జైనవాని చేతి పేనువలె.

jainavani cheti penuvale.

Translation

Like a louse in a Jain's hand.

Meaning

This expression refers to a situation where one is trapped or stuck in a position where they are neither being helped nor let go, leading to prolonged suffering. It originates from the Jain principle of non-violence (Ahimsa), where a Jain might catch a louse but, refusing to kill it, keeps it in their hand, causing discomfort to both.

Related Phrases

Like a snake in a monkey's paw. Jacko is afraid of it, but won't let it go.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is fickle, irresponsible, or lacks judgment is given control over something dangerous or sensitive. Just as a monkey doesn't know how to handle a snake safely—either hurting itself, the snake, or others by swinging it around—giving power or a delicate task to an incompetent person leads to unpredictable and harmful consequences.

When by saving and saving they married the younger son, the elder son's wife went to her ancestors.

This proverb describes a situation where excessive delay or extreme frugality in planning an event leads to the loss of its original purpose or results in another tragedy. It is used when someone takes so much time to organize or save for something that the circumstances change entirely, often making the effort redundant or bittersweet.

Money left in the hands of a woman wont last; a child left in the hands of a man wont live.

This traditional proverb suggests that wealth tends to be spent quickly when managed by a woman (historically implying domestic expenses or lack of financial restraint), while a child may not thrive under a man's sole care due to a perceived lack of nurturing skills. It is used to describe situations where resources or responsibilities are placed in hands that are traditionally considered ill-equipped to preserve them.

A garland of flowers in a monkey's paw.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a valuable object or a position of responsibility is given to someone who is incapable of understanding its value or doesn't know how to handle it properly, eventually leading to its destruction.

A good thing thrown away on a stupid person.

A mirror in a woman's hand and a child in a man's hand do not survive.

This is a traditional proverb highlighting gender-stereotypical roles from the past. It suggests that a mirror in a woman's hand will break because she uses it too frequently, and a baby in a man's hand will not thrive because he lacks the natural nurturing patience or skill required for childcare. In modern usage, it is often cited to remark on the lack of care or the inherent risk of mishandling something when it is not in the hands of an 'expert' or 'natural' caretaker.

Everyone is a relative to a wealthy person.

This proverb highlights the social reality that people flock towards those who are rich or successful. It suggests that when a person has wealth, even strangers or distant acquaintances try to claim a relationship with them, whereas a poor person is often ignored by their own kin.

By the time the youngest son's wedding was arranged with great struggle, the eldest son's wife passed away.

This proverb describes a situation where one problem is solved with extreme difficulty only for another major crisis to occur. It highlights the irony of fate where despite continuous efforts to settle or fix affairs in a family or project, things never reach a state of completion or peace because new setbacks arise immediately.

Money in a woman's hand and a child in a man's hand will not stay.

This traditional proverb suggests that wealth held by a woman is quickly spent on household needs, while a man may lack the patience or nurturing skill to keep a child calm or safe for long. It is used to describe roles or situations where resources or responsibilities are perceived to be inherently unstable.

Like a closed offering and a married woman.

This expression is used to describe two people or things that are perfectly matched or inseparable. Just as a ritual offering (vayanm) and the woman receiving it are essential to certain Hindu ceremonies, it signifies a deep, complementary, or fixed relationship.

A daughter-in-law for this word and that word; a dividing wall for this hand's serving and that hand's serving.

This expression describes a person who interferes in every conversation and meddles in every task, effectively becoming a nuisance or an obstacle. It is used to mock someone who is overly talkative, intrusive, or creates unnecessary barriers between people.