మూడు ముక్కల్లో ఆరు తప్పులు

mudu mukkallo aru tappulu

Translation

Six mistakes in just three words.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely incompetent, clumsy, or prone to making many errors even in a very simple or short task. It highlights a high density of mistakes relative to the small amount of work done.

Related Phrases

Though he is old he is still a fop.

This expression is used to describe someone who maintains their elegance, charm, or style despite growing old. It suggests that while physical youth may fade, one's poise and attractive demeanor remain intact.

Even if the Brahmins miss (the predictions), the neem trees won't; even if the neem trees miss, the Eruvaka Purnima won't.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb highlighting the certainty of seasonal cycles. It suggests that while human predictions (astrology/almanacs) might fail, nature's signs (like neem trees flowering) and fixed seasonal festivals (like Eruvaka Purnima, which marks the start of the sowing season) are reliable indicators for farmers to begin their work.

If you miss three times, you will go seven distances away.

This proverb highlights the cascading effect of missing an opportunity or failing to act at the right time. It suggests that once a specific momentum or window of opportunity is lost after a few attempts, the goal becomes significantly harder to reach or moves much further away, leading to long-term delays.

Those who count faults are in huge crowds.

This expression highlights that the world is full of people ready to criticize or point out mistakes in others, while very few actually possess the merit to correct themselves or do better. It is used to describe a situation where one faces excessive criticism from many people.

Listening to hearsay leads to ruin.

This expression warns against acting upon rumors or gossip without verification. It suggests that paying heed to malicious talk or the instigations of others will ultimately lead to one's own downfall or harm.

She talks like a mother, but she feeds me like a step mother.

This expression describes a person who speaks very kindly and affectionately but fails to provide any actual help or substance. It is used to point out the hypocrisy of someone whose actions do not match their sweet words, particularly in contexts of hospitality or generosity.

Said of a step mother.

For feasting or for medicine, three times. A man will not be treated as a guest for more than three meals and he is not expected to stay longer.—The effect of medicine should be tried by three doses after which, if it fail, it should be given up.

This proverb suggests that both hospitality (visiting/hosting) and medicinal treatments have a limit to their effectiveness and welcome. Just as one should not overstay their welcome as a guest, one should not overindulge or rely on medicine for too long. It is used to emphasize that some things are only good in moderation and for a short duration.

Actions that don't fail are better than words that are merely spoken.

This expression emphasizes that keeping one's word or performing a duty reliably is far superior to making grand promises or giving empty advice. It highlights the importance of integrity and action over mere eloquence.

Lies are better than backbiting.

This expression is used to suggest that it is better to hear something blunt or even incorrect rather than being given false promises or misleading information that is never fulfilled. It emphasizes the frustration of broken commitments.

Listening to gossip leads to ruin.

This proverb warns that paying attention to hearsay, rumors, or others' manipulative talk without verifying the facts will eventually lead to harm or disaster. It is used to advise someone to be wary of people who try to influence them with gossip.