కోతికి టెంకాయ దొరికినట్లు

kotiki tenkaya dorikinatlu

Translation

Like a monkey finding a coconut

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gains possession of something valuable or complex but has no idea how to use, appreciate, or manage it. Just as a monkey cannot crack open a hard coconut to eat the fruit inside, an incompetent or unqualified person cannot benefit from a resource they have acquired.

Related Phrases

Coconut spice/masala for brinjal curry

This expression refers to a perfect combination or an ideal match. Just as coconut masala enhances the taste of brinjal curry, it is used to describe two things or people that complement each other perfectly to produce a great result.

Like a high-quality coconut.

This expression refers to a person who may appear tough, hard, or indifferent on the outside but possesses a soft, kind, and pure heart within. It is used to describe someone with a strong exterior but a compassionate nature.

Will a dog be able to enjoy a coconut?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is unable to appreciate or utilize something valuable or high-quality that has come their way. Just as a dog cannot break or eat a whole coconut despite having it in its mouth, an unworthy or unskilled person cannot benefit from a great opportunity or a sophisticated item.

Like going to Kashi because someone said a coconut would be given to a crow.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone undertakes a massive, unnecessary journey or effort for a trivial or nonsensical reward. It highlights poor judgment and the waste of resources for something that doesn't justify the scale of the endeavor.

Like breaking a coconut on a bald head

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is put in a very painful or difficult position, or when a person is exploited or harmed because they are vulnerable or have no protection. It signifies an act that is both cruel and blunt, often catching the person off guard.

Like asking to perform a death anniversary ceremony just because a jackfruit was found.

This proverb describes someone who tries to force an event or a major task to happen prematurely just because they have one of the necessary ingredients or favorable conditions available at that moment. It highlights the absurdity of rushing significant rituals or plans based on minor, incidental conveniences rather than the appropriate time or necessity.

Will a man who steals a brinjal not steal a coconut?

This proverb suggests that a person who commits a small crime or dishonesty is likely to commit a larger one given the opportunity. It emphasizes that a lack of integrity starts small but can escalate, and one's character is judged by even minor actions. It is used to warn people not to trust someone who has a history of even trivial dishonesty.

Like a monkey with a cocoanut.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone acquires something valuable or complex that they do not know how to use, appreciate, or handle properly. Just as a monkey might struggle to break open a hard coconut despite its value, this refers to an incompetent person mishandling a precious resource.

Cannot use it, but won't give it up. Like the dog in the manger, he will neither do nor let do.

Will the person who stole a brinjal not come for a coconut?

This proverb suggests that a person who commits a small crime or dishonesty will eventually move on to bigger ones. It is used to imply that character is defined by the act of stealing itself, not the value of the object stolen. If someone can justify small wrongdoings, they are capable of larger ones as well.

Like performing an ancestral ritual on the day a pumpkin is found.

This proverb describes someone who is extremely stingy or opportunistic, performing a religious or social obligation only when the necessary materials (in this case, a pumpkin for ritualistic offerings) are obtained for free or by chance, rather than out of genuine devotion or at the proper scheduled time.