చిల్లర దేవతలకు మొక్కి, చిత్తం చెడగొట్టుకున్నట్లు
chillara devatalaku mokki, chittam chedagottukunnatlu
Like praying to minor deities and ruining one's peace of mind.
This proverb is used when someone wastes their time, effort, or resources on trivial matters or unreliable people instead of focusing on the main source or a higher goal. It suggests that pursuing small, insignificant things often leads to confusion, frustration, and a lack of focus rather than providing any real benefit.
Related Phrases
చిత్త వర్షం చిత్తం వచ్చినచోట పడుతుంది
chitta varsham chittam vachchinachota padutundi
Rain during the Chitta star period falls wherever it pleases.
This proverb is based on agricultural observations regarding the 'Chitta' nakshatram (a specific period in the lunar calendar). It suggests that rainfall during this time is highly unpredictable and localized, falling in one spot while leaving a nearby area dry. It is used metaphorically to describe situations that are inconsistent, whimsical, or depend entirely on the unpredictable will of a person or nature.
తెడ్డునాకి వ్రతం చెడగొట్టుకున్నట్లు
teddunaki vratam chedagottukunnatlu
Like licking the ladle and ruining the ritual fast.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone loses a significant reward or ruins a great effort for the sake of a very small, insignificant temptation. It refers to someone who observes a strict religious fast but breaks it just to lick a tiny bit of food left on a serving spoon, thereby losing the spiritual merit of the entire endeavor for a trivial gain.
దేవుడని మొక్కితే దయ్యమై పట్టుకున్నట్టు
devudani mokkite dayyamai pattukunnattu
Like praying to someone as a God, only for them to possess you like a ghost.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone seeks help or protection from a person or entity, but instead of receiving help, that person becomes a source of trouble or harassment. It reflects the irony of a perceived savior becoming a tormentor.
చిత్తకు చిడిముడి చినుకులు లేదా చిత్తకు చిటపట
chittaku chidimudi chinukulu leda chittaku chitapata
Slight drizzles or pitter-patter during the Chitta nakshatra.
This is an agricultural proverb related to the rainy season and the Chitta nakshatra (constellation). It implies that even small, scattered drizzles during this period are highly beneficial for the crops and the soil, signaling the transition of seasons.
మాటలకు మల్లి, చేతలకు ఎల్లి
matalaku malli, chetalaku elli
Malli for words, Elli for deeds
This proverb describes someone who is very vocal, boastful, or makes grand promises (Malli) but is completely absent or disappears when it comes time to actually do the work (Elli). It is used to criticize people who talk a lot but never follow through with action.
ఎత్తుకున్న బిడ్డ మొత్తుకున్నా ఆగదు
ettukunna bidda mottukunna agadu
A child in arms won't stop crying even if you hit it.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is forced to endure a burden or responsibility they have voluntarily taken up. Once you have committed to helping someone or taking on a task (lifting the child), you must bear the consequences and difficulties (the crying/trouble) that come with it until the end.
పేరంటాళ్లు పదిమంది చేరి పాకం చెడగొట్టినట్లు
perantallu padimandi cheri pakam chedagottinatlu
Like ten women guests gathering and spoiling the syrup.
This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'Too many cooks spoil the broth.' It is used to describe a situation where a task is ruined because too many people are involved in its execution, each providing conflicting input or interference.
చిత్తం చెప్పుల మీద, ధ్యానం దేవుని మీద
chittam cheppula mida, dhyanam devuni mida
The mind is on the sandals, while the meditation is on God.
This proverb describes a person who lacks focus or sincerity. It is used to mock someone who pretends to be deeply involved in a spiritual or serious task while their thoughts are actually preoccupied with trivial, worldly, or selfish concerns. It refers to the habit of people worrying about their footwear being stolen outside a temple while they are supposed to be praying inside.
చిత్త చినుకు తన చిత్తమున్న చోట పడుతుంది.
chitta chinuku tana chittamunna chota padutundi.
The rain of the Chitta star falls wherever it pleases.
This proverb refers to the Chitta Karthe (a specific period in the lunar calendar). It describes the unpredictable nature of rainfall during this time, which is often localized rather than widespread. In a broader sense, it is used to describe a person who acts solely according to their own whims and fancies, or situations where outcomes are highly selective and arbitrary.
వానలకు మఖ, కుక్కలకు చిత్త.
vanalaku makha, kukkalaku chitta.
For rains Makha, for dogs Chitta.
This proverb refers to the Indian astrological lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It suggests that the Makha Nakshatra period is known for heavy rainfall, while the Chitta Nakshatra period is associated with the breeding season or increased activity of dogs. It is used to describe the characteristic traits or expected behaviors of specific seasonal periods.