వృద్ధ కోతికి శివమెత్తినట్లు

vriddha kotiki shivamettinatlu

Translation

Like an old monkey being possessed by Lord Shiva.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is already naturally mischievous, unstable, or troublesome (like a monkey) gains additional power, energy, or a sudden outburst of rage (possession), making the situation significantly worse and uncontrollable.

Related Phrases

Like making a monkey drink toddy (palm wine)

This expression is used to describe a situation where a naturally mischievous or restless person becomes even more uncontrollable, chaotic, or hyperactive due to external factors. It is used when someone's existing negative traits are amplified by bad influence or circumstances.

Like a monkey bitten by a scorpion

This expression is used to describe a person who is naturally restless or mischievous, but becomes even more hyperactive, erratic, or uncontrollable due to a specific provocation or situation. It highlights a state of extreme agitation added to an already unstable personality.

If a stubborn person becomes possessed with rage, even a hero cannot escape.

This proverb is used to describe the danger of dealing with an obstinate or stubborn person who loses their temper. It implies that when a person with nothing to lose or a reckless attitude gets angry, they become uncontrollable and can cause trouble even for the most powerful or skilled individuals. It serves as a warning to avoid unnecessary confrontation with irrational people.

When a seizure strikes Elapu or when Goddess Ankamma is possessed by a spirit, there is no stopping it.

This expression is used to describe a situation that has become uncontrollable or a person who is acting with unstoppable fury. It draws a comparison between a physical seizure and the intense, frenzied state of a local deity (Ankamma) during a ritual, implying that once such a process begins, it must run its course and cannot be easily restrained.

To dance around like a decorated bull possessed by a deity.

This expression is used to describe someone who is acting in an uncontrollably aggressive, chaotic, or agitated manner. It likens a person's wild behavior or angry outburst to the frenzied movements of a 'Gangireddu' (sacred decorated bull) when it is perceived to be possessed or extremely restless.

Pulling towards the river leads to the hill, and pulling towards the hill leads to the river.

This proverb describes a state of total lack of coordination, inconsistency, or being at cross-purposes. It is used when efforts are counterproductive or when people involved in a task are pulling in opposite directions, resulting in no progress or chaotic results.

Like putting a laced velvet cap on a monkey.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is given a position, responsibility, or an ornament that they are completely unsuited for or incapable of handling. It highlights the mismatch between a person's character and the honor or status bestowed upon them, suggesting that the monkey will likely ruin the cap or not understand its value.

Like the fury of a weak monkey.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an already troublesome or mischievous person gains extra power or becomes hyperactive, leading to uncontrollable chaos. It implies that when someone naturally prone to creating problems gets a new reason or energy to act out, the resulting situation is disastrous or ridiculous.

Impotent rage.

Like performing the Shiva dance (Shiva Tandavam) in a pitch-dark room.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is performing a great deal of work or making a lot of effort, but because it is done in secret or without any visibility, no one notices or appreciates it. It can also refer to pointless or chaotic activity that yields no recognition.

Even if a servant gets possessed by Lord Shiva, can they avoid bowing down?

This proverb is used to say that regardless of one's arrogance or temporary rise in status, one still has to fulfill their duties or show respect to their superiors. It highlights that certain social or professional hierarchies remain unchanged despite one's behavior.