కుంభకోణం

kumbhakonam

Translation

Scam or Fraud

Meaning

While literally referring to a famous temple town in Tamil Nadu, in common Telugu parlance, this term is used to describe a large-scale financial scandal, conspiracy, or fraudulent scheme involving high-stakes deception.

Related Phrases

When asked what is behind the pillar, they said it is a pot of food. Then, are there three grains for me?

This proverb describes a person who displays extreme greed or immediate self-interest. It is used to mock someone who, upon hearing about a large abundance of resources or food, instantly asks for their share without any shame or context.

A pot in the sky, and Monday within a Sunday.

This expression is used to describe something that is impossible, nonsensical, or a complete fabrication. It refers to situations where someone tells a lie or presents a scenario that defies logic, much like finding a physical pot in the vacuum of space or a Monday occurring inside a Sunday.

Half a penny's worth of buttermilk for Kumbhakarna's mouth.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the resources provided are grossly insufficient for the massive scale of the requirement. Just as a tiny amount of buttermilk cannot satisfy the giant Kumbhakarna (from Ramayana), it refers to a drop in the ocean or a trivial effort for a gigantic task.

When one went to heaven for Rambha, a stone-pelting hag met them instead!

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone pursues a great ambition or a beautiful outcome but ends up encountering a harsh, disappointing, or troublesome reality. It highlights the irony of high expectations meeting a poor result.

Even if she is Rambha, there is no pleasure in holding her own breasts with her own hands.

This expression signifies that self-indulgence or self-praise lacks the fulfillment or validation that comes from others. It is used to convey that certain experiences or appreciations require a second party to be meaningful, emphasizing that one cannot derive true satisfaction solely from oneself in certain contexts.

A wife's breasts are empty jars; a beautiful woman's breasts are like stone.

This expression is a philosophical or poetic reflection on the nature of desire and domesticity. It suggests that once a person becomes a spouse (domesticated), the physical attraction or allure might seem commonplace or 'empty' compared to the idealized or firm beauty of a stranger or a statue (stone). It is often used to describe the human tendency to undervalue what one possesses while romanticizing the unattainable or the external.

A pot of poison with milk on the surface

This expression is used to describe a hypocritical person who appears sweet, kind, or friendly on the outside but harbors malice or evil intentions within. It is often used as a warning to be cautious of people who use flattering words to hide their true harmful nature.

Like losing one's senses while going for an ascetic.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person, in the pursuit of something minor or spiritual, ends up losing their common sense or something far more valuable. It highlights a loss of perspective or poor judgment during a specific endeavor.

The sleep of Kumbhakarna

Refers to a state of deep, long, or heavy sleep from which a person is very difficult to wake up. It originates from the Ramayana character Kumbhakarna, who was known for sleeping for six months at a time. It is used to describe someone who sleeps excessively or is extremely lazy.

Full pot

A 'Purnakumbham' is a traditional Indian vessel (usually copper or brass) filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut. It symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and spiritual perfection. In Telugu culture, it is used to formally welcome honored guests, deities, or during auspicious ceremonies like housewarmings and weddings as a sign of respect and good fortune.