కుక్క తోక పట్టుకొని గోదావరి ఈదినట్టు
kukka toka pattukoni godavari idinattu
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.
Related Phrases
అవ్వను పట్టుకొని వసంతాలాడినట్టు
avvanu pattukoni vasantaladinattu
Like playing games with your grand-mother. Lit. "Throwing scarlet water over her," a sport among young people as marriages, &c.
This expression is used to describe an inappropriate or disrespectful act where someone behaves in a frivolous or playful manner with a person who deserves respect and dignity due to their age or stature. It highlights actions that are out of place or cross the boundaries of social etiquette.
Disrespectful and unseemly conduct towards elderly people.
నక్క వచ్చి కుక్క తోక సవరించినట్లు
nakka vachchi kukka toka savarinchinatlu
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.
కుక్క తోక పట్టుకుని గోదావరి ఈదవచ్చునా?
kukka toka pattukuni godavari idavachchuna?
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.
కాలు పట్టుకొని లాగితే చూరు పట్టుకొని వేళ్ళాడినట్టు
kalu pattukoni lagite churu pattukoni velladinattu
When someone pulls the leg, hanging onto the eaves of the roof.
This proverb describes a person who is extremely stubborn or desperate to stay in a position or relationship even when they are being forcefully removed or rejected. It signifies a tenacious, often annoying, refusal to let go despite clear opposition.
కుక్క తోక పట్టుకుని గోదావరి ఈదినట్లు
kukka toka pattukuni godavari idinatlu
Like trying to cross the Godavari river by holding onto a dog's tail.
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.
లంక మేత, గోదావరి ఈత.
lanka meta, godavari ita.
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.
నక్కతోక పట్టుకొని నాకలోక మెక్కినట్లు.
nakkatoka pattukoni nakaloka mekkinatlu.
Like catching a fox's tail to reach heaven.
This expression is used to describe a person who experiences sudden, unexpected good luck or success through a minor or unlikely connection. It mocks the idea that a trivial action could lead to a monumental achievement, or describes someone who believes they have achieved greatness through sheer luck rather than merit.
కాలు పట్టుకొని లాగితే చూరు పట్టుకొని వేలాడేవాడు.
kalu pattukoni lagite churu pattukoni veladevadu.
When you pull him out by the leg, he holds on by the eaves.
This expression is used to describe an extremely stubborn, persistent, or shameless person who refuses to let go or give up. Even when someone tries to remove them or bring them down, they find another way to cling to their position or stay involved.
A man of no delicacy of feeling, not to be got rid of easily. A toady.
అవ్వని పట్టుకొని, వసంతమాడినట్టు
avvani pattukoni, vasantamadinattu
Like playing spring festivals (Holi) with an old grandmother.
This expression is used to describe an inappropriate or disrespectful act where someone mocks or plays a prank on a vulnerable, elderly, or serious person who is not an appropriate peer for such behavior. It signifies doing something at the wrong time, in the wrong place, or with the wrong person.
కుక్క తోక పట్టుకుని గోదావరి ఈదవచ్చునా?
kukka toka pattukuni godavari idavachchuna?
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.