కోతికి జల్తారు కుళ్ళాయి పెట్టినట్లు

kotiki jaltaru kullayi pettinatlu

Translation

Like putting a gold-bordered cap on a monkey.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is given a position, responsibility, or an ornament that they do not deserve or know how to handle properly. It highlights the mismatch between a person's character and the honor bestowed upon them, suggesting that the person will likely ruin the dignity of the position or act foolishly despite the upgrade in status.

Related Phrases

Like making a monkey drink toddy (palm wine)

This expression is used to describe a situation where a naturally mischievous or restless person becomes even more uncontrollable, chaotic, or hyperactive due to external factors. It is used when someone's existing negative traits are amplified by bad influence or circumstances.

Saree is a painting, blouse is gold lace

This expression is used to describe someone who is exceptionally well-dressed or a situation where things are very decorative and ornate. It highlights a perfect aesthetic combination where both the main element (saree) and the accessory (blouse) are of high quality and beauty.

Like a monkey bitten by a scorpion

This expression is used to describe a person who is naturally restless or mischievous, but becomes even more hyperactive, erratic, or uncontrollable due to a specific provocation or situation. It highlights a state of extreme agitation added to an already unstable personality.

Like breaking into the house of the person who fed you.

This expression describes extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It refers to a person who harms their benefactor or someone who has helped them in their time of need. It is used to condemn the act of biting the hand that feeds you.

Like an old monkey being possessed by Lord Shiva.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is already naturally mischievous, unstable, or troublesome (like a monkey) gains additional power, energy, or a sudden outburst of rage (possession), making the situation significantly worse and uncontrollable.

Like putting a gold-laced cap on a monkey's head.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where something valuable, elegant, or sophisticated is given to someone who is unworthy, incapable of appreciating its value, or likely to ruin it. It highlights the mismatch between a person's character and the honors or gifts bestowed upon them.

Like Oada Mallayya holding the rudder.

This expression is used to describe someone who is incompetent or lacks the necessary skills for a task, yet takes charge of it, eventually leading to a certain disaster. It implies that the person in control is clueless about the direction they are headed.

If there is enough for food, it is as if there is a crore (ten million).

This proverb emphasizes the importance of basic sustenance and contentment. It suggests that if a person has enough resources to afford a meal or basic livelihood, they should feel as satisfied and secure as a person who possesses immense wealth. It is often used to counsel someone to be grateful for their basic needs being met.

If a son is served the same way a son-in-law is served, the house will become hollow/bankrupt.

In Telugu culture, sons-in-law are traditionally treated as honored guests with lavish meals and extra care. This proverb humorously points out that such extravagance is unsustainable for everyday family members. It is used to caution against excessive spending or over-pampering someone within the household to the point of financial ruin.

Like putting a laced velvet cap on a monkey.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is given a position, responsibility, or an ornament that they are completely unsuited for or incapable of handling. It highlights the mismatch between a person's character and the honor or status bestowed upon them, suggesting that the monkey will likely ruin the cap or not understand its value.