మణులు చెక్కిన సంకెళ్లు

manulu chekkina sankellu

Translation

Fetters set with gems. Fetters still.

Meaning

This expression refers to a situation where someone is trapped or restricted by luxury, wealth, or high status. It implies that even if constraints are beautiful or expensive, they are still shackles that take away one's freedom. It is often used to describe high-paying but stressful jobs or restrictive royal/elite lifestyles.

Related Phrases

An unrestrained monkey destroyed all of Lanka.

This expression is used to describe how a person without discipline or control can cause widespread damage or chaos to an entire organization or community. It draws from the Ramayana, referring to the potential havoc an unchecked force can wreak.

Handcuffs for the co-wife, weddings for me.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person rejoices or seeks personal gain from the misfortune or imprisonment of their rival or enemy. It highlights a lack of empathy and the presence of malicious joy (schadenfreude) in competitive relationships.

The monkey in the lap ruined the whole of Lanka.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a single person, often someone who was initially trusted or sheltered, ends up causing widespread destruction or chaos to an entire group or organization. It is derived from the Ramayana, referring to Hanuman (the monkey) who, after being captured, set the entire city of Lanka on fire.

Doubt is a life-threatening crisis.

This proverb highlights that suspicion or doubt can be as agonizing and dangerous as a fatal illness. It is used to describe situations where a person's constant distrust or lack of faith in someone or something leads to extreme mental agony, ruins relationships, or creates unnecessary complications that feel like a matter of life and death.

Even those in shackles (chains) come home for the Sankranti festival.

This proverb highlights the immense cultural and emotional significance of the Sankranti festival in Telugu culture. It implies that the pull of the festival is so strong that everyone makes an effort to return to their hometown or family, suggesting that even people with extreme constraints or busy schedules find a way to be with their loved ones during this time.

Chip the wood according to the size of the log.

This proverb suggests that one should act according to their capacity, resources, or status. It is often used to advise people to spend within their means or to take on responsibilities that are proportionate to their ability.

Shackles for the kite before Sankranti

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is usually free or mischievous is suddenly restricted or disciplined just before a major event or their peak time. It refers to the traditional practice of catching or grounding kites (birds of prey) before the kite-flying festival of Sankranti to prevent them from interfering.

Like a sickle carried in the waist of a man climbing up a hill. An additional danger and difficulty.

This expression refers to adding an unnecessary burden or a dangerous hindrance to someone who is already performing a difficult and strenuous task. It describes a situation where instead of helping someone in a struggle, a person adds more risk or trouble to their journey.

* El secreto de Anchuelos. ( See Kelly's "Proverbs of all Nations" p. 178. )

While the arrogant one stares at the horizons, the one in the palanquin looks to the side.

This proverb highlights the difference between hollow arrogance and actual status. It is used to describe a person who is overly conceited or 'high-headed' (dimaku) without any real accomplishment, contrasting them with someone who actually holds a position of importance but is more grounded or observant.

Stitching an old cloth is a waste of thread

This proverb is used to describe a situation where attempting to repair or fix something that is completely worn out, outdated, or beyond saving is a futile effort. It suggests that the resources (time, money, or effort) spent on such a task are wasted because the object is no longer viable.