ఆవు పావలా, బట్టే ముప్పావలా.
avu pavala, batte muppavala.
The cow costs a quarter, but the rope costs three-quarters.
This expression is used to describe a situation where the maintenance or incidental costs of an item far exceed the actual value of the item itself. It highlights the irony of spending more on accessories or upkeep than on the primary object.
Related Phrases
నివురుగప్పిన నిప్పులా
nivurugappina nippula
Like an ember covered by ash
This expression is used to describe a person whose immense talent, power, or intense emotion is currently hidden or suppressed but has the potential to flare up at any moment. It signifies latent strength or a hidden genius that isn't obvious to an observer at first glance.
బట్టి పాతిక, బందెముప్పాతిక
batti patika, bandemuppatika
Fine is a quarter, while the capture fee is three-quarters.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the incidental costs or the penalties associated with a mistake far exceed the value of the original object or the core issue itself. It is similar to the English expression 'the remedy is worse than the disease.'
మూడుపావలాల గుడ్డ ముప్పై రూపాయల కుట్టు
mudupavalala gudda muppai rupayala kuttu
Three quarters worth of cloth and thirty rupees for the stitching.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the maintenance or incidental costs of an item far exceed the actual value of the item itself. It highlights poor financial decisions or disproportionate spending on trivial things.
ఉప్పుకు నిప్పు వలె
uppuku nippu vale
Like fire to salt
This expression is used to describe a relationship between two people or things that are highly incompatible or prone to sudden, violent conflict. Just as salt crackles and explodes when thrown into fire, this phrase characterizes a volatile, antagonistic, or 'cat and dog' relationship.
అప్పు ముప్పు
appu muppu
Debt is danger
This proverb serves as a warning about the risks associated with borrowing money. It implies that being in debt brings unforeseen troubles, stress, and potential ruin to one's life. It is used to advise people to live within their means and avoid financial liabilities.
మూడు పావలాల గుడ్డు, ముప్పై రూపాయల కుట్టు
mudu pavalala guddu, muppai rupayala kuttu
An egg worth three quarters, but the stitching cost thirty rupees.
This expression is used to describe a situation where the cost of repairing, maintaining, or accessorizing an item far exceeds the value of the item itself. It highlights poor economic judgment or disproportionate expenses.
పట్టి చావలేం, బందె ముచ్చవలేం
patti chavalem, bande muchchavalem
We can neither die by catching it, nor can we die in the trap.
This expression describes a situation where one is stuck in a dilemma or an 'in-between' state where they cannot find a way out or a resolution. It is used when a person is frustrated because they can neither commit to a difficult task nor abandon it completely, often feeling trapped by circumstances.
పెద్ద ఇంటి కోడలైనా కావాలి, పెద్ద చెరువు నీరైనా కావాలి.
pedda inti kodalaina kavali, pedda cheruvu niraina kavali.
One should either be a daughter-in-law of a big house or have water from a large lake.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of abundance and security. It suggests that for a person to thrive or live comfortably, they need to be associated with a source of great wealth, a large family with status, or a reliable, vast resource that ensures prosperity even in difficult times.
మూడు కాసుల దానికి ముప్పావలా బాడుగ
mudu kasula daniki muppavala baduga
The rent for a three-paise item is seventy-five paise.
This proverb describes a situation where the maintenance, overhead, or incidental costs of an object or task far exceed its actual value. It is used to criticize inefficiency or poor financial judgment.
తెడ్డు నాకి ఉపవాసాలు మాన్పించినట్లు
teddu naki upavasalu manpinchinatlu
Like licking the ladle when you're hungry.
This expression describes a situation where someone offers a trivial, ineffective, or negligible solution to a major problem. Just as licking a ladle cannot satisfy the hunger of someone fasting, minor gestures cannot solve significant needs or crises.