అరచేత వెన్న పెట్టుకొని, నేతికి ఏడ్చినట్లు

aracheta venna pettukoni, netiki edchinatlu

Translation

Holding butter in the palm, yet crying for ghee.

Meaning

This expression describes a situation where someone overlooks a solution or resource they already possess while desperately searching for it elsewhere. It is used to point out the foolishness of not realizing that the goal is already within reach, as butter is the source of ghee.

Related Phrases

Like fruits growing on the palm of one's hand.

This expression is used to describe something that is impossible or highly unlikely to happen. Just as it is biologically impossible for fruit to grow directly from a human palm, it refers to unrealistic claims or deceptive promises that defy logic and reality.

Like having butter in your hand and searching the whole village for ghee.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone searches far and wide for something they already possess or have easy access to. Since ghee is made from butter, searching for ghee while holding butter is foolish. It highlights human nature of overlooking obvious solutions or resources available to them while seeking them elsewhere.

Like holding butter in one's hand and searching for ghee.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone searches for something everywhere else, while they already possess the source or the solution right in their hand. It highlights a lack of common sense or awareness about one's own resources, as ghee is simply clarified butter.

Like searching the whole village for ghee while having butter on the hanging shelf

This expression describes a situation where someone searches everywhere for something they already possess or which is right under their nose. It is used to mock the irony of looking for a solution or resource far away when it is easily available at home.

Like a man with butter in the palm of his hand, calling out for ghi.

This proverb is used to describe a person who searches for something everywhere when it is already within their possession or reach. It highlights the irony of being unaware of the resources one already has while complaining about a lack of results (since ghee is made by melting butter).

Looking for ghi when you have got butter.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone searches for something they already possess or have easy access to. It highlights the foolishness of overlooking immediate resources while seeking their processed or final forms elsewhere.

Asking others to help you when you have all in your own power.

Like crying for ghee while having butter in your hand.

This expression is used to describe someone who searches for something everywhere else, failing to realize that they already possess the necessary resources or the solution to their problem. It highlights unnecessary struggle or ignorance of one's own strengths.

Like taking something from the foot and rubbing it on the head.

This expression describes a situation where someone takes a problem or a lowly thing and intentionally elevates it to a position of importance or brings it upon themselves, causing unnecessary trouble. It refers to self-inflicted misery or making a foolish choice that brings dishonor or distress.

Like applying lime to one eye and butter to the other

This expression is used to describe showing partiality or unfair discrimination. It refers to a situation where two people or things are treated differently despite being equal, with one receiving harsh treatment (lime/caustic) and the other receiving soft, preferential treatment (butter).

Like playing spring festivals (Holi) with an old grandmother.

This expression is used to describe an inappropriate or disrespectful act where someone mocks or plays a prank on a vulnerable, elderly, or serious person who is not an appropriate peer for such behavior. It signifies doing something at the wrong time, in the wrong place, or with the wrong person.