అమర్చినదానిలో అత్త వేలు పెట్టినట్లు

amarchinadanilo atta velu pettinatlu

Translation

Like a mother-in-law sticking her finger in something already settled

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe someone who unnecessarily interferes or creates obstacles in a task that is already completed or running smoothly. It highlights meddling behavior that disrupts harmony or progress.

Related Phrases

Like throwing away a lump of butter and licking one's fingers.

This proverb describes a person who abandons something valuable or substantial only to struggle for something trivial or of much lesser value. It is used to critique poor decision-making where a person ignores a great opportunity right in front of them and settles for the remnants.

Like giving cheese to a fever patient or putting butter on a split head.

This expression describes an act that is counterproductive, harmful, or poorly timed. Just as dairy is traditionally avoided during a fever in Ayurveda and butter won't heal a deep head wound, it refers to actions that worsen a situation despite appearing like a gesture of care or help.

Like changing the pillow because you have a headache.

This proverb refers to taking a superficial or irrelevant action to solve a problem instead of addressing the root cause. Just as changing a pillow won't cure a physiological headache, changing external factors won't solve internal or fundamental issues.

The mother-in-law put her finger in every dish prepared [ by the daughter-in-law ]. No work and all the credit. One man knocks in the nail, and another hangs his hat on it. (German.)

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily interferes or meddles in a task that has already been completed perfectly or settled. It highlights unwelcome interference that often ruins the final outcome or creates unnecessary complications.

Like the mother-in-law sticking her finger in after everything has been arranged.

This expression is used to describe someone who finds unnecessary faults or makes minor, annoying changes to something that is already perfect or complete. It highlights a tendency to interfere or nitpick just to assert authority or feel important, even when no help is needed.

Like trying to tie a knot between a bald head and a big toe.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to link two completely unrelated things or people. It highlights an illogical connection, a far-fetched argument, or a forced relationship that makes no sense.

Like placing butter on the head and tying a waistband made of prawns.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being extremely foolish or setting themselves up for a loss. Placing butter on the head (which melts in the sun) and using prawns (which are scavenged by crows and dogs) as a waistband implies that the person's assets or efforts will quickly vanish or be snatched away due to poor planning.

The injured finger is the one that keeps getting hit.

This expression is used to describe a situation where troubles or misfortunes seem to repeatedly affect the same person or the same weak spot. It is similar to the English proverb 'Misfortunes never come singly' or the idea that 'it always pours when it rains.' It highlights how a person already in distress often faces further complications.

Like building a dam after the water has already flowed away

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes corrective action or precautions after the damage has already been done and it is too late to be effective. It is similar to the English proverb 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

Like placing legs on two boats

This expression refers to a situation where a person is trying to pursue two different or conflicting paths at the same time. It signifies instability and the risk of failure in both endeavors, much like how one would fall into the water if the two boats they are standing on drift apart. It is used to advise someone to be decisive and commit to a single course of action.