ఆకుకు అందక, పోకకు పొందక
akuku andaka, pokaku pondaka
Neither reaching the leaf, nor matching the nut
This expression describes a state of being useless or fitting nowhere. It is used when something or someone fails to meet any criteria or serve any purpose in a given situation, similar to being 'neither here nor there'. It specifically refers to the preparation of a betel leaf (paan), where an ingredient fits neither the leaf nor the areca nut.
Related Phrases
మోచేతి దెబ్బ చూడక, తాటిచిప్పకు అతుకు పెట్టబోయినట్లు
mocheti debba chudaka, tatichippaku atuku pettaboyinatlu
Like trying to patch a palm leaf bowl without looking at the injury on the elbow.
This expression describes someone who ignores a significant, immediate problem or injury (represented by a hit to the elbow) and instead focuses on a trivial or useless task (like repairing a disposable palm leaf bowl). It is used to mock people who have misplaced priorities or ignore personal suffering to attend to insignificant matters.
అడకత్తులో పోక
adakattulo poka
Like a nut in the nippers. Adakattu are nippers used for breaking Areca nuts. To be between the hammer and the anvil. (Franch.)
This expression is used to describe a person who is stuck in a difficult or tight situation, caught between two opposing forces with no way to escape. It is similar to the English idiom 'Between a rock and a hard place.'
రాక రాక అంటే పోకే పోకే అందట.
raka raka ante poke poke andata.
When one said 'You have finally come after a long time', the other replied 'Then I shall never leave'.
This proverb is used to describe an unwelcome guest or a situation where a rare visit turns into an overstay. It highlights the irony of being overly hospitable to someone who then takes undue advantage of the invitation, making it difficult to get them to leave.
పండు పడకకు చెప్పకుండా పోయినాడు
pandu padakaku cheppakunda poyinadu
He left without telling the fruit or the bed.
This expression is used to describe someone who leaves a place very suddenly, secretly, or without informing anyone. It implies a quiet or abrupt departure where no one was given notice.
ఆకును అందదు, పోకను పొందదు
akunu andadu, pokanu pondadu
It reaches not the leaf, it suits not the nut. Quite inadequate.
This expression is used to describe someone or something that is caught in the middle and is useless for either of two intended purposes. It refers to the preparation of a betel leaf (pan), where one fails to get both the leaf and the areca nut, rendering the effort futile. It is often applied to people who are indecisive or situations that lack clear direction and utility.
అందీతే సిగ అందక పోతే కాళ్ళు.
andite siga andaka pote kallu.
To go for the head or fall at the feet of a person to get one’s purpose served.
This is said of the opportunist who changes tactics, with the sole purpose of realising his wishes.
పల్నాటిలో పోకకు పుట్టెడు అమ్మితే, ఆ పోకా దొరకక పొర్లి పొర్లీ ఏడ్చినదట
palnatilo pokaku puttedu ammite, a poka dorakaka porli porli edchinadata
When a Puṭṭi of grain was sold in Pôlnâḍu for an areca nut, she rolled herself on the ground and cried, for she could not even get that. Very unfortunate.
This proverb describes a situation of extreme scarcity or hyperinflation where even when one is willing to pay an exorbitant price, the desired object is simply unavailable. It is used to highlight the futility of having resources when the supply of essentials has completely vanished.
*Ubi amiti, ibi opes.
అడకత్తెరలో పోకచెక్కలాగా
adakatteralo pokachekkalaga
Like a betel nut in a nutcracker
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is caught between two opposing forces, difficulties, or powerful parties with no way to escape. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English idiom 'between a rock and a hard place'.
పానకంలో పుడక
panakamlo pudaka
A small stick in the sweet syrup
This expression is used to describe a person or an obstacle that disrupts a smooth or pleasant situation. Similar to the English idiom 'a fly in the ointment', it refers to a minor but annoying interference that spoils the enjoyment of something good.
చిన్నక్క చిలక, పెద్దక్క గిలక, చూస్తే చుక్క, రేగితే కుక్క.
chinnakka chilaka, peddakka gilaka, chuste chukka, regite kukka.
The younger sister is a parrot, the elder sister is a rattle; when you look at them they are like stars; when angry they are like dogs.
This is a rhythmic folk saying used to describe a woman's dual nature or temperament. It suggests that while she may appear beautiful, gentle, or charming (like a parrot or a star) on the surface, she can become extremely aggressive or fierce (like a dog) if she is provoked or loses her temper.