కుండల దుమ్ము రోకళ్ళతో దులిపినట్లు

kundala dummu rokallato dulipinatlu

Translation

Like dusting pots with a pestle.

Meaning

This expression describes using a totally inappropriate or excessively forceful method to solve a minor problem. Just as using a heavy pestle to dust fragile pots would result in breaking them rather than cleaning them, it refers to actions that cause more damage than good due to lack of tact or proportion.

Related Phrases

Like putting out lamps with one's eyelids.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or extremely difficult task. It highlights the futility of trying to achieve a significant result using very weak or inappropriate means, as eyelids are too delicate to extinguish a flame.

Like running with the rabbits and hunting with the hounds.

This expression describes a person who is hypocritical or double-dealing. It refers to someone who pretends to be a friend to both sides of a conflict, or someone who tries to support opposing interests simultaneously for their own benefit.

Like using a rice-pounder for [ carrying ] a bunch of glass bracelets. When put down, the weight of the stick would break the bracelets. A foolish action.

This proverb is used to describe an action where someone uses excessive force or an inappropriate, heavy-handed tool for a delicate task. It highlights the mismatch between the fragility of the object (glass bangles) and the brute force applied (a heavy wooden pestle), inevitably leading to destruction rather than the intended result.

Like saying crows carried away the heavy pounding-rods.

This expression is used to describe someone who mindlessly believes or repeats absurd, impossible stories without applying any common sense. It mocks gullibility or the act of making a ridiculous claim just because someone else said so.

Dogs fought with each other and ended up throwing dust into their own food bowl.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two or more parties involved in an internal conflict or petty quarrel end up causing mutual self-harm. By fighting among themselves, they ruin the very resources or benefits they were meant to share, resulting in a loss for everyone involved.

Dust for the Gods and mud for the demons.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a conflict, competition, or effort results in absolutely no benefit for any of the parties involved. Just as dust and mud are worthless, it implies that both the 'good' side and the 'bad' side ended up with nothing but waste or trouble, signifying a lose-lose situation or a completely futile outcome.

Like dusting off feathers and tails and mixing them into broken rice.

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to deceive others by mixing useless or harmful waste into something useful. It signifies a deceptive act of camouflaging defects or filler material into the main product to increase volume or trick the receiver.

Like working for the villagers and getting one's whole body covered in dust.

This expression refers to performing thankless labor that benefits others while resulting in personal exhaustion or hardship for oneself. It describes a situation where a person works hard for the sake of the community or others, only to end up with nothing but physical strain or a mess to clean up, without any real reward or appreciation.

Like mixing salt to create a bond

This expression is used to describe an inseparable bond or a deep friendship. Just as salt dissolves completely into food and cannot be separated once mixed, it refers to people or things that have become perfectly integrated or united.

A camel's colic won't go away unless treated with pestles.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a severe or large-scale problem requires an equally strong or drastic measure to be solved. Just as a large animal like a camel needs a heavy tool (pestle) for treatment, major issues cannot be fixed with minor or delicate efforts.