ముక్కేదిరా అంటే తలచుట్టూ చేయి తిప్పి చూపించినట్లు.
mukkedira ante talachuttu cheyi tippi chupinchinatlu.
When asked where the nose is, showing it by wrapping the hand around the head.
This proverb is used to describe a person who takes a long, complicated, or circuitous route to do something that could be done very simply and directly. It highlights unnecessary complexity and inefficiency in communication or action.
Related Phrases
అతుకు కనిపించదు అల్లుడా అంటే, కుంపటి కనుపించదు మామా అన్నాడట.
atuku kanipinchadu alluda ante, kumpati kanupinchadu mama annadata.
When the father-in-law said 'The patch is not visible, son-in-law', the son-in-law replied 'The furnace is not visible, father-in-law'.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people are equally matched in their cunning, wit, or flaws. It illustrates a 'tit-for-tat' scenario where one person tries to point out a subtle mistake or hide something, only for the other person to point out an even bigger or equally relevant issue. It signifies that one cannot easily fool someone who is just as smart or experienced as they are.
ముక్కెడి ముక్కకు తక్కెడు బంగారం
mukkedi mukkaku takkedu bangaram
A balance-scale full of gold for a tiny piece of nose.
This expression is used to describe a situation where the cost or effort of a repair or maintenance far exceeds the value of the original object itself. It refers to spending excessively on something small or trivial.
ముందే ముక్కు పొట్టి, ఆపై పడిశం
munde mukku potti, apai padisham
The nose is already short, and on top of that, a cold (sinus/congestion).
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is already facing a disadvantage or a problem encounters an additional trouble that makes the situation even worse. It is similar to the English expression 'Adding insult to injury' or 'When it rains, it pours'.
ఏరు ఏడామడ ఉండగానే చీర విప్పి చంకబెట్టుకొన్నదట
eru edamada undagane chira vippi chankabettukonnadata
She allegedly took off her saree and tucked it under her arm even while the river was seven miles away.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is overly anxious or prepares prematurely for an event that is still very far off. It mocks people who take drastic actions or get excited about a situation long before it actually arrives.
పాముకు బదనిక చూపినట్లు
pamuku badanika chupinatlu
Like showing a parasitic plant (Badanika) to a snake.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is instantly terrified or completely subdued by a specific threat or person. In Telugu folklore, it is believed that snakes are extremely fearful of the 'Badanika' (a type of parasitic plant) and become paralyzed or helpless when shown it. It signifies a weakness or a 'kryptonite' that brings an immediate stop to someone's aggressive behavior.
పాముకు బదనిక చూపినట్టు.
pamuku badanika chupinattu.
Like showing Badanika to a snake.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is deeply terrified or rendered powerless by a specific person or object. In Telugu folklore, it is believed that showing a 'Badanika' (a parasitic plant like Mistletoe) to a snake makes it immobile or frightened. It describes an effective deterrent or a person's ultimate weakness.
Badanika is the Loranthus Longiflorus ; the term is also applied gene- rally to all plants of the order. ( W. Elliot. ) It is said to be used as an antidote for snake bites.
పంచపాండవులంటే నాకు తెలియదా, మంచపుకోళ్లవలె ముగ్గురు అని రెండు వేళ్లు చూపించాడట.
panchapandavulante naku teliyada, manchapukollavale mugguru ani rendu vellu chupinchadata.
Don't I know about the five Pandavas? They are three in number like the legs of a bed, he said, while showing two fingers.
This expression is used to mock someone who pretends to have thorough knowledge about a subject but demonstrates complete ignorance or confusion through their explanation. It highlights a situation where someone claims expertise while making glaring, contradictory errors.
చుక్కెదురు
chukkeduru
Facing the star
This expression is used to describe a situation where one encounters a complete setback, total failure, or an unfavorable outcome. Historically, it refers to an astrological belief where traveling in a direction facing a specific star (Sukra/Venus) was considered an ill omen. In modern usage, it signifies facing strong opposition or a disappointing refusal.
ఓనమాలు చదివేవారే కానీ, ఆనవాలు చూపించలేరు
onamalu chadivevare kani, anavalu chupinchaleru
They only read the alphabet but cannot show the evidence/signs.
This expression is used to describe people who possess theoretical knowledge or have learned the basics (literacy) but lack practical application or proof of their abilities. It highlights the gap between superficial learning and meaningful results or execution.
దున్నే వాడికి లేళ్లని చూపించినట్టు
dunne vadiki lellani chupinchinattu
Like pointing out antelope to ploughers. Diverting the attention of people from their work.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is distracted from their hard work or duty by something enticing but irrelevant. It highlights how easily a person can be diverted from a laborious task (plowing) by a fleeting or useless attraction (chasing deer).