ముగ్గురి మధ్య ముంత దాగింది

mugguri madhya munta dagindi

Translation

A small vessel hidden among three people

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where a common item or responsibility is neglected or lost because everyone assumes someone else is taking care of it. It highlights how shared responsibility among a small group often leads to inefficiency or things going missing.

Related Phrases

The large pot disappeared in the midst of three. i. e. it could not possibly be carried off from the midst of a number of people without some one perceiving it.

This proverb is used to convey that a secret or a piece of information cannot remain hidden for long when more than two people are involved. It emphasizes that the more people who know a secret, the higher the likelihood of it being leaked or discovered.

Like coming for milk but hiding the vessel.

This proverb is used to describe a person who approaches someone for help or with a specific purpose but hesitates to speak their mind or hides their true intentions due to shyness, false pride, or unnecessary secrecy. It highlights the irony of wanting something while being too secretive to ask for it.

Like being in the middle of five fires

This expression describes a situation where someone is surrounded by immense trouble, pressure, or suffering from all sides. Historically, it refers to a severe form of penance (Panchagni Tapas), but in common usage, it signifies being trapped in an extremely stressful or unbearable environment.

Standing in the middle of five fires. An act of penance. Said of a person being unable to extricate himself from a difficult position in which he is surrounded by his enemies.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is surrounded by severe hardships, intense pressure, or inescapable difficulties from all sides. It originates from the 'Panchagni Vidya' or 'Panchagni Deeksha', an ancient penance where a person sits amidst four fires with the sun acting as the fifth above, signifying extreme endurance and being tested by fire.

The thread is hidden in the necklace, the fiber is hidden in the flower garland.

This expression highlights the concept of an underlying foundation or an invisible force that holds things together. Just as a thread is essential but unseen in a beautiful necklace or garland, it refers to a person, principle, or effort that remains behind the scenes while being the core reason for success or unity.

Begging for milk and hiding his cup.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone approaches another person for help or a favor but is too hesitant, shy, or secretive to state their actual need. It highlights the irony of intending to ask for something while concealing the very tool or reason needed to receive it.

Poverty and pride.

Like being in the middle of five fires

This expression describes a situation where a person is surrounded by overwhelming difficulties, intense pressure, or severe tests from all directions. It is often used to convey a state of extreme distress or being trapped in a highly stressful environment.

A word heard is not as reliable as something seen.

This proverb emphasizes that hearsay or rumors are not as credible as first-hand observation. It is used to advise someone not to believe everything they hear until they see the evidence for themselves. It is equivalent to the English expression 'Seeing is believing.'

A cuckoo among crows

This expression refers to someone who stands out as superior, talented, or graceful while surrounded by ordinary or inferior people. It is used to describe a person of quality in an environment where others lack that same refinement or skill.

Like being in the middle of five fires

This expression describes a situation where a person is surrounded by severe difficulties or intense pressure from all directions. It is derived from the 'Panchagni Tapas', an ancient penance where a person sits amidst four fires with the sun as the fifth fire above. It is used to describe someone facing an extremely challenging or unbearable environment.