కొండను తవ్వి ఎలుకను పట్టినట్టు

kondanu tavvi elukanu pattinattu

Translation

Like digging up a mountain to catch a mouse

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where an enormous amount of effort, time, or resources are invested into a task, only to achieve a very small or insignificant result. It highlights the disproportion between the struggle and the outcome.

Related Phrases

An extreme secret is revealed in the open

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries too hard to keep a secret, but their excessive efforts or suspicious behavior eventually lead to the secret being exposed to everyone. It implies that nothing remains hidden forever, especially when over-guarded.

"Hollow! grass-eating Kômati," said [ a Mussulman ], "Well! molasses-eating Śāhib," replied [ the shopkeeper ]: "How is it you speak in this way?" asked [ a bystander ], "He is accustomed to that and I to this," said [ the Kômati.] i. e. He meant to say that the Mussulman was accustomed to grass and he to molasses.

This proverb highlights that one's speech and behavior reflect their own character rather than the character of the person they are addressing. It suggests that even if someone insults you with low-class language, you should maintain your dignity and respond with courtesy, as your words define who you are.

A tree knows no drought, and a merchant knows no burden.

This proverb highlights the inherent resilience or nature of certain entities. A tree provides shade and fruit regardless of external conditions, and a savvy merchant (traditionally referred to as Komati) always finds a way to manage their trade or load without feeling the 'weight' or loss. It is used to describe situations where people are naturally equipped to handle specific hardships or roles.

Having looked before and behind, speak, Sir. A story is told of a corrupt judge behind whose seat one of the parties in a suit placed a bag of money and when he perceived that the case was going against him, called out " Look before and behind you Sir, and decide." The judge, perceiving the bribe, adroitly turned his judgment against the opposite party.

This expression is used as a piece of advice or a warning to someone to be cautious with their words. It suggests thinking about the consequences, the context, and the people present before speaking, ensuring one doesn't say something regrettable or inappropriate.

Too much secrecy leads to an earache.

This expression is used to mock someone who makes a big deal out of trivial information by acting overly secretive. It implies that keeping unnecessary secrets or constantly whispering 'top-secret' matters eventually becomes a nuisance or causes trouble rather than being helpful.

A dark secret was revealed in the moonlight.

This expression refers to a hidden truth or a dark secret that has finally been exposed to the world. It is used in situations where something kept in the shadows (hidden) becomes clearly visible or known to everyone, much like how moonlight reveals things in the dark.

The secret of Chidambaram

This expression refers to a deep mystery or an unsolvable secret. It originates from the Nataraja temple in Chidambaram where a curtain is pulled back to reveal an empty space (symbolizing the formless divine), often leaving observers confused. In common usage, it describes something that is intentionally kept obscure, highly complex, or a secret that remains a mystery despite efforts to understand it.

A great secret is like a nose that falls off when you sneeze.

This expression is used to describe a secret that is so poorly kept or fragile that the slightest action reveals it. It mocks someone who tries to act very secretive about something that is already obvious or easily discovered.

When asked what the row on the hill was, they said "The Kômatis' secrets."

This proverb is used to describe situations where someone tries to hide something that is already obvious or public knowledge. It highlights a futile attempt at secrecy regarding a matter that everyone can already see or understand.

The secret of Anchuelos. (Spanish.)*

When asked why there is so much noise on the hill, they said merchants are sharing secrets.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where something intended to be a secret is being done so loudly or obviously that everyone knows about it. It mocks the irony of people who claim to be discreet while creating a public spectacle.