తడిసిన కుక్కి బిగిసినట్టు
tadisina kukki bigisinattu
When the cot was wet, it became tight. The cots used by the poorest classes are plaited with the fibres of the Cannabis Sativa which shrink when wet. A bad man is puffed up when flattered.
This expression is used to describe a situation or a problem that becomes increasingly difficult, rigid, or stubborn over time rather than resolving easily. It refers to how natural fibers like hemp or jute (kukki) shrink and tighten significantly after being soaked and then drying, making them nearly impossible to loosen.
Related Phrases
తడిసి ముప్పందుం మోసినట్టు
tadisi muppandum mosinattu
Like carrying 30 Tûms ( 750 lbs. ) when you're wet.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a task that was already difficult becomes even more burdensome or complicated due to unforeseen circumstances. 'Muppandum' refers to a specific heavy measure of grain; when it gets wet, it becomes significantly heavier and harder to carry, symbolizing added trouble.
కుక్క తీసిన కొయ్య, నక్క తీసిన కొయ్య
kukka tisina koyya, nakka tisina koyya
A stick taken by a dog, a stick taken by a jackal. No one agreeing with his neighbour. All at sixes and sevens.
This proverb is used to describe a situation or task that has been completely ruined or made useless by being handled by too many incompetent or unreliable people. It implies that when something is passed between many hands without proper care, it loses its original value or purpose.
ఎనుబోతు మీద వాన కురిసినట్టు
enubotu mida vana kurisinattu
As rain falls on a male buffalo. Apathetic indifference.
This expression is used to describe a person who is completely indifferent, thick-skinned, or unaffected by criticism, advice, or warnings. Just as a buffalo remains unbothered and stands still even when it rains heavily, it refers to someone who does not change their behavior regardless of the situation or feedback given to them.
లేస్తే మనిషిని కాదు అన్నట్టు
leste manishini kadu annattu
Like saying, 'If I get up, I am not a human'
This expression describes a person who makes grand, empty boasts or threats while being lazy or inactive. It is used to mock someone who talks big about their capabilities or temper but fails to take any actual action.
చెట్టు ఎక్కించి నిచ్చెన తీసేసినట్లు
chettu ekkinchi nichchena tisesinatlu
Making a man mount a tree and then taking away the ladder. Treachery. Breach of faith.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or helps another person to take a risk or reach a certain position, only to abandon them or withdraw support once they are vulnerable. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in a helpless situation after leading them into it.
పేను కుక్కినా కుక్కుతాడు, చెవి కరిచినా కరుస్తాడు
penu kukkina kukkutadu, chevi karichina karustadu
[ The monkey ] may either kill the louse, or bite off the ear.
This expression is used to describe an unpredictable person who oscillates between extremes—someone who can be insignificantly helpful or harmlessly quiet one moment, and then suddenly do something aggressive, harmful, or unexpected the next. It highlights a volatile or inconsistent personality.
కక్కిన కూటికి ఆశపడ్డట్టు
kakkina kutiki ashapaddattu
Lusting after vomited food.
This proverb is used to describe a person who returns to something they once rejected or discarded with disgust. It highlights a lack of self-respect or dignity when someone seeks out a thing, person, or position they previously deemed worthless or beneath them.
రాళ్ళను నార తీసినట్టు
rallanu nara tisinattu
Like taking the bark off a stone.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to achieve something impossible or attempting to extract something from a source that has nothing to give. It characterizes a task that is extremely difficult, futile, or involves dealing with a very stubborn and heartless person.
To milk a he goat. (Latin.)*
తడిసి ముప్పందం మోసినట్టు
tadisi muppandam mosinattu
Like carrying a three-layered rope that has become soaked.
This proverb describes a situation where an already difficult task becomes significantly more burdensome due to unfavorable circumstances. Just as a heavy rope becomes much heavier and harder to carry when it absorbs water, it refers to problems that compound or get 'heavier' over time.
తడిసిన కుక్కి బిగిసినట్లు
tadisina kukki bigisinatlu
Like a wet knot tightening further.
This expression is used to describe a situation or problem that becomes more complicated, stubborn, or difficult to resolve over time or due to certain actions. Just as a wet hemp rope or knot becomes tighter and harder to undo, some issues become increasingly rigid and unmanageable.