మోచేతి కింద నీళ్లు తాగడం
mocheti kinda nillu tagadam
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.
Related Phrases
పండ్ల చెట్టు కింద ముళ్ళ కంప ఉన్నట్టు.
pandla chettu kinda mulla kampa unnattu.
Like having a thorny bush under a fruit-bearing tree.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where something beneficial or pleasant is made inaccessible or difficult to enjoy due to an underlying nuisance or danger. It refers to a person or thing that possesses great value but is surrounded by unpleasant obstacles or negative associations.
మన్ను తిని మంచినీళ్లు తాగినట్లు
mannu tini manchinillu taginatlu
Like drinking water after eating mud.
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.
జనని పాలు త్రాగి ధరణి నీళ్లు త్రాగి ధన్యుడవు కావాలి
janani palu tragi dharani nillu tragi dhanyudavu kavali
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.
తలగడ కింద త్రాచుపాము వలె
talagada kinda trachupamu vale
Like a cobra under the pillow
This expression is used to describe a hidden, imminent, and extremely dangerous threat that one is unaware of, despite it being very close. It signifies a situation where peril is lurking right beside you while you feel safe or restful.
ఏట్లో పారే నీళ్ళు ఎవరు తాగితేనేం
etlo pare nillu evaru tagitenem
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.
పొదుగు కోసి పాలు త్రాగినట్టు.
podugu kosi palu traginattu.
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.
అరచేతిలో బెల్లం పెట్టి మోచేతి వరకూ నాకించినట్టు
arachetilo bellam petti mocheti varaku nakinchinattu
Putting jaggery in the palm and making one lick it all the way up to the elbow.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone promises or offers something attractive but makes the process so difficult, tricky, or elusive that the person never actually gets to enjoy the benefit. It refers to deceptive behavior or giving someone a 'runaround' while pretending to be helpful.
దివిటీ క్రింద దీపం
diviti krinda dipam
A lamp under a torch
This expression is used to describe a situation where a smaller, less significant thing or person is overshadowed or made redundant by something much larger or superior. It can also refer to something being unnoticeable or unnecessary in the presence of a much greater light or talent.
కడుగు త్రాగినవాని కడుపేమి నిండురా?
kadugu traginavani kadupemi nindura?
Will the stomach of one who drinks wash-water ever be full?
This proverb is used to indicate that low-quality or insufficient resources cannot satisfy a great need. Just as drinking the water used to wash rice (instead of eating the rice itself) won't satisfy hunger, superficial solutions cannot solve deep-rooted problems.
ఆతుగాడి కింద జీతగాడు
atugadi kinda jitagadu
A salaried worker under an impatient man.
This expression is used to describe a stressful situation where a person works for a boss who is extremely restless, impatient, or hurried. It implies that the worker is constantly hounded or pressured because the person in charge lacks patience and expects everything to be done instantly.