एक समस्या सौ समस्याएँ

/ek səməsjɑː eːk sə̃məsjɑːeː/proverb
One problem leads to many more

उसके एक छोटे से झूठ ने एक समस्या सौ समस्याएँ खड़ी कर दीं।

His small lie created one problem that led to many more.


What It Really Means
This proverb conveys the idea that a single problem can escalate into a multitude of interconnected issues, often due to hidden dependencies or unintended consequences. It reflects a cultural emphasis on foresight and early problem-solving.
Literal Meaning
One problem leads to a hundred problems.
Literal Breakdown
एक समस्याone problem+सौ समस्याएँa hundred problems
Mental Image
The mental picture is of a single domino toppling a chain of dominoes, where each fallen domino represents a new problem emerging from the initial one.
When to Use
Imagine a team leader overlooking a minor scheduling conflict in a project. The delay causes a ripple effect: team members reallocate time, client expectations shift, and resources get reallocated, leading to a cascade of new problems that were not initially apparent.
Cultural Note
This proverb reflects traditional Indian wisdom on interconnectedness and the importance of addressing issues promptly. It is often cited in advisory contexts, such as family discussions, workplace meetings, or educational settings, to emphasize the value of foresight and early intervention.
informal

A situation where solving one problem inadvertently creates or reveals many additional problems, often due to interconnectedness or hidden consequences.

परियोजना में देरी हुई, जिससे एक समस्या सौ समस्याएँ बन गईं।

The project delay created one problem that led to many more complications.

उसने एक छोटा सा नियम तोड़ा और देखो, एक समस्या सौ समस्याएँ खड़ी हो गईं।

He broke a small rule and look, it created one problem that led to many more issues.

Often used to describe situations where a seemingly minor issue escalates uncontrollably due to systemic dependencies.

Related Phrases

एक अनार सौ बीमारproverb
One pomegranate causes a hundred illnesses (used to describe a situation where one small issue leads to many problems)
झगड़े की जड़ एक, डाल-डाल पात-पातproverb
One root of conflict, branches and leaves everywhere (used to describe how a single issue spreads)

Pro Tip

When to use this proverb

Use this proverb when describing situations where a small mistake or issue has led to a chain reaction of problems. It is particularly effective in warning against procrastination or neglecting minor issues.

Gold Rule

Problem escalation

This proverb highlights the interconnected nature of problems. Addressing issues early can prevent a cascade of complications.

Word Origin

This Hindi proverb originates from traditional wisdom emphasizing the cascading effects of problems. The phrase combines 'एक समस्या' (one problem) with 'सौ समस्याएँ' (hundred problems), illustrating how a single issue can multiply into numerous complications.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to emphasize the importance of addressing issues early before they escalate. Often appears in advisory or cautionary contexts.

Word Breakdown

एक
one
numeral
+
समस्या
problem
noun
+
सौ
hundred
numeral
+
समस्याएँ
problems
noun
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