లాడం దొరకగానే గుర్రం దొరికినట్లా?

ladam dorakagane gurram dorikinatla?

Translation

Does finding a horseshoe mean you've found a horse?

Meaning

This expression is used to criticize someone who makes premature assumptions or feels overconfident after achieving a very small, insignificant part of a larger task. It highlights the folly of celebrating a minor detail when the main component is still missing.

Related Phrases

When a woman who never found anything finally found a small coin, she tied seven knots to secure it.

This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves excessively or ridiculously over-cautious when they suddenly acquire something of very small value. It mocks someone who makes a huge fuss over a trivial gain because they are not used to having anything at all.

If caught, he is a thief; if not caught, he is a lord.

This proverb highlights the irony of social status based on being caught. It is used to describe a situation where someone's reputation depends entirely on whether their dishonest actions are discovered. As long as their crimes are hidden, they are respected as a gentleman or 'Dora' (lord), but the moment they are caught, they are labeled a thief.

When a man whose belly is filled only if his hands toil finds a diamond, he says it is just a stone.

This expression describes a person who is so consumed by the daily grind and survival that they lack the knowledge or perspective to recognize a great opportunity or a valuable asset when it presents itself. It is used to highlight how poverty or lack of exposure can make someone ignorant of life's bigger fortunes.

Like Indradyumna finding the Great Tortoise

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unexpectedly discovers a massive, overwhelming, or extremely difficult task while searching for something else. It implies encountering a problem or a burden that is far larger than anticipated, often leading to being stuck or overwhelmed.

A tattered quilt suitable for the old saddle will certainly be found.

This expression is used to describe two people or things that are a perfect match for each other, especially in a sarcastic or negative sense. It implies that for every odd or flawed person, there is a similarly matched partner or counterpart. It is often used to describe couples who share the same eccentricities or negative traits, similar to the English idiom 'every pot has its lid.'

Like a monkey finding a coconut

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.

If you find a place to stand, it's as if you found a place to sit.

This proverb describes people who, after being granted a small favor or a foot in the door, gradually demand more or take complete control. It is used to warn about opportunistic people who exploit initial kindness to gain a larger foothold.

Just because you found soil, will you find a ruby?

This expression is used to convey that common things are easily found, but precious or rare things (like talent, true value, or high-quality items) require more effort or luck. It implies that one shouldn't expect extraordinary results or valuable outcomes just because they have access to something basic or common.

When he went to steal, he only got an earthen dish. Disappointment in evil designs.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to commit a crime or a sneaky act with high expectations but ends up with something completely worthless or faces a disappointing outcome. It highlights the irony of a failed or unprofitable venture.

When one went to steal, they found a broken piece of a clay pot.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person sets out with a negative intention or a risky plan to gain something, but ends up with something completely useless or worse than what they started with. It highlights the irony of failing miserably even in a dishonest attempt.