దోసపండు నెట్టుబ్రోచు ఇనుపకట్టు

dosapandu nettubrochu inupakattu

Translation

An iron band protecting a cucumber.

Meaning

This proverb describes an overkill or an unnecessary protective measure where the effort or cost of protection far exceeds the value of the object being protected. Just as an expensive iron strap is overkill for a soft, cheap cucumber, it refers to situations where someone uses excessive resources for a trivial matter.

Related Phrases

Like a Donda fruit in a parrot's beak. The reverse of No. 574 q. v.

This expression is used to describe a perfect match or a beautiful combination. Just as the vibrant red scarlet gourd (Dondapandu) looks exceptionally beautiful in the bright green beak of a parrot, this phrase refers to situations where two things complement each other perfectly, often used to describe a well-matched couple or an aesthetically pleasing pairing.

The tamarind tree has sprouted new leaves, and the young girl has grown proud.

This is a rhythmic folk saying or song lyric often used playfully. It draws a metaphorical parallel between the natural growth of a tree (springing new life) and a young person reaching a certain age or status where they exhibit attitude, pride, or self-confidence.

Like setting the sail according to the wind.

This proverb describes a person who is opportunistic or highly adaptable. It refers to the practice of changing one's opinions, loyalty, or behavior to suit current circumstances or to gain an advantage, similar to the English expression 'to trim one's sails to the wind.'

Set your sail according to the wind. (French.)*,

Like saying " Take the gun and shoot" when there is no powder and no ball.

This expression describes a situation where someone is asked to perform a task or achieve a result without being provided with the necessary tools, resources, or basic requirements. It highlights the absurdity of expecting an outcome when the fundamental means to achieve it are missing.

If carried on the hip, it is affection; if carried on the head, it is a nuisance.

This proverb highlights the importance of maintaining boundaries and limits. It suggests that while showing affection or giving support is good, over-indulging someone or giving them too much freedom/authority can lead to them becoming a burden or acting out of place. It is often used to warn against spoiling children or being overly lenient with subordinates.

Do you need iron fingernails to peel a banana?

This proverb is used to point out that one does not need extraordinary efforts, complex tools, or great strength to perform a very simple task. It is a rhetorical question used when someone overcomplicates an easy job or makes a mountain out of a molehill.

He casts my blood into my mouth. i. e. He harasses and annoys me exceedingly.

This expression is used to describe a person who causes extreme distress, suffering, or mental agony to someone close to them. It characterizes a situation where someone's actions are so hurtful or demanding that the victim feels they are being self-destructed or bled dry by the perpetrator's behavior.

A silk tassel to a broom.

This expression is used to describe an absurd or mismatched combination where something very beautiful, expensive, or high-quality is wasted on or attached to something lowly, ugly, or insignificant. It highlights the incongruity and pointlessness of such an arrangement.

The grand appearance of a worthless person. A leaden sword in an ivory scabbard.

Tying up water in a bundle. He draws water with a sieve.

This expression is used to describe a futile, impossible, or extremely difficult task. Just as it is impossible to pack or tie water into a bundle with a cloth, this phrase refers to situations where efforts are wasted on something that cannot be contained, managed, or achieved.

They are iron chickpeas, not black gram chickpeas.

This expression is used to describe something that is extremely difficult to achieve, understand, or manage. Just as iron chickpeas are impossible to chew compared to soft boiled black gram, it refers to a task that is 'a hard nut to crack' or a person who is very tough to deal with.