ఎర్రను చూపి చేపను పట్టినట్టు

erranu chupi chepanu pattinattu

Translation

Like catching a fish with a worm. Fish follow the bait.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is lured or deceived into a trap using a small incentive or temptation to achieve a much larger gain or to manipulate them.

Notes

* At skære l fremmed Ore er ikke anderledes end i Filtehat. † Der Narben lacht, wer Wunden nie gefühlt. 10 ( 73 )

Related Phrases

Like playing games with your grand-mother. Lit. "Throwing scarlet water over her," a sport among young people as marriages, &c.

This expression is used to describe an inappropriate or disrespectful act where someone behaves in a frivolous or playful manner with a person who deserves respect and dignity due to their age or stature. It highlights actions that are out of place or cross the boundaries of social etiquette.

Disrespectful and unseemly conduct towards elderly people.

Like lice infesting a bald head.

Used to describe a situation that is logically impossible, highly improbable, or a baseless allegation. Just as lice cannot live on a head without hair, this expression mocks claims or events that lack any foundation or sense.

Like catching fish in a puddle of urine

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely petty or miserly, or someone who tries to gain profit from very small, insignificant, or even disgusting sources. It highlights a person's narrow-mindedness and their tendency to exploit trivial situations for personal gain.

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.

It is like digging up a mountain to catch a mouse.

A fruitless endeavor considering what is obtained by the effort. Sometimes, one makes herculean efforts but achieves precious little.

Digging up a mountain to catch a rat.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a massive amount of effort, time, or resources is spent to achieve a very small, insignificant, or disappointing result. It highlights the disproportion between the struggle and the outcome.

If a big fish swallows a small fish, a fisherman swallows the big fish.

This expression refers to the 'food chain' or the hierarchy of power. It signifies that there is always someone more powerful or superior to oneself. It serves as a reminder to stay humble, as those who exploit the weak will eventually face a stronger force or a higher authority.

Like lifting and throwing (water) to catch a fish.

This expression refers to a traditional method of catching fish by bailing water out of a small pond or puddle until it is dry enough to catch the fish by hand. It is used to describe a situation where someone puts in a lot of hard work, effort, or systematic labor to achieve a specific goal or to expose something hidden.

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.

Like a rice pounder budding. Said of a hopelessly ignorant fellow.

This expression is used to describe something that is completely impossible, highly improbable, or a miracle. A dry, dead wooden pestle (rokali) can never grow new leaves or buds; therefore, it refers to situations where a hopeless cause suddenly shows life or an impossible task is claimed to be achieved.