తడిక గట్టి గోడను తన్నరాదు.

tadika gatti godanu tannaradu.

Translation

Having tied a bamboo mat, one should not kick a wall.

Meaning

This proverb advises against challenging or attacking someone much stronger than yourself when you are in a weak or vulnerable position. Just as a flimsy bamboo mat (tadika) cannot withstand the recoil or impact of kicking a solid wall, a person with limited resources or power should not provoke a far superior opponent, as it will only result in self-injury.

Related Phrases

A lord should not be called poor, and an ox should not be called gentle.

This proverb warns against making assumptions based on appearances or temporary states. A powerful person (lord), even if currently lacking funds, still possesses influence and status. Similarly, an ox, no matter how calm it seems, is fundamentally a powerful animal that can become unpredictable or dangerous at any moment. It teaches us to respect inherent nature and power.

Should not hear, should not see, should not say.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle (See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil). It serves as a moral guideline advising people to avoid listening to gossip or negativity, refrain from witnessing bad deeds, and avoid speaking ill of others or using harsh language.

As if bringing the very ropes used to tie oneself up.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone inadvertently creates their own troubles or provides the means for their own downfall. It is similar to the English idiom 'digging one's own grave' or 'handing someone a stick to beat you with'.

A barren cow bellows the most

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Empty vessels make the most noise'. It describes people who have no real substance, knowledge, or merit, but talk excessively or make loud boasts to compensate for their lack of ability.

Whether it's that way or this way, it's still the donation of a cow.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the outcome remains the same regardless of which choice is made or which path is taken. It highlights that certain actions lead to the same result or require the same level of sacrifice, making the distinction between choices irrelevant.

It is like digging up a mountain to catch a mouse.

A fruitless endeavor considering what is obtained by the effort. Sometimes, one makes herculean efforts but achieves precious little.

One should kick a screen while leaning on a wall, but one should not try to kick a wall while leaning on a screen.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation or support system before taking action. It suggests that you should use a stable, powerful base to deal with weaker problems, rather than relying on something flimsy or weak to tackle a massive, immovable challenge. It is used to advise someone to assess their strengths and resources realistically before attempting a difficult task.

Going to a tomb and attempting conception next to a wall.

This expression is used to describe someone who attempts to perform a task at an entirely inappropriate or ill-suited place. It highlights the irony of seeking to start a new life (conception) in a place associated with death (a tomb), signifying poor judgment or lack of common sense regarding timing and location.

If the sharpness is lost or the right time is missed, the tax is a waste.

This proverb is primarily used in the context of agriculture but applies to any time-sensitive task. It means that if your tools aren't sharp (readiness) or if you miss the specific window of opportunity (timing), all the effort and money (taxes/investment) put into the endeavor will be a total loss. It emphasizes that both preparation and timing are crucial for success.

Donkey's chaos/clipping

This expression is used to describe a situation of extreme chaos, disorder, or a messy state of affairs. It often refers to something that is disorganized, nonsensical, or a noisy disturbance where nothing constructive is happening.