ముల్లు ముల్లుతో తీస్తే పోయేదానికి దబ్బనంతో తీసినట్టు
mullu mulluto tiste poyedaniki dabbananto tisinattu
Like taking out with a packing needle, a thorn which could have been extracted with a thorn.
This proverb describes overreacting to a small problem by using excessive force or overly complex tools. It is used when someone employs a 'sledgehammer to crack a nut,' often causing more pain or damage than necessary because the solution was disproportionate to the simple issue.
Related Phrases
తాడుతో దబ్బనము
taduto dabbanamu
A thick needle with a rope
This expression is used to describe a situation where things are perfectly matched or in total agreement. It can also imply a state of mutual convenience or being 'thick as thieves' when two people or things work together perfectly for a specific purpose.
చిక్కానికి చేరులు తీసినట్లు
chikkaniki cherulu tisinatlu
Like removing the strands from a net-bag (Chikkani)
This expression describes a slow, tedious, or deliberate process of dismantling something or creating trouble. It specifically refers to the act of unraveling a rope bag (chikkani) strand by strand, implying a task that is done with calculated effort, often to cause subtle harm or to systematically strip away resources.
ఈరు తీస్తే పేను వచ్చినట్లు
iru tiste penu vachchinatlu
Like a louse appearing when a nit is removed
This expression is used to describe a situation where one problem leads to another, or when investigating a small issue reveals a much larger, more difficult problem. It is similar to the English concept of 'opening a can of worms' or 'pulling a thread' only to find a bigger mess.
ఈకలుతీసిన కోడి, ఈనలు తీసిన మాల
ikalutisina kodi, inalu tisina mala
A plucked chicken and a leaf with its ribs removed.
This expression is used to describe a person or a situation that has been stripped of all strength, dignity, or resources. Just as a chicken without feathers or a leaf without its veins/ribs is weak and lacks structure, it refers to someone who is left completely helpless or impoverished.
ఎలుగుబంటికి తలనీలాలు తీసినట్టు
elugubantiki talanilalu tisinattu
Like pulling a bear's hairs out with tweezers. An endless business. A cask that will never fill. (Greek.)
This expression is used to describe a task that is extremely difficult, messy, or practically impossible to complete because of the nature of the subject. Just as shaving a bear would be a chaotic and dangerous ordeal, this refers to situations that are more trouble than they are worth.
ఒకరు ఏటికి తీస్తే, ఇంకొకరు కాటికి తీసినట్లు.
okaru etiki tiste, inkokaru katiki tisinatlu.
If one pulls towards the river, another pulls towards the cremation ground.
This proverb describes a situation where there is a total lack of coordination or cooperation between people. It is used when individuals work at cross-purposes or pull in opposite directions, making it impossible to achieve a common goal.
ఏరు తీసినట్టు
eru tisinattu
Like the flood subsiding. Perfect stillness after a tumult. After a storm comes a calm.
This expression is used to describe something that has been done with extreme precision, neatness, or perfection. It is most commonly used to compliment beautiful handwriting, straight lines, or a very well-executed task that looks flawlessly continuous and smooth.
జుట్టులో నార తీసినట్లు
juttulo nara tisinatlu
Like extracting fiber from hair
This expression describes a task that is practically impossible or an attempt to find something where it doesn't exist. It is used to mock someone who is being overly pedantic, searching for non-existent flaws, or attempting a futile, logic-defying action.
వెన్నలో వెంట్రుక తీసినట్టు
vennalo ventruka tisinattu
Like taking a hair out of butter.
This expression is used to describe a task that is performed with extreme ease, smoothness, and without any resistance or obstacles. It can also refer to resolving a delicate situation very tactfully and cleanly.
Said of a very easy business. How easily a hair gets into butter ! (Gorman.)*
రాళ్ళను నార తీసినట్టు
rallanu nara tisinattu
Like taking the bark off a stone.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to achieve something impossible or attempting to extract something from a source that has nothing to give. It characterizes a task that is extremely difficult, futile, or involves dealing with a very stubborn and heartless person.
To milk a he goat. (Latin.)*