వేరులో పురుగు పుడితే వృక్షానికే చేటు
verulo purugu pudite vrikshanike chetu
If a worm is born in the root, it is harmful to the whole tree
This proverb implies that if a problem or corruption starts at the very foundation or source of an entity, it will eventually destroy the entire structure. It is used to warn that internal flaws or moral decay at the core of a family, organization, or project are more dangerous than external threats.
Related Phrases
లంకలో పుడితే రాక్షసుడు, కిష్కిందలో పుడితే కోతి.
lankalo pudite rakshasudu, kishkindalo pudite koti.
If born in Lanka, a demon; if born in Kishkindha, a monkey.
This proverb highlights that an individual's nature or reputation is often judged by their environment or origin rather than their personal character. It is used to describe how people are stereotyped based on the company they keep or the place they come from.
పూతకు ముందే పురుగు పట్టినట్లు
putaku munde purugu pattinatlu
Like a pest attacking before the flowering stage.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a project, idea, or life stage is ruined or faces major obstacles right at its inception or even before it has had a chance to begin properly. It signifies early misfortune or premature failure.
ఎందులో పుట్టిన పురుగు, అందులోనే చస్తుంది.
endulo puttina purugu, andulone chastundi.
The insect dies in the same place where it was born.
This expression is used to describe a person who is deeply attached to their place of origin, a specific habit, or a particular situation and remains there until the very end, despite better opportunities or the need for change. It signifies that one eventually perishes in the environment or lifestyle they are accustomed to.
విత్తనం మర్రివృక్షానికెంత
vittanam marrivrikshanikenta
How small is the seed compared to the banyan tree?
This expression is used to highlight how great things often have humble or tiny beginnings. Just as a massive banyan tree grows from a minuscule seed, significant achievements or large-scale situations can originate from a very small source or idea.
పూతకు ముందే పురుగు పట్టినది
putaku munde purugu pattinadi
Worm eaten before blossoming.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a project or an endeavor faces significant problems or failure right at its inception, before it even has a chance to develop or show progress.
Premature. Precocious.
ఏ చెట్టూ లేని చోట ఆముదపు చెట్టే మహావృక్షం.
e chettu leni chota amudapu chette mahavriksham.
In a place where there are no trees, even a castor oil plant is a great tree.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person with very little knowledge or skill is considered an expert simply because everyone else around them is completely ignorant or incompetent. It is similar to the English expression 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'
విషములో పుట్టిన పురుగుకు విషమే ఆహారం.
vishamulo puttina puruguku vishame aharam.
For a worm born in poison, poison itself is the food.
This expression suggests that individuals become accustomed to the environment they are raised in, no matter how toxic or harsh it may be. It is used to describe people who have grown up in negative circumstances and therefore find those conditions normal or even necessary for their survival.
నాభిలో పుట్టిన పురుగు వంటివాడు
nabhilo puttina purugu vantivadu
One like a worm born in the Nâbhi. Nâbhi ( Sans. Vatsanâbha ) is an active vegetable poison, ' the root of the Aconite ferox brought from Nepal' ( Wilson ). Said of a treacherous villain.
This expression is used to describe someone who has intimate, first-hand, and deep knowledge of a person, family, or organization. Just as a worm residing in the navel knows everything about the body, this phrase refers to an insider who knows all the secrets and internal affairs.
ఏ చెట్టూ లేనిచోట వెంపలి చెట్టు మహావృక్షము
e chettu lenichota vempali chettu mahavrikshamu
In a place where there are no trees, even a Wild Indigo bush is a great tree
This proverb describes a situation where an ordinary or mediocre person is considered great simply because there are no better alternatives available. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'
పానకములో పుడక
panakamulo pudaka
A little stick in a sweet drink.
An interfering hindrance or a nuisance can be irritating. One who pokes one’s nose in a business not one’s own is disliked by all. It is wise for one to keep off other people’s affairs and mind one’s own business.