కోళ్లకు రెక్కలూ తాళ్లకు చండ్లూ వున్నట్టు.

kollaku rekkalu tallaku chandlu vunnattu.

Translation

Like the wings of fowls, and the flower-stalks of palmyra trees.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe things that are completely natural, obvious, or inherent to a situation. It points out that certain characteristics are just the way things are, often used to dismiss a silly question or to highlight a self-evident truth.

Notes

Domestic fowls make no use of their wings, and the flower-stalk ( spadix ) of the palmyra bears no fruit. Useless possessions.

Related Phrases

Like chickens having wings and palm trees having udders.

This expression is used to describe something that is completely obvious or redundant. Just as it is common knowledge that chickens have wings and palm trees (or ropes/cables in some dialects) lack anatomical parts like udders, it refers to stating the obvious or describing a situation where everything is exactly as expected, often used in a sarcastic tone regarding redundant observations.

Unused wings (arms) get infested with termites, while used wings (arms) emit heat.

This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and the consequences of laziness. It means that an idle body or mind will decay and waste away (like wood eaten by termites), whereas a person who works hard stays active, strong, and radiates energy or productivity (symbolized by heat).

Like tying bald heads and knees in a knot. Said of a very cunning person.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to link two completely unrelated things or logic. It highlights an absurd comparison or a forced connection that makes no sense, as both a bald head and a knee are smooth and impossible to 'tie' together.

Children and the legs of a stool do not feel the cold. To a child all weather is cold.

This expression is used to describe how children are so active and energetic that they don't seem to feel the cold even in winter. Just as the inanimate wooden legs of a stool (peetakoallu) are unaffected by the weather, children playing outdoors often ignore the cold temperature.

Like adding cold water to hot water

This expression is used to describe a situation where a small amount of help or contribution is added to a larger effort. It signifies how even a minor assistance can complement or complete a task, much like how cold water helps bring boiling water to a usable temperature.

The Palmyra trees have teats on their heads, the goats have teats ( wattles ) on their necks.

This proverb is used to describe things or situations that are useless, misplaced, or functionally redundant. Just as the nipple-like growths on the head of a palm tree or the neck of a goat serve no purpose for milking, some efforts or objects lack any practical utility.

The Hindus call the flower stalk ( spadix ) of the Palmyra a teat. Useless appendages.

The buttermilk pot and the infant child both need a covering.

This proverb emphasizes the need for protection and privacy for certain delicate or valuable things. Just as buttermilk can spoil if left exposed and a baby is vulnerable to the elements or 'evil eye,' some matters or assets should be kept discreetly to ensure their well-being.

He brought fetters for his own legs. He brings a staff to brak his ain head. (Scotch.)

This expression describes a situation where a person, through their own actions or decisions, creates obstacles or restrictions for themselves. It is used when someone's self-inflicted complications lead to their own downfall or lack of freedom.

Like fish going against the stream. Undertaking a difficult task. It is hard to swim against the stream. (Dutch.)

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is overly enthusiastic or eager to embrace new opportunities or changes, much like fish that instinctively swim against the current when fresh rainwater flows into a water body. It can also signify acting with sudden, renewed vigor.

Like a bird with broken wings. Utterly helpless.

This expression is used to describe a person who has become helpless, powerless, or has lost their support system. Just as a bird cannot fly or survive easily without its wings, it refers to someone who is unable to function or move forward in life due to a significant loss or failure.

* Chi non ha, non è.