స్వాతికొంగలమీదికి సాళువ పోయినట్టు

svatikongalamidiki saluva poyinattu

Translation

Like a hawk attacking a flock of cranes.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where a single powerful, swift, or skilled individual easily scatters or dominates a large but weaker group. It signifies overwhelming power, efficiency, and a one-sided encounter.

Notes

Svātikonga is a kind of crane which emigrates in Svāti, the 15th lunar mansion. Sāḷuva is a hawk used in hunting.

Related Phrases

Like losing one's senses while going for an ascetic.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person, in the pursuit of something minor or spiritual, ends up losing their common sense or something far more valuable. It highlights a loss of perspective or poor judgment during a specific endeavor.

Close (your mouth) and sit

This is a blunt and often rude expression used to tell someone to shut up or stay quiet. It is commonly used when someone is talking unnecessarily, annoying others, or meddling in affairs that do not concern them. It literally instructs the person to 'shut it' and remain still.

Water needs a lily, speech needs pleasantness.

Just as a water lily enhances the beauty and serenity of a pond, pleasant and polite words bring grace and coolness to a conversation. It emphasizes the importance of speaking kindly and gently to maintain harmony.

The devils caught him in the place he went to hide in. One ill calls another. (Italian.)

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone, while trying to escape or hide from a small problem or danger, ends up encountering a much bigger or more terrifying trouble. It is similar to the English expression 'out of the frying pan and into the fire.'

Like a hawk pouncing upon a flock of cranes.

This expression describes an action that is swift, decisive, and overwhelming. It is used when a powerful force or a highly skilled person easily overcomes a large group of weaker opponents, much like how a single bird of prey (hawk/falcon) can scatter and dominate a large flock of cranes.

When one went up the hill for sweets, they lost the pudding they already had.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's greed or pursuit of more results in the loss of what they already possessed. It is used to caution against abandoning a sure thing in favor of an uncertain, potentially better gain, only to end up with nothing.

If alms are given ten times in an enemy's house, so much the better.

This proverb suggests that one should not expect help or goodwill from an enemy. Even if they appear to give something or help you, it is likely temporary, unreliable, or comes with hidden strings that ultimately result in a loss for you. It emphasizes the importance of self-respect and the futility of depending on those who wish you ill.

When one went to a monk's place, they lost their mind.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone seeks wisdom or a solution from a supposedly wise person or place, but instead ends up becoming confused or losing their common sense. It highlights how influence from certain 'holy' figures or complex philosophies can sometimes disorient a person instead of helping them.

The Swati crane and the farmer will only stay where there is water.

This proverb highlights pragmatism and necessity. Just as a crane stays by a water body for food and a farmer stays by a water source for his livelihood, people generally gravitate toward places or situations where their needs are met or where there is a benefit for them.

As the river sleeps. Smooth waters run deep. There is no worse water than that which sleeps. ( French. )

This expression is used to describe a person who appears very calm, innocent, or silent on the surface but possesses great depth, hidden strength, or potential danger. Just as a river looks still while having a powerful current underneath, it refers to someone whose true intentions or capabilities are not immediately visible.