తోక తొక్కిన తాచులాగా
toka tokkina tachulaga
Like a cobra whose tail has been stepped on
This expression is used to describe someone who becomes extremely furious, aggressive, or reacts with intense anger when provoked. Just as a cobra strikes back instantly and fiercely when its tail is trodden upon, this phrase characterizes a person's sudden and violent retaliation to an insult or injury.
Related Phrases
తోక తెగిన నక్కలాగా
toka tegina nakkalaga
Like a fox with its tail cut off
This expression is used to describe a person who has lost their influence, status, or power and is now moving about with shame or embarrassment. It often refers to someone who was once cunning or arrogant but has been humbled by a defeat or failure, making them look miserable or pathetic.
గుడ్డివాడు అలుకు తొక్కినట్లు
guddivadu aluku tokkinatlu
Like a blind man stepping on wet dung floor-wash.
This expression describes a situation where someone performs a task haphazardly, clumsily, or without any sense of direction or awareness. It is used when someone's actions are messy and lack the precision or skill required for the job.
వెర్రివాడు ఏతం తొక్కినట్లు
verrivadu etam tokkinatlu
Like a fool operating a water lever
This expression is used to describe a person who continues to do a task mechanically or pointlessly without knowing when to stop or understanding the purpose of the work. Just as a foolish person might keep treading a water lever (etam) even after the fields are flooded or the vessel is empty, it refers to mindless repetition or inefficient effort.
తోక తొక్కిన పాములాగా లేచాడు
toka tokkina pamulaga lechadu
He sprang up like a serpent when its tail is trodden on. Applied to a sudden burst of anger in any one on his evil ways being exposed.
This expression is used to describe someone who reacts with sudden, intense, and fierce anger. Just as a snake strikes back instantly and aggressively when its tail is stepped on, this phrase characterizes a person who becomes extremely provoked or defensive due to an insult or an injury.
తల చుట్టం, తోక పగ
tala chuttam, toka paga
The head is a relative, but the tail is an enemy.
This proverb describes a hypocritical or double-faced person who acts like a friend or well-wisher to one's face (the head) but secretly harbors malice or causes harm behind their back (the tail). It is used to warn someone about people whose intentions are not consistent.
గొర్రె ఎంత ఎదిగినా తోక బెత్తెడే.
gorre enta edigina toka bettede.
No matter how much a sheep grows, its tail remains only a span long.
This proverb is used to describe someone who, despite achieving growth, success, or status, cannot escape their inherent limitations or humble origins. It suggests that certain fundamental traits or deficiencies remain unchanged regardless of external progress.
నిప్పు తొక్కిన కోతి వలె
nippu tokkina koti vale
Like a monkey that stepped on hot embers
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely restless, agitated, or reacting with sudden, frantic movement. It depicts a state of high distress or panicked jumping around, similar to how a monkey would behave if it accidentally stepped on fire.
కుక్క తోక ఎప్పుడూ వంకరే.
kukka toka eppudu vankare.
A dog's tail is always crooked.
This proverb is used to describe a person's ingrained nature or habits that cannot be changed despite any amount of effort, advice, or correction. It is equivalent to the English expression 'A leopard cannot change its spots.'
తొక్కలేనమ్మ తొక్కులో నీళ్లు పోసిందట
tokkalenamma tokkulo nillu posindata
The woman who couldn't peel (the mangoes) poured water into the pickle.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic skills or competence, but attempts to 'help' or perform a task only to ruin it completely. It highlights how an incompetent person's intervention often makes a situation worse.
తొక్కలేనమ్మ తొక్కులో నీళ్లు పోసిందట
tokkalenamma tokkulo nillu posindata
The woman who couldn't pound, put water into the condi- ments. She was too lazy to pound the condiments and therefore purposely spoilt them.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the skill or knowledge to perform a task but still attempts it, only to end up ruining it completely. It highlights incompetence or a lack of basic common sense in a specific situation.