బిడ్డ చచ్చినా తొట్లమర్ల ఉడుగలేదు
bidda chachchina totlamarla udugaledu
The baby died, but the rocking of the cradle hasn't stopped.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a core purpose or person is gone, yet the superficial habits, rituals, or mechanical processes associated with them continue aimlessly. It highlights the absurdity of continuing an action that has lost its original meaning or utility.
Related Phrases
జనమర్లు జాతర మర్లు.
janamarlu jatara marlu.
People turn as the festival turns.
This expression is used to describe the fickle nature of crowds or public opinion. Just as people move and change direction according to the flow of a festival (Jatara), people's allegiances or behaviors often change based on the current trend, situation, or prevailing crowd sentiment.
వచ్చిన పేరు చచ్చినా పోదు
vachchina peru chachchina podu
The reputation gained will not leave even after death
This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.
రాజ్యాలు ఒడిగినా లక్షణాలు ఒడగలేదు
rajyalu odigina lakshanalu odagaledu
Even if kingdoms are lost, character/traits are not lost
This proverb describes a person who continues to exhibit their characteristic behavior (often arrogance, extravagance, or specific habits) even after losing their wealth, status, or power. It suggests that while external fortunes change, innate nature or ingrained habits remain the same.
కాకిని కొడితే గద్ద చచ్చిందట
kakini kodite gadda chachchindata
They say a vulture died because a crow was hit.
This expression is used to describe a situation where an action is taken against a minor or irrelevant target, but the result is claimed to have affected a much larger or more significant entity. It highlights a false sense of achievement or a logical fallacy where two unrelated events are linked to exaggerate one's prowess.
తొడ గిల్లి తొట్టె ఊపినట్లు
toda gilli totte upinatlu
Pinching the thigh and then rocking the cradle.
This expression describes the hypocritical behavior of someone who secretly causes a problem and then pretends to offer comfort or help. It is used to describe individuals who act like a savior for a crisis they themselves created.
చచ్చిన బిడ్డకు చేరెడు కండ్లు
chachchina biddaku cheredu kandlu
The dead child has eyes as large as palms.
This proverb is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the qualities, virtues, or potential of something or someone only after they are lost or no longer exist. It highlights the human tendency to glorify the past or missed opportunities.
చచ్చిన ఆవు మీద చెప్పులు ఉంచినట్లు
chachchina avu mida cheppulu unchinatlu
Like placing sandals on a dead cow
This expression refers to a situation where a person is insulted or treated poorly after they have already faced a major downfall or loss. It signifies adding insult to injury or showing disrespect to someone who can no longer defend themselves.
బిడ్డ చచ్చినా పీతికంపు పోలేదు
bidda chachchina pitikampu poledu
The baby died, but the smell of its excrement remains.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a problem or a person is gone, but the negative consequences, bad reputation, or 'stink' they created still lingers and continues to cause trouble.
వచ్చిన వాడు చచ్చినా పోదు.
vachchina vadu chachchina podu.
Calumny is not removed even by death.
This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.
Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.
బిడ్డ చచ్చినా బారసాల బాగా జరిగింది
bidda chachchina barasala baga jarigindi
Even though the child died, the naming ceremony went well.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the primary purpose or the main goal of an event is lost or failed, but the superficial or secondary formalities were celebrated successfully. It highlights the irony of focusing on the process or celebration while ignoring a catastrophic outcome.