కొంటిమి, తింటిమి, కోలాటమెందుకు?

kontimi, tintimi, kolatamenduku?

Translation

We bought it, we ate it, why the stick-dance now?

Meaning

This proverb is used when someone tries to make a grand display or celebration after the actual purpose or resources have already been exhausted. It highlights the pointlessness of showing off or performing rituals after the core task (buying and eating) is already finished. It is often applied to people who try to claim credit or create a fuss too late.

Related Phrases

Why search, and why consult a fortune teller?

This expression is used to suggest that when something is obvious or already known, there is no need for unnecessary investigation or seeking mystical explanations. It implies that further questioning is redundant when the reality is right in front of one's eyes.

When the man received a blow on his back, he cried out that he had lost his teeth.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no logical connection between a cause and its effect, or when someone gives an irrelevant or illogical response to a situation. It highlights absurdity and a lack of correlation.

Applied to inappropriate actions or words.

Why climb a palanquin today, only to carry a begging bag tomorrow?

This proverb warns against living beyond one's means or indulging in temporary luxuries that lead to certain financial ruin. It emphasizes financial discipline and the importance of a sustainable lifestyle over short-term prestige.

Why do you need an auspicious time to break a rope?

This proverb is used to describe an action that is final, destructive, or negative. It implies that while we seek auspicious timings (Muhurtham) for good beginnings like weddings or housewarmings, one does not need to wait for a 'good time' to end a relationship, commit a bad deed, or make a clean break from something. It is often used sarcastically when someone is hesitating to do something that is already inevitable or destructive.

When hit on the hip, the teeth in the mouth fell out.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an action is taken in one place, but the consequence or reaction occurs in a completely unrelated or illogical place. It refers to an absurd lack of correlation between cause and effect, or a situation where someone reacts strangely to a situation.

Fencing on a sword

This expression is used to describe a situation that is extremely risky, precarious, or requires great skill and caution to handle without causing a disaster. It is synonymous with 'walking on a tightrope' or 'skating on thin ice'.

Why hide the pot after coming for buttermilk?

This proverb is used when someone tries to be evasive or shy about their real intention even after approaching someone for help. It suggests that if you have already come to ask for something, there is no point in being secretive or hesitant about it; you should be direct and transparent about your needs.

The deity on the riverbank is only worried about the food offerings.

This expression is used to describe a person who, despite having important responsibilities or a high status, is solely focused on their personal gain or basic needs (like food or money). It highlights a lack of dedication to one's duty in favor of selfish interests.

One is a whale, and the other is a leviathan.

This expression is used to compare two individuals who are both formidable or cunning, suggesting that if one is powerful, the other is even more so. It implies a competition between two equally strong or deceptive personalities.

Friendship with a snake, fencing with a sword.

This expression is used to describe a friendship or association with a dangerous, unpredictable, or untrustworthy person. It implies that being close to such individuals is as hazardous as playing with a venomous snake or practicing with a sharp sword; one must always be on guard because a single mistake or a change in their mood could result in fatal consequences.