చంకలో బిడ్డను పెట్టుకొని ఊరంతా వెతికినట్టు
chankalo biddanu pettukoni uranta vetikinattu
Like carrying a child in one's arms and searching for them throughout the village
This proverb describes a situation where someone searches for something everywhere, unaware that it is right with them or already in their possession. It is commonly used to mock forgetfulness or a lack of situational awareness.
Related Phrases
మహా మహా వారు మదుళ్ల కింద ఉంటే, గోడ చాటు వారికి శరణు శరణు.
maha maha varu madulla kinda unte, goda chatu variki sharanu sharanu.
When great men are under the coping, “Saraṇu! Saraṇu!” [is said] to those who live under the wall. Saraṇu Saraṇu here means “ you may go, you may go.” When a superior is in want, an inferior must expect to be neglected.
This proverb is used to comment on a situation where even the most powerful or influential people are facing severe downfall or ruin. In such circumstances, it is ironic or futile for smaller, insignificant people to expect safety or seek protection. It highlights that if the mighty cannot survive a disaster, the weak stand no chance.
చచ్చేటప్పుడు శంభో శంకరా అంటే
chachchetappudu shambho shankara ante
If one says 'Shambho Shankara' while dying
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to fix a problem or seek redemption at the very last moment, often when it is too late for the effort to be meaningful or effective. It highlights the futility of eleventh-hour realisations or actions after a lifetime of neglect.
మహామహా వారు మదుళ్ళకింద ఉంటే, గోడ చాటు వారికి శరణు శరణు.
mahamaha varu madullakinda unte, goda chatu variki sharanu sharanu.
When great people are under the eaves, those behind the walls are seeking refuge.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where even the most powerful or influential people are suffering or in a vulnerable position. It implies that if the giants are struggling to find shelter, common or insignificant people have no chance at all and are desperately seeking any help they can get. It highlights a state of extreme crisis or overwhelming odds.
నీ చంక నేమిటోయీ అంటే, నా చంక నాకయ్యా అన్నాడట.
ni chanka nemitoyi ante, na chanka nakayya annadata.
When asked 'What is that in your armpit?', he replied 'It's my armpit, sir'.
This expression describes a situation where someone gives a redundant, evasive, or foolishly obvious answer to avoid revealing what they are hiding. It is used to mock people who try to hide something by stating the obvious or using circular reasoning.
చచ్చేటప్పుడు శంకరా శంకరా అన్నాడట
chachchetappudu shankara shankara annadata
When he was at the point of death he cried "Śankara! Śankara!" (Siva.) Deathbed repentance.
This proverb is used to describe someone who waits until the very last moment or a crisis to seek help, turn to God, or do the right thing. It refers to a person who ignores their duties or avoids spiritual/ethical paths throughout their life, only to become desperately 'pious' or 'diligent' when they realize time has run out.
శంకరా శంకరా అంటే మూతి వంకర పోతుందాన్నట్లు
shankara shankara ante muti vankara potundannatlu
Just because you say 'Shankara Shankara', will your mouth become crooked?
This proverb is used to mock someone's irrational fear or superstition that performing a simple, good, or harmless act will lead to a ridiculous physical deformity or negative consequence. It is often used to encourage someone to stop making excuses and just do what is necessary.
రంకాడనేర్చినమ్మ బొంకాడనేరదా?
rankadanerchinamma bonkadanerada?
Will the woman who has learnt to play the harlot, not learn to lie?
This proverb is used to suggest that a person who is capable of committing a major transgression or a serious moral wrong is certainly capable of lying to cover it up. It implies that deceit naturally accompanies wrongful actions, and one should not expect honesty from someone who lacks integrity.
చెవిటి వాడి ముందు శంఖం ఊదినట్టు
cheviti vadi mundu shankham udinattu
Like blowing a conch in front of a deaf person.
This expression is used to describe a situation where advice, information, or efforts are completely wasted on someone who is unwilling or unable to listen or understand. It signifies a futile action that yields no response or impact.
అరణంకంటే మరణమే మగవానికి శరణం
aranankante maraname magavaniki sharanam
Death is a better refuge for a man than living on a dowry.
This proverb emphasizes the social stigma and loss of self-respect associated with a man living off his wife's wealth or dowry (Aranam). It suggests that for a man with dignity, death is preferable to the humiliation of being dependent on his in-laws' property or a dowry-based lifestyle.
మహామహావాళ్ళు ముదుళ్ళకింద ఉంటే, గోడచాటువారికి శరణు శరణు.
mahamahavallu mudullakinda unte, godachatuvariki sharanu sharanu.
When even the greatest people are under someone's control, one must bow down to those hiding behind walls.
This expression is used to describe a situation where even highly influential or capable individuals are being suppressed or dominated by a stronger force. In such cases, people with lesser power or those who usually hide (opportunists) must be treated with extreme caution or subservience to survive. It highlights the shifting of power dynamics during times of crisis or when a superior authority takes control.