దున్నే వాడికి లేళ్లని చూపించినట్టు
dunne vadiki lellani chupinchinattu
Like pointing out antelope to ploughers. Diverting the attention of people from their work.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is distracted from their hard work or duty by something enticing but irrelevant. It highlights how easily a person can be diverted from a laborious task (plowing) by a fleeting or useless attraction (chasing deer).
Related Phrases
పొద్దున్నే వచ్చిన వాన, పొద్దు తిరిగి వచ్చిన చుట్టం పోరు.
poddunne vachchina vana, poddu tirigi vachchina chuttam poru.
Rain that comes in the morning and a relative who arrives late in the day will not leave quickly.
This proverb highlights two situations that are known to persist for a long duration. Morning rain often indicates a rainy day ahead, and a relative arriving in the evening is likely to stay overnight. It is used to describe situations or guests that are expected to linger for quite some time.
నీవు పెట్టకపోయినా పెట్టే ఇల్లు చూపించుమన్నట్టు.
nivu pettakapoyina pette illu chupinchumannattu.
Though you don't give alms, point out a house where they do.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is unable or unwilling to help should at least guide the person in need to someone who can. It emphasizes that if you cannot be a benefactor, you should at least not be an obstacle and instead provide helpful information or direction.
చెయ్యి చూపి అవలక్షణము అనిపించుకొన్నట్టు.
cheyyi chupi avalakshanamu anipinchukonnattu.
Pointing with the hand, and being called a luckless fellow. Indiscreetly accusing a person openly of something which you are not able to prove. A fool's tongue is long enough to cut his own throat. Hear, see, and say nothing, if you wish to live in peace. (Italian.)
This proverb describes a situation where someone unnecessarily invites trouble or criticism by interfering in something or volunteering information. It is used when a person's own actions lead to a negative reputation or a bad outcome that could have been avoided by staying quiet or staying out of the way.
పాముకు బదనిక చూపినట్లు
pamuku badanika chupinatlu
Like showing a parasitic plant (Badanika) to a snake.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is instantly terrified or completely subdued by a specific threat or person. In Telugu folklore, it is believed that snakes are extremely fearful of the 'Badanika' (a type of parasitic plant) and become paralyzed or helpless when shown it. It signifies a weakness or a 'kryptonite' that brings an immediate stop to someone's aggressive behavior.
పాముకు బదనిక చూపినట్టు.
pamuku badanika chupinattu.
Like showing Badanika to a snake.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is deeply terrified or rendered powerless by a specific person or object. In Telugu folklore, it is believed that showing a 'Badanika' (a parasitic plant like Mistletoe) to a snake makes it immobile or frightened. It describes an effective deterrent or a person's ultimate weakness.
Badanika is the Loranthus Longiflorus ; the term is also applied gene- rally to all plants of the order. ( W. Elliot. ) It is said to be used as an antidote for snake bites.
అంధునకు అద్దము చూపినట్టు
andhunaku addamu chupinattu
Like giving a blind man a looking glass. A blind man will not thank you for a looking glass.
This proverb describes an exercise in futility or a wasted effort. It refers to providing something valuable or useful to a person who lacks the capacity or knowledge to appreciate or utilize it.
ఏడిచే బిడ్డకు అరటిపండు చూపినట్టు
ediche biddaku aratipandu chupinattu
Like shewing a plantain to a crying child.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is temporarily distracted or pacified with a minor gesture or a small bribe to stop them from complaining or demanding something more significant. It refers to a superficial or momentary solution to a problem rather than addressing the root cause.
అత్త మీద కోపం దుత్త మీద చూపించినట్టు
atta mida kopam dutta mida chupinchinattu
Like showing anger toward the mother-in-law on the earthen pot.
This expression describes a situation where someone takes out their frustration or anger on an innocent third party or an inanimate object because they cannot confront the person who actually caused the provocation. It is similar to the concept of 'displaced aggression'.
వేలు చూపించి ఉట్టిది అనిపించుకున్నట్లు
velu chupinchi uttidi anipinchukunnatlu
Pointing the finger and coming off worst.
This expression describes a situation where someone's attempt to help or point something out results in them being wrongly blamed or criticized. It is used when an innocent action leads to an unnecessary negative reputation or misunderstanding.
Said of a man who accuses another without being able to sub- stantiate his allegations.
గారెలు వండాలె పెళ్ళామా అంటే వేలు చూపినట్లు
garelu vandale pellama ante velu chupinatlu
When asked to cook Vada (Garelu), showing a finger instead.
This expression describes a situation where someone gives a vague, dismissive, or minimal response when asked to perform a significant task. It refers to a person who avoids responsibility or work by making a simple gesture instead of actually putting in the effort required. It is used to mock laziness or unhelpful behavior.