సూదికిగాను సోదికి పోతే, పాత రంకులు బయటపడ్డాయి.

sudikiganu sodiki pote, pata rankulu bayatapaddayi.

Translation

When he went to the oracle to find the needle, his old sins came out.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to fix a trivial or minor problem, but in the process, they inadvertently expose much larger, hidden, or embarrassing secrets. It warns that sometimes the cost of seeking a solution for a small matter can be the revelation of major past mistakes.

Related Phrases

When one went for fortune-telling to find a lost needle, old rice-pounders (hidden secrets) were revealed.

This proverb describes a situation where a person, in an attempt to solve a trivial or minor problem, inadvertently uncovers much larger, hidden issues or scandals. It is used when someone's unnecessary curiosity or minor inquiry leads to the exposure of major secrets or embarrassing facts that were better left hidden.

When he went to raise a new loan, the old debt fell upon him. i. e. His creditor reminded him of the old score.

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to solve an existing problem or acquire a new resource results in being confronted by previous unresolved obligations. It is used when someone's efforts to move forward are hindered by their past mistakes or debts suddenly demanding attention.

When the buffalo dies, it comes out how much milk she gave.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the true value, contribution, or secrets of a person are only fully realized or disclosed after they are gone or when a resource is lost. It often implies that someone was exaggerating their worth or productivity while they were active.

In the " city of injustice," husband and wife even are accused of adultery.

This proverb describes a place or situation where corruption and lack of justice are so prevalent that even legitimate, righteous actions are seen as wrong or illegal. It is used to highlight systemic dysfunction where truth is twisted and innocent people are unfairly accused.

Hunting for cow-dung cakes in the Ramayana, and an illicit affair on Rangasani's mound.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is talking or acting in a completely irrelevant, incoherent, or absurd manner. It highlights the lack of connection between the subject matter (the epic Ramayana) and the trivial or inappropriate actions being described, mocking a person's lack of focus or logic.

Going to seek relief from a sin, only to be caught and inspected.

This proverb is used when someone attempts to find a solution or a remedy for a problem, but instead ends up in a worse situation or gets caught in a trap. It describes a scenario where seeking help or a way out results in more trouble or exposure than before.

When a fool gets angry, a potful of rice was touched by a dog.

This proverb describes a situation where an irrational or foolish person, in a fit of anger or ego, neglects their responsibilities or resources, leading to a loss. While they are busy being angry or throwing a tantrum, something valuable is wasted or ruined due to their lack of attention.

When looking for a lost needle, the adultery of seven generations was revealed.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a small, trivial investigation or pursuit leads to the accidental discovery of a massive, long-hidden scandal or a series of dark secrets. It warns that digging too deep into minor issues might uncover more than one bargained for.

If you go for fortune-telling, is there any shortage of advice?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone seeks advice or information and gets overwhelmed with excessive, often unnecessary, stories or lectures. It implies that certain people will keep talking or giving unwanted counsel as long as you are willing to listen.

When he went to lap, his livelihood went. When a greedy man went to spoon upon another for his breakfast he was kept waiting so long that he lost his situation.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone, out of greed or a desire for small, insignificant gains (scraps/leftovers), ends up losing something very valuable or even their entire livelihood. It serves as a warning against being penny-wise and pound-foolish, or taking unnecessary risks for minor rewards.