గతిలేనివాడు గాడిదకాళ్ళు పట్టుకొన్నట్లు

gatilenivadu gadidakallu pattukonnatlu

Translation

Like a helpless man clutching the legs of a donkey.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who, in a state of absolute desperation or helplessness, seeks assistance from someone completely insignificant, unworthy, or incapable of helping. It highlights the irony and humiliation of being forced to rely on the lowest possible means when one has no other choice.

Related Phrases

One who has not is as one who is not in the world. i. e. A penniless man has nothing in the world.

This proverb highlights the harsh reality of social status and poverty. It suggests that a person without wealth or resources is often treated as if they have no place or belonging in the world, emphasizing how society values individuals based on their possessions.

Like a man who doesn't have snakes catching an earthworm

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks real skill or courage but tries to act brave or show off by tackling something harmless or insignificant. It highlights a situation where someone settles for a weak imitation because they are incapable of handling the real thing.

For the one with no recourse, Goddess Gangamma is the only refuge.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has absolutely no other options or alternatives left, forcing them to rely on a single, often final, source of hope or support. It is similar to the English proverb 'Beggars can't be choosers' or 'A drowning man catches at a straw'.

It is said that Vasudeva went and held the feet of a donkey.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a highly respected, powerful, or intelligent person has to humble themselves or seek help from someone insignificant or unworthy due to desperate circumstances or to achieve a larger goal.

Like kicking someone outside and then holding their feet inside the house

This expression describes a person's hypocritical or cowardly behavior where they behave aggressively or disrespectfully in public, but act submissive or apologetic in private. It refers to a situation where someone harms another person and later tries to please them for selfish reasons or out of fear.

When luck/fate is unfavorable, even Vasudeva had to hold a donkey's feet!

This expression is used to describe a situation where, due to bad luck or extreme adversity, even a person of great status or power must humble themselves and seek help from someone insignificant or unworthy. It refers to the legend where Vasudeva, to save baby Krishna, had to humble himself before a donkey to prevent it from braying and alerting guards.

A helpless woman will get a foolish husband.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an already difficult or miserable circumstance is made worse by poor companionship or inadequate support. It signifies the misfortune of someone who, being in a vulnerable state, ends up with a partner or resource that is incompetent or useless.

Like Vasudeva going and holding the feet of a donkey

This expression refers to a situation where a person of high stature or capability is forced by desperate circumstances to seek help from someone much inferior or unworthy. It originates from the story of Krishna's birth, where his father Vasudeva, in a moment of extreme crisis, had to humble himself to ensure safety. It is used to describe doing whatever is necessary, even if it feels demeaning, to overcome a difficult obstacle.

Like catching the legs of a donkey because an ox is kicking.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone, in an attempt to escape one problem or danger, seeks help from an even worse or more unreliable source. It highlights the foolishness of choosing a remedy that is as bad as or worse than the original trouble.

When time is bad, one must hold a donkey's feet.

This proverb suggests that when a person is in a difficult situation or facing bad times, they might have to humble themselves or seek help from someone they normally look down upon to get their work done. It emphasizes the importance of pragmatism and patience over pride during adversity.