వాపును చూసి బలుపనుకున్నట్లు
vapunu chusi balupanukunnatlu
Mistaking swelling for physical strength.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone mistakes a weakness or a negative symptom for a sign of growth or strength. It serves as a warning against being deceived by superficial appearances or false indicators of success.
Related Phrases
కొండలు పడ్డ కొన్నాళ్ళకు కోనలూ పడును
kondalu padda konnallaku konalu padunu
After the mountains fall, the valleys will also fall in a few days.
This expression refers to the inevitable ripple effect of a major catastrophe or the downfall of a powerful entity. It implies that when great people or large institutions collapse, those who depend on them or are associated with them (the smaller entities) will eventually face the same fate soon after.
వాపును చూసి బలము అనుకున్నదట.
vapunu chusi balamu anukunnadata.
On seeing the swelling, she took it as a sign of growing strength
Swelling is not healthy growth. We should be wise in our judgment and should not rush to conclusions, by merely noting the external appearances.
దుంగ దించి బండ నెత్తుకొన్నట్లు
dunga dinchi banda nettukonnatlu
Like putting down a log only to pick up a boulder.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to get rid of a small problem or burden, only to replace it with a much bigger and more difficult one. It highlights poor decision-making or bad luck where the alternative chosen is worse than the original state.
తవుడు దొరికిందని ఎనుమును కొన్నట్లు
tavudu dorikindani enumunu konnatlu
Like buying a buffalo just because rice bran was available for free.
This proverb describes a situation where someone makes a large, unnecessary, or expensive investment or commitment just to make use of something small or trivial they acquired for free. It highlights a lack of foresight and disproportionate decision-making.
పులిని చూసి నక్క వాత పెట్టుకున్నట్టు
pulini chusi nakka vata pettukunnattu
The jackal branded himself with spots like a tiger. Vulgar display. Apeing one's superiors.
This proverb is used to describe a person who foolishly tries to imitate someone superior or more capable than themselves, often resulting in self-harm or ridicule. It highlights the folly of blind imitation without having the inherent nature or strength of the person being copied.
చెడిన చేను జూచి యెడయుడు మెచ్చునా?
chedina chenu juchi yedayudu mechchuna?
Will the owner rejoice upon seeing a ruined crop?
This proverb is used to convey that no one can be happy or appreciative when something they value or have worked hard for is destroyed or failing. It emphasizes that a person's reaction is naturally tied to the success or failure of their endeavors, and expecting a positive reaction to a negative outcome is unrealistic.
పొరుగింటి బిడ్డను దించి, నీటి లోతు చూచినట్లు
poruginti biddanu dinchi, niti lotu chuchinatlu
Like dropping the neighbor's child into the water to check its depth.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely selfish or cautious to a fault, risking others' well-being to test a dangerous situation before committing themselves. It highlights a lack of empathy and the tendency to use others as scapegoats or guinea pigs.
వరపుడి ఇల్లాలౌనా, వాపు బలుపగునా?
varapudi illalauna, vapu balupaguna?
Can a mistress become a housewife, and can swelling become strength?
This proverb highlights the difference between superficial appearance and genuine substance. Just as swelling (edema) is a sign of illness and should not be mistaken for physical strength or healthy weight, a temporary or illicit relationship cannot be equated to the stability and sanctity of a committed marriage. It is used to point out that false appearances or temporary situations cannot replace reality or merit.
ఉత్తర జూచి ఎత్తర గంప, విశాఖ జూచి విడువర కొంప
uttara juchi ettara gampa, vishakha juchi viduvara kompa
Seeing Uttara (rain), lift the basket; seeing Vishakha (rain), leave the house.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to rainfall during specific lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It suggests that when it rains during Uttara Phalguni, the harvest is so bountiful that one must pick up their baskets to collect the yield. Conversely, if it rains during Vishakha, the rains are so heavy or persistent that one might even need to abandon their house due to flooding or the intensity of the downpour.
చెరువులో ఉన్న బర్రెను, కొమ్ములు చూసి బేరం చేసినట్లు
cheruvulo unna barrenu, kommulu chusi beram chesinatlu
Like bargaining for a buffalo in the lake just by looking at its horns
This proverb describes a situation where someone makes a decision or a deal based on incomplete information or superficial appearances. Just as one cannot judge the health or value of a buffalo while it is submerged in water, making a commitment without seeing the full picture often leads to risk or loss.