea or the look of a project or responsibility, but is discouraged once they see the difficult labor involved in executing it.
పాసిన కూడు పదునుకు వస్తుందా?
pasina kudu padunuku vastunda?
Can rotten food ever be made sweet? Past reformation.
This proverb is used to describe an irreversible situation or a person whose character cannot be reformed. Just as stale, cooked rice cannot be used as fertile seed for a new crop, some things or people are beyond the point of being useful or changed for the better.
భయముంటే వణకు, భయముంటే జయము లేదు.
bhayamunte vanaku, bhayamunte jayamu ledu.
If there is fear, there is trembling; if there is fear, there is no victory.
This expression emphasizes that fear is a major obstacle to success. It suggests that being afraid leads to physical instability (trembling) and mental weakness, which ultimately prevents a person from achieving their goals or winning.
ప్రాణం ఉన్నంత వరకు భయం లేదు
pranam unnanta varaku bhayam ledu
As long as life remains, there is no fear. Until the destined period of life has come to a close death need not be feared. While there is life there is hope.
This expression is used to convey resilience and courage. It suggests that as long as a person is alive, they have the strength to face any challenge or overcome any adversity. It is often used to motivate someone to stay brave during difficult times.
చిలుకకు చక్కెర చీమకు పంచదార
chilukaku chakkera chimaku panchadara
Sugar for the parrot, sugar for the ant
This expression describes a situation where a single act or resource benefits everyone involved, regardless of their status or size. It signifies impartiality, universal appeal, or a solution that satisfies diverse needs perfectly. In a broader sense, it refers to something being sweet or beneficial to all.
ఆరు నెలలు గడిస్తే అల్లుడు కూడా కొడుకే అవుతాడు
aru nelalu gadiste alludu kuda koduke avutadu
After six months, even the son-in-law becomes like a son.
This expression is used to describe how people eventually adapt to new environments or habits over time. It suggests that with constant association and the passage of time, outsiders become like family, or unfamiliar things become second nature.
ఏనుగు బళ్ళు ఏనుగుకు బరువు, చీమ బళ్ళు చీమకు బరువు
enugu ballu enuguku baruvu, chima ballu chimaku baruvu
The elephant's load is heavy for the elephant, the ant's load is heavy for the ant.
This proverb highlights that burden and struggle are relative to one's capacity. What might seem like a small problem to a powerful person can be an overwhelming challenge for someone less resourceful. It teaches empathy and the understanding that everyone faces difficulties proportional to their own strength or status.