తరి పట్టిన కత్తి, చెరపట్టిన కుత్తి

tari pattina katti, cherapattina kutti

Translation

A sharpened knife and a woman in captivity.

Meaning

This expression describes items or individuals that are in their most effective or dangerous state. Just as a knife is most useful when sharpened (tari), a person (historically used in the context of a captive woman or 'kutthi' meaning a young woman/slave) is most vulnerable or completely under someone's control. In modern usage, it highlights the peak state of readiness or the absolute influence one holds over something.

Related Phrases

One who burns even the bundle of sticks and thorns.

This expression refers to an extremely stingy, ruthless, or destructive person who leaves nothing behind. It describes someone who exploits a resource or situation to the very last bit without any regard for future use or mercy, often used to characterize a person's extreme greed or harsh nature.

Will you jump into a lake just because your grandfather built it?

This proverb is used to warn against blind following or making dangerous decisions based solely on tradition or heritage. It implies that even if an ancestor or elder did something, one must still evaluate the current risks and exercise common sense before acting. It is often used to discourage foolish risks taken in the name of family pride.

The daughter-in-law ruled by the mother-in-law, and the paddy crop affected by the Chitta rain.

This proverb highlights things that yield excellent results. Just as paddy grows lush and heavy-grained when it rains during the Chitta star period, a daughter-in-law who is disciplined and guided by an experienced mother-in-law becomes well-versed in managing a household and conducting herself properly.

Whatever one touches/holds, it is as if a ghost has possessed it.

This expression is used to describe someone who goes to extremes or becomes obsessively persistent in whatever task they undertake. It can also refer to someone who consistently encounters bad luck or complications in every endeavor they start, as if it were cursed or jinxed.

The saree worn by a courtesan is considered Varanasi silk, while the saree worn by a poor woman is considered madman's silk.

This proverb highlights social prejudice and how the same thing is perceived differently based on a person's status or wealth. If a wealthy or influential person does something, it is praised or seen as a luxury; if a poor person does the same, it is dismissed or looked down upon.

The money tied in one's own garment and the child born from one's own womb.

This expression highlights things that one can truly rely on and call their own. Just as a child is one's own blood, money kept securely with oneself is the only wealth that is guaranteed to be available in times of need. It emphasizes self-reliance and the importance of having personal resources rather than depending on others.

A house that is already built, and a hearth that is already set up.

This expression refers to entering a situation where everything is already perfectly prepared and ready for use without any effort from the person joining. It is most commonly used in the context of a bride entering a well-established household where she does not have to struggle to set up a new life or home from scratch.

Touch-me-not plant

Literally referring to the Mimosa pudica plant, this expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, shy, or gets easily offended or hurt by even the slightest comment or touch.

Mother-in-law is a debt collector, sister-in-law is a knife.

This proverb describes the difficult relationships a woman may face in her marital home. It suggests that while the mother-in-law constantly nags or demands like a moneylender (mitti), the sister-in-law (specifically the husband's brother's wife) can be sharp, cutting, or hostile like a knife. It is used to express the domestic challenges and lack of peace in a joint family setting.

If the Vishakha star catches you, it is like being caught by a ghost.

This is an astrological saying referring to the Vishakha Nakshatra. It suggests that individuals under the influence of this star can be extremely stubborn, persistent, or difficult to deal with, much like an obsession or a haunting spirit that doesn't let go easily. It is used to describe someone's relentless nature or a streak of bad luck that feels inescapable.