తేళ్లల్లో కొండి, పాములలో పడిగ.
tellallo kondi, pamulalo padiga.
The sting among the scorpions, the hood among the snakes. The worst among the bad.
This expression is used to describe a person who is exceptionally dangerous, cunning, or toxic even among a group of wicked people. It signifies being the most prominent or harmful element within a negative category.
Related Phrases
ఉడుముల్లో తల, పాముల్లో తోక
udumullo tala, pamullo toka
A head among monitor lizards, a tail among snakes.
This expression describes a person who strategically chooses their position to avoid responsibility or danger. Among monitor lizards (which are slow/harmless), they act like a leader (the head), but among dangerous snakes, they act like the tail to stay inconspicuous and safe. It refers to someone who is opportunistic or cowardly, changing their status based on the company they are in.
పండు జారి పాలల్లో పడ్డట్టు
pandu jari palallo paddattu
The fruit slipped, and fell into the milk.
This expression is used to describe a situation where something good happens unexpectedly or a fortunate event occurs that makes a situation even better. It is similar to the English idiom 'The icing on the cake' or 'A stroke of luck.'
Happy go lucky.
కొక్కిరాయుళ్ళలో కొంగ ఘనము
kokkirayullalo konga ghanamu
Among the cranes, the stork is great.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person with very little knowledge or mediocre skills appears superior or great simply because they are surrounded by people who are even less capable or completely ignorant. It is similar to the English expression 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'
పాలలో పడ్డ బల్లివలె
palalo padda ballivale
Like a lizard that fell into milk
This expression describes a situation where a single unpleasant element or unwanted person ruins an otherwise pure, good, or perfect situation. Just as a lizard falling into milk makes the entire container of milk unfit for consumption, this phrase is used when someone's presence or a specific event creates a sense of disgust or spoils the harmony of a gathering.
పండు జారి పాలలో పడ్డట్టు
pandu jari palalo paddattu
Like a fruit slipping and falling into milk
This expression is used to describe a situation where something good happens unexpectedly, or when an already favorable situation becomes even better. It signifies a stroke of great luck or a perfect coincidence.
పాలల్లో పంచదార కలిసినట్టు
palallo panchadara kalisinattu
Like sugar dropped into milk.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two things or people blend together perfectly, harmoniously, or indistinguishably. It is often used to describe a great friendship, a perfect match, or a seamless integration of something.
కూతురి పురుడు కుండల్లో, కోడలి పురుడు కొండల్లో
kuturi purudu kundallo, kodali purudu kondallo
Daughter's childbirth among the pots, daughter-in-law's childbirth in the mountains.
This proverb highlights the partiality and double standards often shown by family elders. It suggests that when a daughter is in labor, the family takes it lightly and manages with simple resources at home (among pots), but when a daughter-in-law is in labor, they perceive it as a huge burden or a difficult task as high as a mountain.
పాము చుట్టము, పడిగ పగ
pamu chuttamu, padiga paga
The snake is your relation, and it's hood your enemy. Being on friendly terms with members of a family though on bad terms with the head of the house.
This proverb describes a paradoxical situation where a person might be close to you or appear friendly, but their inherent nature or specific actions are dangerous and hostile. It is used to warn someone about a treacherous person who cannot be fully trusted despite a formal relationship or acquaintance.
బుట్టలో పామువలె
buttalo pamuvale
Like a snake in a basket
This expression is used to describe a person who is feeling trapped, suppressed, or constrained by their circumstances. It signifies a state of being confined in a small space or situation where one lacks freedom of movement or action, yet remains potentially dangerous or restless.
పాములలో మెలగవచ్చును గాని, స్వాములలో మెలగకూడదు.
pamulalo melagavachchunu gani, svamulalo melagakudadu.
You may walk among snakes, but keep clear of Vaishnava priests.
This proverb is a satirical warning against religious hypocrites or fake godmen. It suggests that while the danger of a snake is predictable and can be managed, the deceptive nature and hidden agendas of those pretending to be holy are far more dangerous and difficult to navigate.