గూట్లో మిరపకాయ చూస్తూ అన్నం తినమన్నట్లు

gutlo mirapakaya chustu annam tinamannatlu

Translation

Like asking someone to eat rice while just looking at a chili in the niche.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy person or a situation of extreme austerity. It refers to someone who is so miserly that they won't even provide a basic chili to eat with rice, instead asking the person to satisfy their taste just by looking at it from a distance.

Related Phrases

[ As soon as ] the light [is] in the niche, [he puts his] food into his belly. To save the oil.

This expression describes a state of basic contentment, security, and stability. Just as a lamp protected in a wall niche stays lit and food in the belly provides immediate satisfaction, it refers to having one's essential needs met—shelter and sustenance. It is often used to describe a simple, worry-free life or a situation where everything is in its proper, safe place.

If you tell a lie, it should be like throwing chili powder in the eyes of the person telling the truth.

This expression is used to describe a lie told with such confidence and conviction that it completely blinds or stuns the person who knows the actual truth. It highlights the audacity of some people who lie so convincingly that they make the truth-teller doubt themselves or feel helpless.

Before seeing him, before he turns, and looking at him, you must do it. i. e. Before you see the sun in the morning, before it passes the meri- dian, and at sunset you must perform Sandhyāvandanam ( daily prayers).

This expression refers to a task or responsibility that requires undivided attention and meticulous care, especially when it is something important that has finally come to fruition after a long time. It suggests that one cannot afford to be negligent or look away even for a moment.

Chili in the niche and food in the pit.

This expression describes a situation where things are ready or easily accessible in their respective places. It is often used to refer to a simple, humble, and satisfied lifestyle where one has the basic necessities (like a bit of spice/chili and a bowl of rice) arranged and ready to be consumed without much fuss.

Do not mock a chili pepper just because it is small.

This proverb warns against judging something or someone based solely on their physical size or appearance. Just as a small chili can be extremely spicy, a person who looks small or insignificant may possess great strength, wisdom, or capability. It is used to advise others not to underestimate their opponents or subordinates.

Like asking to perform a death anniversary ceremony just because a jackfruit was found.

This proverb describes someone who tries to force an event or a major task to happen prematurely just because they have one of the necessary ingredients or favorable conditions available at that moment. It highlights the absurdity of rushing significant rituals or plans based on minor, incidental conveniences rather than the appropriate time or necessity.

While one is looking at the wedding ceremony, another is looking at the bride.

This proverb highlights how different people have different priorities or intentions in the same situation. While one person may be focused on the event or the process (the wedding), another may be focused on personal gain or a specific attraction (the wife). It is used to describe situations where people's motives are not aligned despite being in the same environment.

Like picking out hairs while eating rice sitting on a woollen blanket.

This expression describes a situation where someone knowingly enters a difficult or messy environment and then complains about the inevitable problems that come with it. It is used to point out the hypocrisy or futility of worrying about minor inconveniences when you have chosen a path where those problems are unavoidable.

Eating rice while sitting on a woolen blanket and picking out hairs.

This expression is used to describe a person who knowingly enters a difficult or messy situation and then complains about the obvious, inevitable problems that come with it. It suggests that one should expect certain inconveniences when choosing a specific path or environment.

If a salted chili pepper comes for free, is it an itch in your hands to beat your wife?

This proverb is used to criticize people who take out their frustrations or arrogance on their family members or dependents just because they have gained a small, insignificant benefit or have found some petty reason to exercise power. It highlights the irrationality of being aggressive or abusive over trivial matters.