వానపోటుకంటే మ్రానుపోటు ఎక్కువ
vanapotukante mranupotu ekkuva
The dripping from the tree is worse than the beating of the rain.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the secondary consequences or the aftermath of an event are more troublesome than the main event itself. It specifically refers to how one might get wetter standing under a tree after it stops raining than they would have in the actual rain. Metaphorically, it applies to situations where subordinates or middlemen cause more trouble than the actual person in charge.
Related Phrases
తలగుడ్డకు తక్కువ గోచిపాతకు ఎక్కువ
talaguddaku takkuva gochipataku ekkuva
Too small for a head-cloth and too large for a loincloth.
This expression is used to describe something that is of an awkward size or quality—too little for a significant purpose but too much for a trivial one. It refers to a person or thing that is caught in the middle, being neither here nor there, and therefore practically useless or difficult to categorize.
పోతున్నానంటే నీయంత పోతుకు మేతేడ తెచ్చేది అన్నాడట.
potunnanante niyanta potuku meteda techchedi annadata.
When someone said they were leaving, the other replied, 'Who will bring fodder for the ox?'
This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely selfish and lacks empathy. It highlights a situation where someone expresses their departure or pain, but the listener is only concerned about their own needs or who will perform the departing person's chores. It is used to mock people who only care about their work getting done.
తెలివితక్కువ, ఆకలి ఎక్కువ
telivitakkuva, akali ekkuva
Low intelligence, high hunger
This expression is used to mock someone who lacks common sense or intelligence but has a very large appetite or demands a lot of resources. It describes a person who doesn't contribute much intellectually but consumes a lot.
పండని ఏడు పాటు ఎక్కువ.
pandani edu patu ekkuva.
In a year where crops don't grow, the labor is even greater.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite putting in an immense amount of effort, there are no results or rewards. It highlights that failing or unproductive tasks often feel more exhausting and burdensome than successful ones because the hardship is not mitigated by a positive outcome.
మెతుకుపోతే బ్రతుకు పోతుంది
metukupote bratuku potundi
If the grain of rice is lost, life is lost
This expression highlights the vital importance of food security and agriculture. It signifies that even a single grain of rice represents sustenance, and without food (the means of survival), one's very existence is at risk. It is often used to emphasize the value of hard work, the importance of not wasting food, or the critical nature of one's livelihood.
ఇంటికి వెన్నుపోటు, మనిషికి పైపోటు
intiki vennupotu, manishiki paipotu
A stab in the back for a house, and an outward strike for a person.
This expression is used to describe severe, multi-faceted betrayal or damage. 'Vennupotu' refers to betrayal from within (like family or close associates ruining a home), while 'Paipotu' refers to external attacks or physical/visible hardships hitting an individual. It signifies a situation where one is being attacked both from within and without.
బతుకు తక్కువైనా బడాయి ఎక్కువ
batuku takkuvaina badayi ekkuva
Even if life is low, the boasting is high
This expression describes a person who lives in humble or poor conditions but pretends to be very wealthy or superior. It is used to criticize someone who shows off excessively despite having no real status or resources to back it up.
జరుగుబాటు తక్కువ, అదిరిపాటు ఎక్కువ.
jarugubatu takkuva, adiripatu ekkuva.
Low livelihood, high arrogance.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the financial means or capability to sustain themselves properly, yet behaves with excessive pride, arrogance, or puts on a grand show of attitude. It highlights the irony of someone having a poor lifestyle but a high level of pretension.
జరుగుబాటు తక్కువ, అదరిపాటు ఎక్కువ.
jarugubatu takkuva, adaripatu ekkuva.
Low income, high showiness (or irritability).
This proverb is used to describe a person who has very limited financial means or resources but behaves with excessive pride, a quick temper, or an arrogant attitude. It highlights the irony of someone having little to sustain themselves while maintaining a high-handed or easily offended demeanor.
ధర తక్కువ బంగారానికి దాటి ఎక్కువ
dhara takkuva bangaraniki dati ekkuva
Low-priced gold has more impurities.
This proverb is used to indicate that when something is sold at an unusually low price, it is often of poor quality or has many defects. It is a cautionary saying used to remind people that 'you get what you pay for' and that cheap goods often come with hidden costs or flaws.