ఏ గాలికి ఆ చాప ఎత్తినట్టు

e galiki a chapa ettinattu

Translation

Like setting the sail according to the wind.

Meaning

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.'

Notes

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

Related Phrases

Born to the wind and raised by the dust.

This expression refers to someone who grew up without any proper guidance, care, or parental supervision. It is often used to describe people who are self-made or, more commonly, those who lack manners and discipline because they were left to fend for themselves like weeds in the wind.

He came for hire, and asked for a share [in the business]. A cool request.

This proverb is used to describe a person who, despite having a very minor or temporary role in a task or organization, tries to claim ownership, authority, or a large share of the profits. It highlights the audacity of someone overstepping their boundaries.

If put on the finger it goes to the toe, and if put on the toe it goes to the finger.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely manipulative, inconsistent, or shifty in their speech. It refers to someone who changes their story or logic constantly to suit their convenience, making it impossible to pin them down to a single fact or commitment.

Like lifting up a string of flowers. A very easy business.

Used to describe a task that is performed with extreme ease, grace, or smoothness, without any visible effort or struggle. It signifies a flawless and lightweight execution of a process.

Like a thrown stone flying away with the wind

This expression is used to describe an outcome that was achieved purely by chance or luck rather than by skill or intentional effort. It suggests that a success happened accidentally, similar to a heavy stone being carried off by a breeze.

A rough man does not fear the wind.

This expression refers to a person who is toughened by hardship or lack of refinement. It describes someone who is insensitive to subtle changes or social niceties because they are used to a harsh, rugged, or coarse lifestyle.

Born of the wind, and reared up by the dust. Said by parents to an ungrateful son, or by a benefactor to an ungrateful dependant.

This expression refers to someone who grew up without proper care, guidance, or parental supervision. It is often used to describe a person who has become wayward or unrefined due to a lack of structured upbringing and support.

Hoisting the sail according to the wind

This proverb describes a person who is opportunistic or highly adaptable, changing their opinions, loyalties, or actions to suit the current circumstances or to please whoever is in power. It is often used to describe someone who goes with the flow for personal gain rather than sticking to fixed principles.

Even when the elephant lies down he is as high as the horse.

This expression is used to describe a person of great stature, wealth, or talent who remains superior or significant even during their lowest points or downfall. It suggests that a person's inherent greatness or previous high status still commands respect and is incomparable to the peak level of an ordinary person.

A man much superior to another.

Even if you scold loudly, it goes away with the wind

This expression is used to signify that harsh words, verbal abuse, or criticisms are intangible and temporary. It suggests that one should not take verbal insults to heart because they do not cause physical harm and eventually vanish, just like sound waves disappearing into the air.