మన్ను తిని మంచినీళ్లు తాగినట్లు

mannu tini manchinillu taginatlu

Translation

Like drinking water after eating mud.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a completely useless or harmful action and then tries to follow it up with something normal or helpful to cover it up. It signifies a futile attempt to rectify a foolish mistake or refers to an action that yields no benefit despite the effort.

Related Phrases

When asked to cook, Perakka said she would fetch water while looking at the crowd.

This proverb describes a lazy person who uses any excuse or distraction to avoid their main responsibility. It refers to someone who procrastinates on a difficult task by offering to do a minor, easier task or by simply wandering off under the guise of helping.

He reportedly gave drinking water using a soot-stained cloth.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a good deed or offers something pure in a very clumsy, dirty, or inappropriate manner. It highlights how the lack of proper presentation or a flawed method can ruin a virtuous act.

Everyone is a relative, but one doesn't even get drinking water.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where despite being surrounded by family, relatives, or many known people, no one actually steps up to help in a time of need. It highlights the irony of having a large social circle or family that offers no practical support.

Drink the mother's milk, drink the earth's water, and become a blessed person.

This expression emphasizes the natural progression of life and a person's duty to their roots. It suggests that one is nurtured first by their mother's milk and then sustained by the resources of their motherland. To be 'blessed' or 'successful' (Dhanyudu), one must acknowledge these foundations and live a life that honors both the biological mother and the earth/homeland.

If you go to do good, you won't even get drinking water.

This proverb is used to express frustration when a person's good intentions or helpfulness result in bad outcomes, lack of appreciation, or even trouble for themselves. It suggests that in some cynical situations, being virtuous doesn't even yield the most basic reward or gratitude.

A snake that has eaten soil

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely sluggish, motionless, or unresponsive. It refers to the belief that a snake becomes heavy and stays still in one place after consuming soil, and is often applied to people who are lazy or act oblivious to their surroundings.

What does it matter who drinks the water flowing in the river?

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is an abundant or public resource available, and one shouldn't be stingy or possessive about it. It implies that when something is plenty and free-flowing (like river water), it doesn't cost the provider anything if someone else uses or benefits from it.

Like cutting the udder to drink milk.

This proverb describes an act of extreme foolishness or greed where one destroys the source of a recurring benefit for a small, immediate gain. It is used when someone ruins their future prospects or a sustainable resource by being impatient or short-sighted.

Like drinking water from under someone's elbow

This expression is used to describe a state of complete dependence or subservience to someone else. It refers to a person who has no independence and must rely on the whims or 'leftovers' of another person for their survival or progress.

Everyone is a relative, but one cannot even get a glass of drinking water.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is surrounded by many friends or relatives who claim to be close, yet none of them step forward to help when there is a genuine need. It highlights the irony of having a large social circle that offers no practical support.