ఏటికి లాగితే కోటికీ, కోటికి లాగితే ఏటికి అన్నట్లు

etiki lagite kotiki, kotiki lagite etiki annatlu

Translation

Pulling towards the river leads to the hill, and pulling towards the hill leads to the river.

Meaning

This proverb describes a state of total lack of coordination, inconsistency, or being at cross-purposes. It is used when efforts are counterproductive or when people involved in a task are pulling in opposite directions, resulting in no progress or chaotic results.

Related Phrases

Like making a monkey drink toddy (palm wine)

This expression is used to describe a situation where a naturally mischievous or restless person becomes even more uncontrollable, chaotic, or hyperactive due to external factors. It is used when someone's existing negative traits are amplified by bad influence or circumstances.

When we pull at a creeper, the whole bush is moved.

This is to suggest that if a small thing is disturbed, it leads to a lot of movement. It suggests that when a small clue is obtained in an investigation, it may lead to unexpected connections and result in the nabbing of the real culprit.

If there is enough for food, it is as if there is a crore (ten million).

This proverb emphasizes the importance of basic sustenance and contentment. It suggests that if a person has enough resources to afford a meal or basic livelihood, they should feel as satisfied and secure as a person who possesses immense wealth. It is often used to counsel someone to be grateful for their basic needs being met.

There is no saliva/leftover between the mouth and the hand.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely generous or charitable. It implies that as soon as they have something, they give it away to others without hesitation, leaving nothing 'soiled' or 'lingering' for themselves.

If pulled for the crore, it reaches the coin; if pulled for the coin, it reaches the crore.

This proverb describes a state of extreme financial instability or a 'hand-to-mouth' existence. It implies that a person is constantly struggling to balance their resources—when they try to save a large sum (crore), they end up needing it for basic small expenses (coin), and when they focus on small expenses, they are unable to reach their larger financial goals.

One who feeds a hundred and shaves ( i. e. plunders ) a crore.

This expression describes a cunning or deceitful person who spends a small amount of money or effort as a bait to swindle someone out of a massive fortune. It is used to warn others about manipulative individuals who use minor favors to gain trust before committing a major fraud.

She didn't come even when he held her hand and pulled her, but he wrote a note to the house (inviting her).

This proverb is used to mock someone who attempts a subtle or formal approach after failing at a much more direct or forceful attempt. It highlights the absurdity of expecting success through a minor gesture when a major effort has already failed. It is often applied to people who try to maintain formalities or 'follow procedure' after they have already been rejected or have failed in a blatant way.

There is no darkness between the mouth and the hand.

This expression is used to describe someone who eats excessively or constantly, often without any sense of timing or restraint. It implies that the person is always moving their hand to their mouth to eat, regardless of whether it is day or night.

Like pulling a ploughing ox to the burial ground just when it is time for it to eat from the fodder basket.

This expression describes an act of extreme cruelty or poor timing. It refers to a situation where someone is denied a well-deserved reward or a moment of rest right when they have earned it after hard labor, or being forced into a miserable situation just as things were about to get better.

There is no barrier between the mouth and the hand.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks self-control or discipline. It usually refers to someone who eats excessively without restraint or someone who speaks impulsively and acts recklessly without thinking of the consequences.