వడ్లగాదిలో పందికొక్కులెక్క.

vadlagadilo pandikokkulekka.

Translation

Like a bandicoot in a paddy granary.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe someone who has found themselves in a situation of extreme abundance and is greedily exploiting it. Just as a bandicoot that enters a storage bin full of grain eats to its heart's content without any effort, it refers to a person enjoying wealth or resources that they didn't necessarily earn, often becoming lazy or over-indulgent.

Related Phrases

To look at, a tiny mouse; to dig through walls, a bandicoot.

This expression is used to describe someone who looks small, innocent, or harmless in appearance but possesses a surprising capacity for destruction or performs heavy, unexpected tasks. It is similar to the English proverb 'Don't judge a book by its cover,' but specifically focuses on hidden strength or deceptive capability.

A cartwheel on a bandicoot

This expression is used to describe a situation where a punishment, burden, or consequence is excessively heavy or disproportionate to the size or capacity of the subject. It signifies overkill or an overwhelming force applied to a relatively small target.

Like putting a bandicoot in a corn bin.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an untrustworthy or greedy person is placed in a position of authority over valuable resources. Just as a bandicoot would uncontrollably devour the grain it is supposed to be 'stored' with, a corrupt person will exploit the wealth or responsibility they are given for personal gain.

Like a bandicoot under a grain silo.

This expression is used to describe someone who lives in a state of abundance and comfort without having to work for it. Just as a bandicoot thrives by scavenging the fallen grains beneath a large storage container (gaade), it refers to a person who secretly or effortlessly enjoys wealth or resources belonging to others.

If you put a bandicoot in a storage pit, will it stay quiet?

This proverb is used to describe people whose inherent nature or bad habits cannot be changed even in favorable or restricted conditions. Just as a bandicoot will naturally dig through and destroy a grain storage pit (pathara) despite being surrounded by food, a person with a crooked nature will continue to do mischief or cause trouble regardless of where they are placed.

Neither in the lap nor in the cheek, yet children for the skinny legs.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who lacks basic stability or resources takes on unnecessary or excessive responsibilities. It is often used to mock people who are incapable of looking after themselves but still aspire for things they cannot manage, or when someone is overly ambitious despite having no foundation.

To look at, it is like a musk rat, but to dig into walls it is like a bandicoot. Insignificant in appearance, but having the power of doing much harm. Little enemies and little wounds are not to be despised. (German.)

This proverb is used to describe someone who appears small, innocent, or harmless but is actually capable of causing significant mischief or performing surprisingly large tasks. It is similar to the English expression 'looks can be deceiving' or 'small but mighty' (often in a negative context).

Like a bandicoot under a grain silo

This expression describes a person who lives in luxury or abundance without having to work for it. Just as a bandicoot lives under a grain store (gaade) and eats the fallen grain effortlessly, it refers to someone who secretly or comfortably exploits a resource for their own benefit.

A person who makes roasted bandicoots fight.

This expression describes a mischief-maker or a master manipulator who creates conflicts between people even when there is no reason for it. Since 'roasted bandicoots' are dead and cannot move, the phrase hyper-bolically refers to someone who is so devious that they can stir up trouble or create a rift even among inanimate objects or people who have no intention of fighting.

A fruit ripened after being plucked. Said of a precocious youth.

This expression is used to describe someone who shows maturity, wisdom, or behaviors far beyond their actual age, often used in the context of a child acting like an adult or being 'precocious'. It can also imply someone who has gained experience or 'ripened' prematurely.