చీకటింట్లో శివాలాడినట్లు

chikatintlo shivaladinatlu

Translation

Like performing the Shiva dance (Shiva Tandavam) in a pitch-dark room.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is performing a great deal of work or making a lot of effort, but because it is done in secret or without any visibility, no one notices or appreciates it. It can also refer to pointless or chaotic activity that yields no recognition.

Related Phrases

Like lifting torches in a ruined or abandoned house.

This expression refers to performing a useless action or displaying brilliance in a place where there is no one to appreciate it. It is used to describe efforts that go to waste or talents that are showcased in an unworthy or empty environment.

Like saying eat at our house, but wash your hand at yours

This expression describes a person who is extremely stingy or miserly. It refers to someone who is willing to take or consume resources from others but is unwilling to provide even the smallest hospitality (like a little water to wash hands) in return, or someone who avoids any responsibility or cost after enjoying a benefit.

Like dancing in a trance on a cart and being afraid of the brother-in-law watching.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is doing something very public, bold, or shameful, yet pretends to be shy or afraid of a specific person seeing them. It highlights the hypocrisy of being concerned about one's reputation in small matters while already being exposed in a major way.

When being thrown out of the house, hanging on by grabbing the eaves.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is desperately trying to cling to a position, relationship, or situation even after being clearly rejected or told to leave. It highlights a lack of self-respect or a state of extreme desperation where one refuses to accept the inevitable exit.

Dancing in the dark

This expression refers to activities done in secrecy or efforts that go unrecognized and wasted because they are performed where no one can see. It is used to describe futile actions or deceptive behavior carried out away from public scrutiny.

Like a grandfather groping around in a house where there is no child.

This proverb is used to describe a situation that is purposeless, lonely, or lacks the intended joy and activity. Just as a grandfather might search for a child to play with in a house where none exists, it signifies efforts made in vain or being in a place that feels empty and devoid of its primary charm or necessity.

Like an old monkey being possessed by Lord Shiva.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is already naturally mischievous, unstable, or troublesome (like a monkey) gains additional power, energy, or a sudden outburst of rage (possession), making the situation significantly worse and uncontrollable.

A brilliant gem in the darkness.

This expression refers to someone or something that stands out or shines brightly in difficult, obscure, or unfavorable circumstances. It is often used to describe a person of great merit who is hidden in a crowd or a solution that brings hope during a period of crisis.

A bright exception among a bad lot.

Like a grandfather groping for the children in a house where there are none.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where subordinates or children behave uncontrollably or misbehave in the absence of an authority figure or supervisor. It is equivalent to the English expression 'When the cat is away, the mice will play.'

Like fighting over pebbles used for a hearth.

This expression describes people who waste their energy and time fighting over trivial, worthless, or insignificant things. It is often used to mock unnecessary conflicts where the prize has no real value.