గాడిద గుడ్డు, గరుడ స్తంభం

gadida guddu, garuda stambham

Translation

A donkey's egg and a Garuda pillar.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe something that is non-existent, nonsensical, or a complete lie. Since donkeys do not lay eggs, it refers to an absurdity or a tall tale told to deceive someone.

Related Phrases

Is your sweet face like Garuḍasēva? Garuḍasēva is the name of a feast held at Conjeveram in honor of Vara- darázulu ( Vishṇu ) whose vehicle is the man bird ( Garuḍa ). Said ironically to an ugly fellow.

This is a satirical expression used to humble someone who has high ambitions or desires something grand despite lacking the basic qualifications, status, or preparation. It compares a person with an unwashed face wanting to participate in or lead the 'Garuda Seva' (a grand, sacred procession in Hindu temples).

Does this dull face deserve that Garuda Seva?

This expression is used to criticize or mock someone who is unworthy, incompetent, or unattractive yet aspires for or receives a high honor or luxury. 'Garuda Seva' refers to a grand, prestigious temple ritual, and comparing it to a 'moddu moham' (dull/ugly face) highlights the mismatch between the person's merit and the reward.

Like going to Kashi and bringing back a donkey's egg.

This expression is used to mock someone who undertakes a long, arduous journey or puts in significant effort, only to return with something useless, non-existent, or disappointing. Since donkeys do not lay eggs, it highlights the absurdity and futility of the person's claim or achievement after a grand endeavor.

Donkey's egg and Garuda's humiliation

This expression refers to chasing after something non-existent or impossible (since donkeys don't lay eggs). It is used to mock someone who is boasting about something that is actually worthless or a complete hoax, often implying that great efforts are being wasted on a ridiculous lie.

A post fixed in the mire [swinging to and fro].

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks firm determination or a situation that is unstable. Just as a pillar fixed in slushy mud lacks a solid foundation and wobbles, it refers to individuals who frequently change their opinions, stances, or decisions.

Said of a time server. To sit on two stools. (Latin.)‡ * Was Kümmerti's den Mond, wenn ihn die Hunde anbellen. † Chi mal comincia, peggio finisce. ‡ Duabus sellis sedere.

A donkey's egg and a sandalwood grinding stone.

This expression is used to mock something that is non-existent, absurd, or completely worthless. Since donkeys do not lay eggs, it refers to a 'wild goose chase' or a deceptive promise of something that doesn't exist. It is often used to dismiss a person's tall claims or to describe a situation where one gets nothing out of a lot of effort.

Does a donkey lay an egg? Does a kite (bird) give birth to a child?

This proverb is used to point out the impossibility of an event or to mock someone's absurd expectations. It emphasizes that things must happen according to their inherent nature; just as donkeys don't lay eggs and birds don't give birth like mammals, one cannot expect results that defy logic or character.

Donkey's chaos/clipping

This expression is used to describe a situation of extreme chaos, disorder, or a messy state of affairs. It often refers to something that is disorganized, nonsensical, or a noisy disturbance where nothing constructive is happening.

A donkey's egg and a frog's head

This expression is used to describe something that is non-existent, nonsensical, or a complete waste of time. It refers to a ridiculous or imaginary object that has no value or reality, often used to dismiss someone's foolish claims or a futile outcome.

Garuda service in Kanchi

This expression refers to a task that involves immense effort or travel but results in a very brief or momentary reward. It originates from the Kanchi temple festival where the deity's procession on the Garuda mount moves so swiftly that devotees only get a fleeting glimpse despite waiting for hours.