సూదివలె వచ్చి దబ్బనమువలె తేలినట్టు

sudivale vachchi dabbanamuvale telinattu

Translation

Coming like a needle and turning out a packing needle. The reverse of No. 688 q. v.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where something starts very small, modest, or harmless (like a tiny needle) but eventually grows into something large, intrusive, or problematic (like a thick bodkin/large needle). It is often used to refer to people who enter one's life humbly but end up becoming a major burden or dominating the space.

Related Phrases

Coming like a mountain and ending up like a piece of cork.

This expression describes a situation or problem that initially appeared massive, daunting, or overwhelming (like a mountain) but turned out to be insignificant, trivial, or easily resolved (like light cork) in the end. It is often used to describe anticlimactic events or when a big threat fizzles out into nothing.

A thick needle with a rope

This expression is used to describe a situation where things are perfectly matched or in total agreement. It can also imply a state of mutual convenience or being 'thick as thieves' when two people or things work together perfectly for a specific purpose.

He is like a snake which has eaten earth. In a stupid state. The Hindus say that snakes sometimes eat earth, when in want of food.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely sluggish, inactive, or lying motionless. It is often applied to people who are lazy or those who are resting heavily after overeating, based on the folk belief that a snake becomes immobile after consuming soil.

He eats like a bullock, and sleeps like a log.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely lazy or unproductive. It refers to someone who spends their entire time eating heavily and then sleeping soundly without doing any work or showing any responsibility.

Like coming in as a needle and ending up as a thick bodkin.

This proverb describes a situation where something starts very small, humble, or inconspicuous but eventually grows into a large, unmanageable, or significant issue. It is often used to refer to people who enter a situation quietly or modestly but soon start to dominate or cause trouble, or when a small debt or problem escalates into a massive one.

Coming like a mountain and dissolving like mist.

This expression is used to describe a situation or problem that initially appears massive, overwhelming, or extremely dangerous, but eventually resolves itself easily or disappears without causing any significant impact. It is similar to the English phrase 'much ado about nothing' or describes a threat that turns out to be harmless.

He is like a snake that has eaten mud.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely sluggish, lazy, or motionless. It refers to the belief that a snake becomes slow and inactive after consuming soil/prey, and is used to mock someone's lack of energy or activity.

Coming like a needle and ending up like a large bodkin.

This expression describes a situation where something starts very small, subtle, or harmless but grows into something significantly larger, more intrusive, or difficult to handle. It is often used to refer to people who enter a space or a life modestly but eventually dominate or cause unexpected trouble, or problems that escalate from minor to major proportions.

One must work like a slut and eat like a gentleman.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity of labor and the reward of hard work. It suggests that one should work with extreme humility and diligence (like a servant) in order to eventually enjoy a life of luxury and comfort (like a master/lord). It is used to encourage someone to put in hard effort now for a better future.

Coming like a mountain, and melting away like dew.

This expression is used to describe a situation or problem that initially appeared to be massive, overwhelming, and insurmountable (like a mountain), but eventually resolved itself easily or vanished without much effort (like mist/dew melting away). It is often used to express relief after a major scare.

Said of a difficulty which appears great when distant but is easily overcome when grappled with.