తనను పొడిచిన గంగిగోవునయినా పొడిస్తే పాపములేదు.

tananu podichina gangigovunayina podiste papamuledu.

Translation

Killing a sacred cow that gores you is not sin.

Meaning

This proverb justifies self-defense. It implies that when someone attacks or harms you, you have the right to defend yourself or retaliate, regardless of how noble, virtuous, or superior that person is usually considered to be. Even a sacred cow (symbol of non-violence and divinity) loses its immunity if it turns aggressive.

Related Phrases

Death does not come even if the writing (fate) is pierced.

This expression is used to describe someone who is incredibly lucky or has survived a life-threatening situation against all odds. It implies that unless it is one's destined time to die, no amount of danger or misfortune can end their life.

The sin of killing a dog cannot be expiated even by building a temple.

This expression is used to emphasize that certain misdeeds or cruel acts are so grave that no amount of subsequent good deeds, charity, or religious penance can atone for them. It highlights that the consequences of a fundamental wrong cannot be easily erased by superficial acts of virtue.

Like a temple snake biting or a sacred cow goring.

This expression refers to being harmed by someone or something that is generally perceived as harmless, saintly, or trustworthy. It describes an unexpected betrayal or injury from a source where one only expected goodness or safety.

If the sun rises on your face, it is said that gold will rain in my house.

This is a sarcastic or satirical expression used to mock someone's laziness, unluckiness, or lack of importance. It suggests that if the person in question actually did something productive or if something good happened through them, it would be an impossible miracle. It is often used to ridicule people who have an over-inflated sense of their own value or those who are consistently late and unproductive.

It is a sin to say it out loud, but if you flip it over and stab it, it will die.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone pretends to be innocent or virtuous while suggesting a cruel or obvious solution. It refers to a person who avoids taking direct responsibility for a harsh action but provides the exact instructions on how to commit it. It is often used to mock hypocritical advice.

The man with the spear who stabbed a corpse.

This expression is used to describe a person who claims false bravery or credit for performing an act that required no effort or courage. It mocks someone who 'defeats' something that is already dead or powerless, highlighting the pointlessness and cowardice of their action.

You are strutting as if the sun rose exclusively on your face.

This expression is used to mock someone who is acting overly proud, arrogant, or self-important without any actual justification. It suggests the person thinks they are the center of the universe or have achieved something extraordinary when they haven't.

Fighting chickens will not leave even if they are pecked (hurt).

This proverb is used to describe people who are deeply committed to a rivalry or a conflict. Even when they suffer losses or injuries during the struggle, their stubbornness or animosity keeps them from backing down. It is often used to characterize persistent quarreling or long-standing feuds between individuals who refuse to reconcile despite the negative consequences.

Like the ram one raised personally coming back to butt/kick them.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is betrayed or harmed by a person they have nurtured, helped, or protected. It is similar to the English expression 'biting the hand that feeds you.' It highlights the irony and pain of facing ingratitude from those closest to us.

The bite of the temple-snake, the goring of the sacred cow. An injury is none the less, though it be inflicted by a relation or friend.

This proverb describes a situation where harm or trouble comes from a source that is expected to be harmless, sacred, or benevolent. It is used when someone you trust implicitly, or a place/person associated with goodness, unexpectedly causes you grief or injury.