విడువుమంటే పాముకు కోపము, పట్టుమంటే కప్పకు కోపము

viduvumante pamuku kopamu, pattumante kappaku kopamu

Translation

If you say "let it go" the snake will be angry, if you say "hold it" the frog will be angry. A difficulty in pleasing both parties in the settlement of a dispute. It is hard to please a' parties. (Scotch.)

Meaning

This proverb describes a difficult dilemma or a 'no-win' situation where any decision made will inevitably offend or hurt one of the parties involved. It is used when a person is caught between two conflicting interests and is unable to please everyone.

Related Phrases

A fool is the master of anger.

This proverb describes how foolish or stubborn people are often the most easily angered. It is used to suggest that a lack of wisdom or self-control leads to a temperament characterized by high irritability and rage. (Corrected 'మూర్చచిత్తుడు' to 'మూర్ఖుడు' as per standard usage).

Anger is a cause of sin.

This expression highlights that anger often leads people to commit wrongful or sinful acts that they might later regret. It is used as a piece of advice to encourage self-control and emotional regulation, suggesting that one should stay calm to avoid negative consequences.

Anger is a sworn enemy. Anger is the fever and frenzy of the soul.

If told to let go, the snake gets angry; if told to catch, the frog gets angry.

This proverb describes a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will result in someone being offended or a negative outcome. It is used when a person is stuck between two conflicting parties or choices where satisfying one inevitably displeases the other.

Anger is a partner to sin

This proverb suggests that anger is the root cause or a close companion of sinful actions. It implies that when a person is angry, they lose their sense of judgment and are more likely to commit wrongdoings or harmful acts.

If you say "Mount," the bullock is angry; if you say "Get off" the lame man is angry.

This proverb describes a 'no-win' or 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will upset someone involved. It is used when a person is caught between two parties with conflicting interests, where satisfying one inevitably displeases the other.

It is hard to please every one. (Dutch.)*

If asked to bite, the frog would be angry; if asked to let go, the snake would be angry.

This refers to a situation when there are two disputing parties and advising either of them to compromise or withdraw from the dispute will be rejected by both. On those occasions, it is wise to keep quiet.

An obstinate person's anger sits on their nose

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely short-tempered or quick to get angry over trivial matters. 'Anger on the nose' signifies that the person's temper is always ready to flare up instantly without any restraint or patience.

For a king, poison is in his eyes; for a snake, poison is in its teeth.

This proverb highlights how power and danger manifest differently. A king's anger or a mere look of disapproval can destroy someone (symbolized by the eye), whereas a snake's threat is physical and direct through its bite (teeth). It is used to advise caution when dealing with powerful people or dangerous entities.

The sight of a beggar rouses a poor man's anger.

This expression describes the envy or resentment felt between people in similar unfortunate circumstances. It is often used when someone who is struggling themselves looks down upon or feels competitive towards another person who is also in need, rather than showing empathy.

Said impertinently by a beggar when he gets nothing.

The rough man's anger is on his nose. Said of a very bad tempered man.

This expression is used to describe someone who gets angry very easily and quickly (short-tempered). The 'tip of the nose' symbolizes how close the anger is to surfacing at any moment, especially in individuals who are impulsive or stubborn.