తలక్రింది కొరివి
talakrindi korivi
A firebrand under the head
This expression refers to a constant, self-inflicted danger or a situation where one harbors something extremely risky or harmful. It is often used to describe keeping an untrustworthy person close or maintaining a habit that will eventually lead to one's own destruction.
Related Phrases
సానకింద దీపం వలె
sanakinda dipam vale
Like a lamp under a whetstone.
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is darkness or ignorance right at the base of a source of light or knowledge. It refers to someone who is very close to a person of greatness or wisdom, yet remains uninfluenced or unaware of that excellence, similar to how the area directly beneath a lamp remains in shadow.
తలంత బలమున్నా, తల కొరివి పెట్టేవాడు లేడు
talanta balamunna, tala korivi pettevadu ledu
Even with strength the size of a mountain, there is no one to perform the final rites.
This proverb highlights a tragic situation where a person might have achieved great power, wealth, or physical strength during their lifetime, yet lacks a family member or a son to perform their funeral rites (specifically lighting the funeral pyre). It is used to describe the irony of being powerful in life but helpless and lonely in death.
కూతురు బిడ్డవని కోరి తెచ్చుకొంటే నాకై కొరివైనావా నా మనమరాలా
kuturu biddavani kori techchukonte nakai korivainava na manamarala
I brought you home with love because you are my daughter's child, but you became a firebrand for me, my granddaughter.
This expression is used when someone we love and care for deeply ends up causing us significant trouble, pain, or destruction. It highlights the irony and betrayal felt when a person who was expected to be a source of joy or support turns into a source of misery. It is often used in familial contexts or situations where personal affection led to a regrettable outcome.
కొంటె కొరివి అమ్మితె అడివి
konte korivi ammite adivi
To buy is like a torch: to sell a wilderness.
This has reference to the price one gets and one has to pay while buying and selling. Neither buying nor selling is profitable to the needy.
ఇల్లెక్కి కొరివి తిప్పినట్టు
illekki korivi tippinattu
Getting on the roof [ of a thatched house ] and whirling a firebrand.
This expression is used to describe a person's foolish or self-destructive behavior that brings harm or ruin to their own family or reputation. Just as waving a firebrand while standing on a thatched roof will inevitably set the house on fire, this phrase refers to actions that are blatantly dangerous and guarantee self-inflicted disaster.
కొరివితో తల గోక్కున్నట్లు.
korivito tala gokkunnatlu.
Scratching the head with the burning torch.
Doing something dangerous. One should avoid taking to dangerous paths to solve one’s problems, as they may lead to more troubles.
కుచ్చెలక్రింద త్రాచువలె.
kuchchelakrinda trachuvale.
Like a cobra under the pleats (of a saree).
This expression describes a hidden, unexpected, and extremely dangerous threat. It is used to refer to a person who appears harmless or is in a close/intimate circle but is actually waiting for an opportunity to strike or cause harm.
కుక్కకు పెత్తనమిస్తే, చెప్పులన్నీ కొరికి పెట్టినదట
kukkaku pettanamiste, cheppulanni koriki pettinadata
If you give authority to a dog, it will bite all the sandals.
This proverb is used to describe the consequences of giving power or responsibility to an incompetent, unworthy, or foolish person. Instead of performing the duties properly, such a person will only cause destruction or focus on their base instincts, similar to how a dog given authority over a house would simply ruin the footwear.
సాన కింద వెన్నెల
sana kinda vennela
Moonlight under the grindstone.
This expression refers to something that exists but is completely useless or wasted because it is in a position where it cannot be seen or utilized. Just as moonlight falling under a grindstone serves no purpose and provides no light to the surroundings, a talent or a resource that is hidden or misplaced is considered 'Sana kinda vennela'.
తలకింది కొరివి
talakindi korivi
A brand under one's head.
This expression refers to a constant, self-inflicted danger or a source of perpetual anxiety that one keeps close by. It is used to describe a situation where a person maintains a relationship or makes a choice that poses a continuous threat to their own peace or safety, much like sleeping with a burning torch beneath one's head.
A dangerous companion.