కరిగుట్టులో కాలు పెట్టదు, అంబటిలో వేలు పెట్టదు

kariguttulo kalu pettadu, ambatilo velu pettadu

Translation

She won't step into the elephant's footprint, nor will she put a finger in the porridge.

Meaning

This proverb describes a person who is extremely lazy or overly fastidious, avoiding even the slightest effort or any task, whether big or small. It is used to mock someone who pretends to be too important or delicate to do any work.

Related Phrases

Even if one cuts his finger, he will not give a bit of chunam. To stop the bleeding.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person. In olden days, slaked lime (sunnam) was used as a basic first-aid to stop bleeding from minor cuts. The saying implies the person is so greedy that they won't even provide a worthless bit of lime to help someone in pain.

A heartless man.

Without being asked even a mother will not give.

Without asking, help wouldn’t be forthcoming, even from well-wishers.

He won't even give lime (chuna) if a finger is cut.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stingy or miserly person who refuses to help others even in a dire emergency or for a very small cost. In olden days, lime paste was used as a quick first aid for small cuts; the phrase suggests the person is so greedy they wouldn't even spare a tiny bit of lime to stop someone's bleeding.

Like walking around the temple and then putting a finger in the navel.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a lengthy or elaborate process only to achieve a trivial, irrelevant, or disappointing result. It mocks the futility of hard work or ritualistic behavior that lacks a meaningful conclusion or fails to address the actual purpose.

Like saying, 'Put your finger in my mouth, and I will poke your eye.'

This expression describes a situation where someone invites or encourages an action only to use it as an opportunity to harm or betray the other person. It signifies a trap, treacherous behavior, or a tit-for-tat response where a seemingly harmless or cooperative gesture is met with a calculated attack.

A woman who does not give [ alms ] will never give ; what evil has happened to the jade who does give ?

This proverb describes a person who neither does a good deed themselves nor allows others to do it. It is used to criticize dog-in-the-manger behavior where someone obstructs progress or charity despite having no intention of contributing themselves.

Said by a beggar of one from whom he generally received alms.

Even a mother will not serve (food) unless asked.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and self-advocacy. It suggests that even the most caring person might not fulfill your needs if you don't express them, implying that one must speak up or ask for what they want to achieve their goals.

Even a mother will not serve (food) unless asked.

This proverb is used to emphasize that one must voice their needs or desires to get help, even from those who care most about them. It highlights the importance of communication and taking initiative rather than expecting others to automatically understand one's requirements.

The mother neither gives food herself [to her child,] nor allows it to beg.

This proverb describes a dog-in-the-manger situation or a person who acts as a hindrance. It is used to describe someone who refuses to help you themselves, but also prevents you from seeking help or finding alternatives elsewhere, effectively leaving you helpless.

Will the one who gave the mouth not provide the fodder?

This is a popular Telugu proverb used to express faith in divine providence or nature. It implies that the creator who gave life to a creature will also provide the necessary means for its sustenance. It is often said to reassure someone who is worried about their future or survival, suggesting that basic needs will inevitably be met.