తన చేయి కాలుతుందని, సవతి బిడ్డ చేతితో కలియబెట్టిందట.

tana cheyi kalutundani, savati bidda chetito kaliyabettindata.

Translation

Fearing her own hand would get burnt, she stirred the pot with her stepchild's hand.

Meaning

This proverb describes extreme selfishness and cruelty. It is used to refer to a person who, in order to avoid a small discomfort or risk to themselves, heartlessly puts someone else (especially someone vulnerable) in significant danger or harm.

Related Phrases

A mirror in a woman's hand and a child in a man's hand do not survive.

This is a traditional proverb highlighting gender-stereotypical roles from the past. It suggests that a mirror in a woman's hand will break because she uses it too frequently, and a baby in a man's hand will not thrive because he lacks the natural nurturing patience or skill required for childcare. In modern usage, it is often cited to remark on the lack of care or the inherent risk of mishandling something when it is not in the hands of an 'expert' or 'natural' caretaker.

Eating her own food, wearing her own clothes, she yet got beaten to death by him in the hallway.

This proverb describes a situation where a person is completely self-sufficient and independent, yet still allows themselves to be oppressed or mistreated by someone else who has no authority or right over them. It is used to highlight the absurdity of tolerating abuse or dominance when one is not dependent on the abuser for anything.

To save her own hand from being burnt, she stirred up the food with the hand of her fellow wife's child. Cat's paw. To draw the snake out of the hole with another's hand. (Spanish.)§

This proverb describes a person who is extremely selfish or cruel, someone who uses others (often those who are vulnerable or whom they dislike) to perform dangerous or difficult tasks to protect themselves from harm.

* Morton ( Bengali and Sanscrit Proverbs ) thus renders a Bengali epigram— "Said a clown to a Brahmin, 'Sir, tell me, I pray For crushing a spider what fine must I pay?' 'Why, my friend, I pray for your sake, And demand an atonement of serious expense.'— 'Instead then clap, with deep sorrow I'm filled;' 'Your son, Sir, a poor little spider has killed.'— 'Out, fool,' cry the Brahmin, in anger—'away!' For killing a spider there's nothing to pay!" † Justice, mas no por mal cas. ‡ A nesuno place la giustizia a casa sua. § Con agena mano sacar la culpa del horado. 23 ( 177 )

Saying no with the hand instead of saying no with the mouth.

This expression refers to someone who prefers giving or acting rather than just making verbal promises or refusals. It is often used to describe a person who is generous or practical, where their actions (hand) speak louder than their words (mouth).

The woman who was asked to cook ended up laying the household men to rest.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who was brought in to help or perform a simple task ends up causing complete destruction or ruin. It highlights the irony of a person’s incompetence or malicious nature resulting in a disaster far worse than the original problem they were meant to solve.

Moving it with the foot and picking it up with the hand

This expression refers to a situation where someone intentionally creates a mess or a problem (symbolized by kicking something with the foot) and then later has to go through the trouble of fixing or cleaning it up manually. It is used to describe self-inflicted troubles or a lack of foresight.

A child in the hands of whoever lifts them up.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks a strong individual will or firm stance, and is easily influenced or manipulated by whoever is currently in control of them. It suggests a state of dependency or vulnerability where one's actions are directed by others rather than their own judgment.

Getting the hand burnt when a ladle is available

This expression is used when someone suffers unnecessary harm or puts in avoidable effort despite having the right tools or resources to complete a task safely. It highlights a lack of common sense or the failure to use available means to protect oneself.

Do not stir up troubles yourself until troubles trouble you.

This expression advises against seeking out or creating problems prematurely. It suggests that one should not worry about or interfere with potential difficulties until they actually manifest and require attention. It is similar to the English proverb 'Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you'.

Without touching, fire wouldn’t scorch.

If one does not make a mistake, the question of punishment does not arise. It is therefore necessary to avoid wrong conduct, in the first place.