గోంగూరలో చింతకాయ వేసినట్టు

gonguralo chintakaya vesinattu

Translation

Like mixing unripe tamarinds with Gôgu greens. Gôgu or Gôngguṛa is the Hibiscus Cannabinus. A combination of evil persons.

Meaning

This expression describes a situation where something unnecessary or redundant is done, particularly when one sour ingredient is added to another already sour base. It is used to mock actions that are repetitive or when someone tries to over-emphasize a point that is already clear.

Related Phrases

Like measuring the air.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes grand plans or claims without having any resources, basis, or substance. It refers to the futility of trying to measure length (a cubit) when you have nothing to measure or no foundation to work from.

Idle dreams.

Will tamarind fruits fall by chanting mantras?

This proverb is used to express skepticism toward someone who thinks they can achieve practical results through mere words, empty talk, or supernatural claims without putting in the necessary physical effort or logical action. It implies that certain outcomes require hard work and cannot be obtained through shortcuts or magic.

Like fixing a pump to the sea. For full description of the Etam, Etām or Yâtâm (the Indian swape called by the English Picota) see Buchanan's Mysore. He is building a bridge over the sea.

This expression describes a futile or insignificant effort. An 'Etamu' (picota) is a traditional tool used to draw water from small wells for irrigation; using such a small tool to try and empty or impact a vast ocean is pointless and ineffective. It is used when someone's efforts are grossly inadequate for the scale of the task at hand.

The lady who had never seen tamarinds asked if they were sickles upon seeing them.

This proverb describes someone who is completely ignorant of common, everyday things but tries to act sophisticated or superior. It is used to mock people who lack practical knowledge or those who make ridiculous assumptions about simple matters due to their lack of exposure.

Like adding tamarind to sorrel leaves (Gongura).

This expression is used to describe a redundant or unnecessary action that adds something that is already present in abundance. Since Gongura leaves are inherently sour, adding tamarind (which is also sour) is superfluous and often ruins the balance or serves no purpose.

Like throwing stones at the pots in a water-shed.

This expression is used to describe a cruel or senseless act of sabotage. A 'Chalipandiri' is a booth set up to provide free drinking water to thirsty travelers during summer; throwing stones into those pots breaks them and deprives people of water. It refers to someone causing unnecessary harm to a public good or a charitable cause.

To kill crows and throw them to the kites.

This proverb is used to describe an act of taking away from the poor or weak to give to the rich or powerful. It highlights an unfair or unethical distribution of resources where those who have little are exploited to benefit those who already have plenty.

He robs Peter to pay Paul.

Like throwing a Gachcha nut into a potter's kiln. If the nut of this tree be thrown into a kiln, it will burst, and break the pots. A great injury done by a slight action.

This expression refers to a small action that causes a disproportionately large amount of damage or chaos. A grey nicker bean (gachakaya) has a hard shell that explodes with a loud bang when heated; if thrown into a potter's kiln, it can cause all the delicate earthenware inside to crack or shatter. It is used to describe a person who enters a peaceful situation and creates total ruin with a single word or deed.

Like throwing a child into a well to find out the depth.

This expression is used to describe a foolish or reckless action where one risks something very precious just to test or find out something trivial or dangerous. It highlights extreme negligence or a lack of common sense in decision-making.

Putting your bed in the yard of a thief's house. To watch his doings. Outwitting a crafty man.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unknowingly or foolishly seeks protection or places their trust in the very person who intends to harm or rob them. It signifies an act of extreme negligence or lack of common sense.