చీలమండలదాకా చీర ఉంటే, మోకాళ్ళదాకా సిరి ఉంటుందనుకున్నట్లు

chilamandaladaka chira unte, mokalladaka siri untundanukunnatlu

Translation

Thinking that if the saree is worn down to the ankles, wealth will only reach up to the knees.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe people with a narrow or pessimistic mindset who find faults or negative outcomes even in positive or proper situations. It satirizes someone who misinterprets a sign of decency or tradition as a limitation on their prosperity.

Related Phrases

If you have a mouth, you have a village.

This proverb emphasizes that if one has effective communication skills or the ability to speak up, they can survive and thrive anywhere. It highlights that being vocal and persuasive helps a person find support, resources, and a place in society.

Like wearing a high-end saree because one does not have a spare change of clothes.

This expression describes a situation where someone is forced to use an expensive or precious resource for a mundane task simply because they lack a basic or ordinary alternative. It highlights a lack of preparedness or the irony of using something luxury out of necessity rather than choice.

Like blocking the goddess of wealth with one's knees.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone foolishly rejects or obstructs a great opportunity or fortune that comes their way. It signifies self-sabotage or turning away good luck due to ignorance or stubbornness.

When one finally chose a time to play after a long wait, the washerman reportedly ran away with the clothes.

This proverb describes a situation where a person faces an unexpected hurdle or bad luck the one time they finally decide to do something or celebrate. It is used when a rare opportunity is ruined by an unfortunate coincidence.

If the mother has leukoderma, won't the child have at least a spot?

This proverb is used to describe how children often inherit the traits, habits, or characteristics of their parents (similar to 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree'). It suggests that a person's behavior or nature is naturally influenced by their lineage or upbringing.

[ The host said ] " Boil, boil away, O food, until new year's day!" [ the guest added ] "My business will not take me away until the ploughing-season."

This proverb is used to describe extremely lazy individuals who are content to waste time or remain idle for long periods. It mocks someone who, when asked to do a long or tedious task, sarcastically suggests they can do it even longer because they have no intention of doing any other productive work.

During the Pongal feast in January a stingy man tried by a broad hint to avoid giving a visitor food, but the latter was not to be done out of his dinner. The Telugu New year's day falls in April, and cultivation commences in July. Eat and welcome ; fast and heartily welcome. Let the guest go before the storm bursts. (German.)*

If it is as small as a fingernail, he makes it as big as a mountain.

This expression is used to describe a person who has a habit of exaggerating things or blowing small issues out of proportion. It is similar to the English idiom 'to make a mountain out of a molehill'.

If there is water, it's a village; if there is a woman, it's a home.

This proverb highlights the essential elements required for sustenance and prosperity. Just as water is the lifeblood of a village for survival and agriculture, a woman's presence and care are considered the vital foundation that turns a mere house into a nurturing home.

Will a fruit whose stalk is detached not fall?

This proverb implies that when the natural bond or support system of something is broken, its downfall or consequence is inevitable. It is used to describe situations where a result is certain to happen following a specific cause, such as someone losing their job after losing their protector, or an event occurring once its preparation is complete.

When asked 'Parrot, Parrot, tell me your name', it said 'Kee Kee'.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gives an irrelevant or evasive answer to a simple, direct question. It highlights the inability or unwillingness of a person to provide a meaningful response, much like a parrot that can only repeat its natural sounds regardless of what it is asked.