ఏనుగుల పోట్లాటకు ఏట్రింత రాయబారము.

enugula potlataku etrinta rayabaramu.

Translation

A kingcrow acting as a mediator in a fight between elephants.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where an insignificant or weak person tries to intervene or mediate in a massive conflict between powerful entities. It highlights the futility and potential danger of someone overstepping their capacity or influence.

Related Phrases

The mediation of a lapwing bird.

Used to describe a situation where a weak or insignificant person attempts to mediate between two powerful parties, often resulting in no one listening to them or the mediation being entirely ineffective. It originates from folklore where a small bird tries to settle a dispute between larger animals or forces.

In the quarrels of elephants, a king-crow the ambassador. Said of an insignificant person, who has no influence.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a weak or insignificant person tries to intervene or mediate in a conflict between two powerful or mighty parties. It highlights the futility and potential danger of someone involving themselves in a matter far beyond their capacity or influence.

The swan's mediation and the cuckoo's feast

This expression is used to describe a scene or situation that is aesthetically pleasing, poetic, and harmonious. It refers to the romanticized roles of birds in classical literature—the swan (hamsa) acting as a messenger between lovers and the cuckoo (kokila) providing sweet music for a gathering or feast. It is often used to characterize sophisticated conversations or artistic events.

The mediation of a lapwing bird.

This expression refers to an unsuccessful, unnecessary, or annoying mediation attempt by someone who lacks the status or capability to resolve a conflict. It is used when an insignificant person tries to intervene in a matter between two powerful parties, often making the situation more complicated or irritating rather than resolving it.

Why should there be negotiations in an assembly that has already gone public?

This expression is used to indicate that there is no point in trying to settle a matter through private mediation or secret diplomacy once it has become a matter of public knowledge and debate. It suggests that once a dispute is out in the open, formal negotiations lose their purpose.

Why attempt secret negotiations in a public assembly?

This proverb is used to point out the futility of trying to keep something confidential or settle matters through diplomacy once the issue has already become public knowledge or a matter of open debate. It suggests that once a conflict is out in the open, private mediation is no longer effective or relevant.

The embassy of Sanjaya. Sanjaya was employed as an ambassador by the Kurus and showed no zeal for his party. ( See the Mahābhārata. ) Applied to a person who takes no real interest in the performance of his duty.

Refers to a negotiation or mediation effort that is intended to fail or is destined to be unsuccessful. In the Mahabharata, Sanjaya was sent by Dhritarashtra to the Pandavas with a peace proposal that was actually designed to favor the Kauravas and discourage war without offering justice, leading to inevitable failure.

* A fripon fripon et demi,

In the house of those with work, there is a scramble for money; in the house of those without work, there is a scramble of slippers.

This proverb contrasts productivity with idleness. It suggests that in a busy, hardworking household, people are occupied with managing their wealth and earnings. Conversely, in a household where people are lazy or unemployed, there is constant quarreling, bickering, and chaos (symbolized by the 'scramble of slippers'). It is used to emphasize that being busy brings prosperity while idleness brings discord.

Like calves getting their legs broken during a fight between bulls.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where innocent or smaller people suffer consequences due to a conflict between two powerful individuals or parties. It highlights how subordinates often become collateral damage in the disputes of their superiors.

Why a messenger when face to face?

This expression is used to suggest that there is no need for a mediator or a formal letter when the concerned parties are directly in front of each other. It emphasizes direct communication over indirect methods.