కుక్క తోక పట్టుకుని గోదావరి ఈదినట్లు

kukka toka pattukuni godavari idinatlu

Translation

Like trying to cross the Godavari river by holding onto a dog's tail.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a foolish or futile attempt to achieve a massive goal using unreliable or insufficient means. Just as a dog is not strong enough to pull a human across a large river, relying on weak or incompetent support for a difficult task will inevitably lead to failure.

Related Phrases

Like a fox coming to straighten a dog's tail.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an unqualified person tries to fix something they don't understand, or when someone uses a deceptive or useless method to solve a problem. It implies that the intervention is both unnecessary and likely motivated by trickery, as a fox cannot truly 'fix' a dog's nature.

All that a dog brings is filth.

This proverb is used to describe someone who consistently brings back useless things or unreliable information. It implies that you cannot expect anything of value or quality from a person who lacks the capacity or merit to provide it, much like how a dog will only scavenge for bones.

'Tis the nature of the beast.

Can one cross the Godavari river by holding onto a dog's tail?

This proverb highlights the folly of relying on weak or incompetent means to achieve a monumental or difficult task. Just as a dog is not strong enough to pull a human across a vast river, choosing the wrong person or tool for a major responsibility will inevitably lead to failure.

When a monkey was given authority, it reportedly swam across the Godavari river.

This proverb is used to describe the consequences of giving power or responsibility to an incompetent, irresponsible, or foolish person. Instead of using the authority wisely, they act erratically or perform unnecessary and reckless tasks that lead to chaos or waste.

Grazing on the island, swimming in the Godavari.

This expression refers to a situation where the reward is high but requires significant effort or risk to achieve. It originates from the practice of cattle swimming across the Godavari river to reach fertile island pastures (Lanka) for grazing. It is used to describe jobs or tasks where one must work extremely hard or face dangers to reap the benefits.

Like trying to cross the Godavari river by holding a dog's tail

This expression describes a situation where someone relies on a weak, unreliable, or incapable person/resource to overcome a massive challenge. Just as a dog is not strong enough to pull a human across a vast river like the Godavari, choosing an incompetent mentor or a flawed strategy will lead to failure.

Like a donkey trying to do a dog's job

This expression is used when someone tries to perform a task that is not within their expertise or role, often resulting in failure or chaos. It highlights the importance of sticking to one's own responsibilities and strengths.

A dog's tail is always crooked.

This proverb is used to describe a person's ingrained nature or habits that cannot be changed despite any amount of effort, advice, or correction. It is equivalent to the English expression 'A leopard cannot change its spots.'

Could you swim over the Gôdâvari, by catching hold of a dog's tail? Reliance upon mean persons for great things. Trust not to a broken staff.

This proverb describes a situation where someone relies on a weak or unreliable person/method to achieve a massive task. Just as a dog is not a strong enough swimmer to pull a human across a vast river like the Godavari, choosing an incompetent mentor or a flawed strategy will lead to certain failure.

Even if the Godavari river flows, a dog can only lap up water!

This proverb describes a person's inherent nature or destiny that does not change despite being surrounded by abundance or great opportunities. It is used to suggest that some people, due to their petty mindset or poor luck, cannot enjoy or utilize the vast resources available to them and will always stick to their limited, meager ways.