వారాశి దాటినను శని మారకుడై పట్టి చంపు

varashi datinanu shani marakudai patti champu

Translation

Even if one crosses the ocean, Saturn as a killer will catch and kill.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that one's fate or destiny is inescapable. Just as a person cannot outrun the malefic influence of the planet Saturn (Shani) by simply moving to a different land, a person's karma or destined hardships will follow them wherever they go. It is used to describe situations where troubles persist regardless of changes in location or circumstances.

Related Phrases

Thinking it a rope, you should not take it up and throw it away; thinking it a snake you should not step over it.

This expression describes a state of extreme doubt or a situation that requires immense caution. It is used when a problem or object is ambiguous—where treating it lightly (like a rope) could be dangerous if it's actually a threat, but fearing it excessively (like a snake) prevents progress. It highlights the dilemma of uncertainty.

A very difficult person to deal with.

If you are fat, they kill you by scratching; if you are thin, they kill you by licking.

This expression refers to people who are never satisfied and will find a way to exploit or bother you regardless of your status or condition. It is often used to describe toxic environments or manipulative individuals who harass others whether they are doing well (prosperous/fat) or struggling (weak/thin).

Going to seek relief from a sin, only to be caught and inspected.

This proverb is used when someone attempts to find a solution or a remedy for a problem, but instead ends up in a worse situation or gets caught in a trap. It describes a scenario where seeking help or a way out results in more trouble or exposure than before.

Don't throw it away thinking it's a rope, and don't step over it thinking it's a snake.

This expression advises caution and careful evaluation when dealing with uncertain situations. It suggests that one should neither be negligent (thinking a problem is harmless like a rope) nor reckless (trying to bypass a danger without proper care). It is used to suggest a balanced, vigilant approach when the true nature of a situation is unknown.

Like a man asking when he had just got outside his door, how far off Benares was. Talking about the completion of a great undertaking before you have well commenced it.

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks patience or perseverance. It refers to a person who starts a long or difficult task but expects immediate results or gets discouraged at the very first step. It highlights the absurdity of worrying about the final destination before even beginning the journey properly.

A fastidious person suffers more than one who is less par- ticular. (See Roebuck's Persian and Hindustani Proverbs, No. 776, Part II. Sect. I.)

This proverb highlights that while an unrefined person might have obvious flaws, a hypocritical or pretentious person who tries too hard to look good often has deeper, more pervasive issues or faults. It is used to criticize those who prioritize superficial appearances over genuine character.

Touch-me-not plant

Literally referring to the Mimosa pudica plant, this expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, shy, or gets easily offended or hurt by even the slightest comment or touch.

Like lifting and throwing (water) to catch a fish.

This expression refers to a traditional method of catching fish by bailing water out of a small pond or puddle until it is dry enough to catch the fish by hand. It is used to describe a situation where someone puts in a lot of hard work, effort, or systematic labor to achieve a specific goal or to expose something hidden.

Do you need to teach a baby fish how to swim?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to teach a skill to a person who is already naturally gifted or genetically predisposed to it. It implies that certain talents are inherent and do not require external instruction.

He came as a relative and caught hold like a ghost.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone enters your life as a friend or guest but ends up becoming a major nuisance, burden, or an inescapable problem that is difficult to get rid of.