ఎలుగుబంటికి తలనీలాలు తీసినట్టు

elugubantiki talanilalu tisinattu

Translation

Like pulling a bear's hairs out with tweezers. An endless business. A cask that will never fill. (Greek.)

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a task that is extremely difficult, messy, or practically impossible to complete because of the nature of the subject. Just as shaving a bear would be a chaotic and dangerous ordeal, this refers to situations that are more trouble than they are worth.

Related Phrases

Like tying a knot between the sky and the earth

This expression is used to describe an impossible task, a highly exaggerated statement, or a clever person who can bridge two completely unrelated or extreme things through their talk or actions. It is often used to describe someone who spins tall tales or attempts to reconcile vast differences.

Like removing the strands from a net-bag (Chikkani)

This expression describes a slow, tedious, or deliberate process of dismantling something or creating trouble. It specifically refers to the act of unraveling a rope bag (chikkani) strand by strand, implying a task that is done with calculated effort, often to cause subtle harm or to systematically strip away resources.

Like pulling a hair out of butter

This expression is used to describe a task or process that is performed with extreme ease, smoothness, or without any resistance. It is often used when someone handles a difficult situation effortlessly or when a resolution is reached very cleanly.

Like shaving the head of a bear.

This expression is used to describe a task that is unnecessarily difficult, messy, or yields no meaningful result. It implies that the effort put into a job is disproportionate to the outcome, or that the task itself is foolishly complicated due to the nature of the subject.

Like taking out with a packing needle, a thorn which could have been extracted with a thorn.

This proverb describes overreacting to a small problem by using excessive force or overly complex tools. It is used when someone employs a 'sledgehammer to crack a nut,' often causing more pain or damage than necessary because the solution was disproportionate to the simple issue.

A plucked chicken and a leaf with its ribs removed.

This expression is used to describe a person or a situation that has been stripped of all strength, dignity, or resources. Just as a chicken without feathers or a leaf without its veins/ribs is weak and lacks structure, it refers to someone who is left completely helpless or impoverished.

Like plucking seedlings from a flat rock.

This expression is used to describe a situation or task that is extremely difficult, futile, or yields very little result despite great effort. Just as it is impossible for seeds to grow deep roots or thrive on a solid rock surface, attempting to get something out of a stubborn person or a hopeless situation is compared to this act.

If one pulls towards the river, another pulls towards the cremation ground.

This proverb describes a situation where there is a total lack of coordination or cooperation between people. It is used when individuals work at cross-purposes or pull in opposite directions, making it impossible to achieve a common goal.

Like the flood subsiding. Perfect stillness after a tumult. After a storm comes a calm.

This expression is used to describe something that has been done with extreme precision, neatness, or perfection. It is most commonly used to compliment beautiful handwriting, straight lines, or a very well-executed task that looks flawlessly continuous and smooth.

Like taking a hair out of butter.

This expression is used to describe a task that is performed with extreme ease, smoothness, and without any resistance or obstacles. It can also refer to resolving a delicate situation very tactfully and cleanly.

Said of a very easy business. How easily a hair gets into butter ! (Gorman.)*