ఇసుక తక్కిడి, పేడ తక్కిడి

isuka takkidi, peda takkidi

Translation

Cheating with sand, cheating with cowdung.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two deceptive or cunning people try to cheat each other, or a transaction between two equally worthless or unreliable parties. It implies that neither side is superior in honesty, and they are perfectly matched in their trickery.

Notes

Two travellers met : one had a bundle of sand, the other a bundle of cowdung ; one said his bundle contained raw rice, the other that his con- tained boiled rice. They agreed to exchange, and immediately ran off in different directions, each to find himself outwitted by the other. ( See story 54, in Telugu Selections ). One trick is met by another. (Spanish.)

Related Phrases

A balance scale of frogs

This expression refers to a situation involving highly disorganized, restless, or unmanageable people. Just as it is impossible to weigh live frogs on a scale because they keep jumping out, it describes a task of trying to manage a group where as soon as one person is settled, another causes trouble or leaves.

Why does a woman with a flat nose need a pearl nose-stud?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone lacks the fundamental qualities or requirements for something, yet seeks or is given expensive ornaments or high-level responsibilities that do not suit them. It highlights the incongruity of providing luxuries to those who cannot properly utilize or justify them due to basic deficiencies.

When Veerakka said 'a balance of sand', Peerakka replied 'a balance of dung'.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people are equally stubborn, useless, or matched in their foolishness/tit-for-tat behavior. If one person starts something nonsensical or petty, the other responds with something equally petty or worse, suggesting that neither side is better than the other.

A cold added to a flat-nosed person.

This proverb describes a situation where a person already facing a problem or defect is hit with an additional misfortune. It is used when troubles come in succession or when an existing disadvantage is made worse by a new circumstance.

Fly to fly

This expression is used to describe a verbatim reproduction or a carbon copy. It refers to copying something exactly as it is, including any errors or insignificant details, without applying any original thought or modification.

A nose ring given to a person with no nose, a seed sown that will not sprout.

This proverb is used to describe wasted effort or useless gifts. Just as a nose ring is pointless for someone who has lost their nose, and a dead seed will never grow regardless of how much it is tended to, some actions are fundamentally futile or given to those who cannot benefit from them.

A noseless man with a running.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who is already facing a disadvantage or a problem encounters an additional trouble, making their situation even worse. It is similar to the English expression 'adding insult to injury' or 'misfortunes never come singly.'

Worse and worse.

If Brahmâ wishes, will there be any lack in the length of your days? If the husband wishes, will there be any lack of blows?

This is a sarcastic or cynical proverb used to describe a situation where someone has absolute power or authority to inflict something—either positive or negative. Just as Lord Brahma (the creator) can grant infinite life, a dominant or abusive person can provide an endless supply of trouble or punishment if they set their mind to it. It highlights the inevitability of consequences when someone in power is determined to act.

A snub-nosed woman's song being appreciated by a man with no nose.

This proverb describes a situation where a person with low skills or defects is praised by someone who is equally unqualified or flawed. It is used to mock mutual admiration between incompetent people or to point out that the praise being given is meaningless because the critic has no standards or taste.

Even if poor in food, is one poor in caste/status?

This proverb is used to express that even if someone lacks financial resources or basic necessities like food, they still maintain their self-respect, dignity, or social standing. It highlights the idea that poverty does not equate to a loss of character or heritage.