తేలుకు వెరచి పరుగెత్తి, పాముపై పడినట్లు

teluku verachi parugetti, pamupai padinatlu

Translation

Running away in fear of a scorpion, only to fall upon a snake.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone, in an attempt to escape a small or manageable problem, ends up in a much more dangerous or severe predicament. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'out of the frying pan and into the fire'.

Related Phrases

Like running with the rabbits and hunting with the hounds.

This expression describes a person who is hypocritical or double-dealing. It refers to someone who pretends to be a friend to both sides of a conflict, or someone who tries to support opposing interests simultaneously for their own benefit.

Would a brazen widow fear a street brawl? Only a virtuous woman would.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is shameless and indifferent to public opinion or criticism. It suggests that those who have no reputation or character left to protect (metaphorically referred to as the 'brazen widow') do not fear public scandal, whereas those who value their dignity and virtue are the ones who worry about their social standing.

As for food I have it, but I came here from fear of the caste people. Said by an idle beggar, as an excuse for asking alms.

This expression refers to a situation where a person is financially stable or has enough resources, but faces social pressure, harassment, or judgment from their own community or relatives. It is used when someone abandons a comfortable situation not due to lack of money, but due to social incompatibility or fear of social consequences.

She woke up when the crow cawed, cooked rice like soot and bitter gourd pepper stew, and then served it running frantically by the time the cattle returned.

This satirical proverb describes someone who is extremely inefficient or slow despite having plenty of time. Even though she started her chores at dawn (when the crow caws), she managed to cook poorly and was still rushing frantically to serve the meal by sunset (when the cattle return). It is used to mock people who waste time and create unnecessary chaos at the last minute.

A tree full of fruit fears the gale, but does a heavy log fear it?

This proverb highlights that those who have something to lose (like a tree with fruit or a person with status/responsibilities) are vulnerable and cautious, whereas those who have nothing to lose or are insensitive (like a dead log) remain indifferent to threats. It is used to describe how people with responsibilities must be careful, while the idle or thick-skinned are unbothered.

Like placing a hand on a cobra's hood without even knowing the spell for a scorpion sting.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks even basic skills or knowledge but attempts to handle a much more dangerous or complex situation. It highlights the foolishness of overestimating one's abilities and taking unnecessary risks.

Like walking on a slope.

This expression is used to describe a situation where things are progressing very easily, naturally, or without any resistance. Just as walking downhill requires little effort, it signifies a smooth and effortless process.

Going to frighten someone and ending up getting frightened instead.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone sets out to scare, intimidate, or trick another person, but the plan backfires and they end up becoming the victim of fear or the same trick themselves. It is similar to the concept of 'the tables being turned' or 'the prankster getting pranked.'

Like falling onto a mattress after kicking it in anger.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person's angry reaction or protest inadvertently leads to their own comfort or benefit. It suggests that even though someone acted out of spite or frustration, the end result was favorable for them.

Coming all the way to the village only to start running right in front of the village gate.

This proverb describes someone who completes the hardest part of a task or a long journey successfully, but fails, panics, or acts foolishly at the very last moment. It is used to critique lack of endurance or composure during the final stages of an endeavor.