మెడపూసలకు సరిపోయినట్లు బొమ్మలాట ఆడినట్లు.

medapusalaku saripoyinatlu bommalata adinatlu.

Translation

Like performing a puppet show just to match the beads around the neck.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe someone who goes to extreme lengths or performs an elaborate, unnecessary task just to justify or compensate for a very small or trivial matter. It highlights a lack of proportion between the effort exerted and the actual requirement or result.

Related Phrases

When a woman who had no food went to a fair, her time was spent just climbing up and down.

This proverb describes a situation where a person lacks basic resources but attempts a grand or busy task, only to find that the effort required for the logistics of the task consumes all their energy without yielding any benefit. It is used to mock people who participate in events they cannot afford or sustain, resulting in unnecessary struggle instead of enjoyment.

It fits the Dasari (monk) and his beads; it fits the children born to the mother and the marriage arranged by the father.

This expression is used to describe a situation where everything is perfectly matched in its mediocrity or suitability. It often implies that the quality of one thing is exactly what the other deserves, or that a result is appropriate given the circumstances. It is frequently used to comment on a couple or a partnership where both parties have similar (often flawed) traits.

Like asking for a confinement fee for cows that have gone into the forest.

This proverb describes a situation where someone demands payment or taxes for something they do not control or have no authority over. It is used to mock illogical or greedy demands made by people who try to exploit situations where they have provided no service or protection.

Like a ghost fleeing from a blow.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who was being stubborn, troublesome, or difficult suddenly becomes obedient or runs away as soon as they are threatened with force or face a strong consequence. It highlights that some problems or people only respond to strictness or power.

Like trying to tickle a stone statue.

This expression describes a futile effort where one tries to evoke a reaction or emotion from someone who is completely indifferent, heartless, or unresponsive. It is used when advice or humor falls on deaf ears, or when someone remains unmoved despite significant attempts to engage them.

When called 'Bran Grandfather', responding with 'Broken-grain Grandmother'

This expression describes a situation where one person retorts with a similarly petty or derogatory remark in response to an insult. It signifies tit-for-tat behavior or a mutual exchange of worthless or sarcastic comments between two people who are equally matched in their cynicism or circumstances.

The sins committed and the lamps lit are equal.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the bad deeds or mistakes someone has committed are roughly offset or balanced out by their attempts at atonement or good deeds. It is often used sarcastically to imply that someone's superficial rituals or minor good acts are just barely covering up their significant wrongdoings, or that the accounts of good and bad have been settled.

It matched the wick placed and the oil poured.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the effort or resources invested are exactly equal to the result obtained, leaving no profit or extra benefit. It refers to a 'break-even' scenario where one's hard work only just covers the basic costs, often used when someone feels their efforts were barely worth the outcome.

Like building a dam after the water has already flowed away

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes corrective action or precautions after the damage has already been done and it is too late to be effective. It is similar to the English proverb 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

Like Dâsari, like beads; like the bringing forth of the mother, is the match made by the father. Said by a miserable daughter, who had been married to a bad husband.

This expression is used to describe a perfect match or a situation where things are appropriately suited to one another, often in a sarcastic or rhythmic way. It highlights that certain things naturally belong together or complement each other's status or quality.