చలిపందిరి కుండలకు తూట్లు పొడిచినట్లు

chalipandiri kundalaku tutlu podichinatlu

Translation

Like poking holes in the pots of a free water-shed.

Meaning

This expression describes acts of senseless mischief or malice that harm the public good without any benefit to the perpetrator. A 'Chali-pandiri' is a traditional shed where free drinking water is offered to travelers; destroying these pots represents an especially mean-spirited act of sabotage against a selfless service.

Related Phrases

Death does not come even if the writing (fate) is pierced.

This expression is used to describe someone who is incredibly lucky or has survived a life-threatening situation against all odds. It implies that unless it is one's destined time to die, no amount of danger or misfortune can end their life.

All her threats ended in making a hole in the molasses pot.

This proverb describes someone who makes empty threats or creates a big fuss without any actual courage or intelligence, but eventually ends up causing damage to something valuable (like a pot of jaggery) out of sheer clumsiness or frustration. It is used to mock people who act tough but only manage to ruin their own interests or perform counter-productive actions.

Like making holes in the pots in a water-shed. The water-shed in India corresponds to the drinking-fountain in Europe. A despicable trick.

This expression describes a person who causes harm to a charitable or public service that benefits everyone. It refers to a person who, instead of being grateful for a free water station (chalivendram/chalipandiri) meant for thirsty travelers, maliciously damages the pots. It is used to characterize acts of senseless vandalism or mean-spirited sabotage against common good.

Closing the small holes while leaving the giant sluices open.

This proverb describes a situation of false economy or poor management. It refers to someone who is overly cautious about trivial, small losses (the holes) while being completely negligent about massive, significant losses (the sluices/floodgates). It is similar to the English expression 'Penny wise and pound foolish'.

Like throwing stones at the pots in a water-shed.

This expression is used to describe a cruel or senseless act of sabotage. A 'Chalipandiri' is a booth set up to provide free drinking water to thirsty travelers during summer; throwing stones into those pots breaks them and deprives people of water. It refers to someone causing unnecessary harm to a public good or a charitable cause.

Like a temple snake biting or a sacred cow goring.

This expression refers to being harmed by someone or something that is generally perceived as harmless, saintly, or trustworthy. It describes an unexpected betrayal or injury from a source where one only expected goodness or safety.

Like poking holes in the pots of a free water kiosk.

This expression describes a person who causes harm or destruction to public welfare services or charitable acts that benefit everyone. It is used to characterize someone who is unnecessarily malicious, especially toward things meant for the common good.

You are strutting as if the sun rose exclusively on your face.

This expression is used to mock someone who is acting overly proud, arrogant, or self-important without any actual justification. It suggests the person thinks they are the center of the universe or have achieved something extraordinary when they haven't.

Fighting chickens will not leave even if they are pecked (hurt).

This proverb is used to describe people who are deeply committed to a rivalry or a conflict. Even when they suffer losses or injuries during the struggle, their stubbornness or animosity keeps them from backing down. It is often used to characterize persistent quarreling or long-standing feuds between individuals who refuse to reconcile despite the negative consequences.

After making many threats, she finally poked a hole in the jaggery pot.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a lot of noise, threats, or fuss, but ends up doing something trivial, foolish, or counterproductive. It highlights the disparity between a big buildup and a disappointing or silly outcome.