చలిబడనేల సీతుగాయనేల

chalibadanela situgayanela

Translation

Why endure the cold and why bask in the moonlight?

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is confused, indecisive, or performing contradictory actions that yield no benefit. It refers to someone who complains about the cold (chali) but instead of seeking warmth from a fire, sits in the moonlight (seethu), which provides no heat. It is applied to people who choose ineffective solutions to their problems.

Related Phrases

Why thump a stone? Why should your hand be pained? Why bring trouble on your own head?

This proverb is used to advise against engaging in futile or self-destructive actions. It suggests that picking a fight with someone much stronger or attempting an impossible task will only result in self-inflicted harm, so it is better to avoid such unnecessary conflicts.

Why hide the pot when you have come for buttermilk?

This proverb is used to criticize someone who is hesitant or secretive about their true intentions after already making a move. It suggests that if you have approached someone for a specific favor or purpose, there is no point in being shy or hypocritical about it. It is commonly applied when someone tries to hide an obvious motive.

Why should a wandering prostitute have a steady paramour?

This proverb is used to comment on people who lack discipline, consistency, or loyalty. It implies that if someone is always restless or frequently changing their commitments/loyalties, they cannot maintain a stable relationship or a steady position. It is used to mock the inconsistency of a person who doesn't stay in one place long enough to benefit from a stable arrangement.

Why punch a stone? Why let the hand hurt?

This proverb is used to advise against engaging in futile or self-destructive actions. It suggests that picking a fight with someone much stronger than you, or attempting an impossible task that only results in self-harm, is foolish and unnecessary.

Why suffer after consuming salt?

This expression means that one should be prepared to face the consequences of their actions. It is often used to imply that if you have done something wrong or taken a favor (represented by 'salt' in Indian culture as a symbol of loyalty/indebtedness), you must accept the resulting hardship or responsibility without complaining.

Why step in the mud? Why wash the foot?

This expression means that it is better to avoid a bad situation or a known problem altogether rather than getting involved and then trying to fix the consequences. It is used to advise someone to stay away from trouble or unnecessary complications from the start.

Why step in the mud and then why wash your feet?

This proverb is used to advise someone to avoid getting into trouble or making a mistake in the first place, rather than trying to fix it later. It is similar to the English saying 'Prevention is better than cure.' It suggests that one should use foresight to avoid messy situations instead of wasting effort resolving them.

Why punch a stone and why suffer a hand injury?

This expression is used to advise someone against taking on a task or engaging in a conflict that is clearly beyond their capability or bound to result in self-harm. It questions the wisdom of starting a fight with a much stronger opponent or attempting an impossible task that will only lead to personal pain or failure.

If the tiger gets crushed, do the tiger's stripes get crushed too?

This expression is used to convey that even when a person of great stature, talent, or status faces hardships or loses their wealth/power, their inherent dignity, qualities, and reputation remain intact. External circumstances might weaken the person, but they cannot erase their fundamental nature or past glory.

Sesame for black soil, red gram for red soil.

This proverb highlights the importance of choosing the right resources or people for a specific task based on their nature and suitability. Just as sesame thrives in black soil and pigeon peas (red gram) grow best in red soil, success depends on aligning strategies with the environment or context.