దుక్కినాగలి చెక్కే వడ్రంగికి మేడలు కట్టడం నేర్పుతుందా?

dukkinagali chekke vadrangiki medalu kattadam nerputunda?

Translation

Can a carpenter who carves plows teach how to build mansions?

Meaning

This expression highlights that expertise in a simple or specific skill does not qualify someone to teach or handle complex, grand projects. It is used when someone with limited experience tries to give advice on matters far beyond their capability or scale of work.

Related Phrases

The grandson learnt his lesson, and the grandmother's itching was taken away. The grandmother made her grandson write the alphabet on her back. To kill two birds with one stone. To bring down two apples with one stick. (Dutch.)

This proverb describes a situation where a single action serves two purposes or benefits two people simultaneously. It specifically refers to a scenario where a task performed by a novice for practice (like a grandson learning to scratch or massage) happens to solve a problem or provide comfort to someone else (the grandmother). It is used when a win-win situation occurs, especially when one person's learning process fulfills another person's need.

The word spoken with learning is the word of an expert.

This expression emphasizes that knowledge and skill bring weight to one's words. It suggests that when someone speaks after truly learning or mastering a subject, their words carry authority and wisdom, distinguishing them as a capable or clever person (Neravaadi).

Dattu dattu shield and sword, a sharp knife in the eaves of the roof.

This is a rhythmic nursery rhyme or a play-chant used by children in Andhra Pradesh. While it doesn't have a deep philosophical meaning, it is often used as a rhythmic 'counting-out' rhyme or during games to create a sense of bravery and action. It describes traditional weapons like the shield and sword, and a sharp hidden knife, capturing a child's imagination of being a warrior.

For the one who learned to have an illicit affair, the one who learned to lie is a companion.

This proverb describes how one bad habit or vice often leads to another. Specifically, it implies that to hide a significant misdeed, one must inevitably resort to lying. It is used to suggest that moral failings or deceptive behaviors usually go hand in hand.

Building castles in the air

This expression refers to creating unrealistic plans or daydreams that have no solid foundation. It is used to describe someone who is being impractical or overly idealistic about the future without taking any concrete action.

When they said 'Me-me' (bleating), he went and sat on the terrace.

This proverb is used to describe someone who takes a suggestion or a sound too literally or acts with over-enthusiasm based on a misunderstanding. In Telugu, 'Me-me' is the sound a goat makes, but it can also be misinterpreted as 'Me' (upstairs/above) in certain dialects or contexts. It mocks someone who behaves foolishly by jumping to conclusions or seeking a higher status without cause.

Learn to lie, then learn to support that lie.

This expression suggests that if one chooses to tell a lie, they must also have the cleverness and consistency to maintain it without getting caught. It is used to remark on the complexity of deception and the need for a 'logical cover' when being dishonest.

Like the grandson learning and the grandmother's itch being relieved.

This proverb describes a situation that serves two purposes or benefits two people simultaneously. It refers to a grandmother teaching her grandson how to scratch her back; while the boy learns a task, the grandmother gets relief from her itch. It is used when an action results in a win-win outcome or when someone gets a personal benefit while performing a duty.

Will a tree with ripened fruit learn to bend?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is set in their ways or too old/experienced to change their habits or character. Just as a tree that has already yielded ripe fruit is firm and cannot be easily molded or bent like a young sapling, an elderly or established person may find it difficult to adopt new behaviors or unlearn old ones.

Like a sickle carried in the waist of a man climbing up a hill. An additional danger and difficulty.

This expression refers to adding an unnecessary burden or a dangerous hindrance to someone who is already performing a difficult and strenuous task. It describes a situation where instead of helping someone in a struggle, a person adds more risk or trouble to their journey.

* El secreto de Anchuelos. ( See Kelly's "Proverbs of all Nations" p. 178. )