మున్నీరు చేయూతతో ఈదినట్లు
munniru cheyutato idinatlu
Like trying to swim across the ocean with just hand support.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts a massive, near-impossible task with very minimal or insignificant help. It highlights the inadequacy of the resources or assistance provided compared to the scale of the challenge.
Related Phrases
నీరు పల్లమెరుగు, నిజం దేవుడెరుగు (నీరు నిల్లవ వంకనే పారుతుంది)
niru pallamerugu, nijam devuderugu (niru nillava vankane parutundi)
Water runs towards water. Men haste to help those of their own caste, &c.
This proverb is used to describe things that naturally follow a specific path or instinct. Just as water naturally flows toward lower ground (slopes), certain events or human tendencies are inevitable. It is often used to imply that truth will eventually come out or that people naturally gravitate towards their own kind or interests.
ఓటికుండలో నీరు పోసినట్లు
otikundalo niru posinatlu
Like pouring water into a leaky pot.
This expression is used to describe a situation where effort, resources, or advice are wasted on someone or something that cannot retain them. It signifies a futile or useless action where despite the input, there is no result because the vessel (recipient) is fundamentally flawed.
నట్టేటిలో చేయి విడిచినట్లు.
nattetilo cheyi vidichinatlu.
Like letting go of one's hand in the middle of a river.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is abandoned or left without support in the middle of a crisis or a difficult situation, especially after being promised help initially.
కన్నీరు కిందికి కారుతుంది, పన్నీరు పైకి చిమ్ముతుంది
kanniru kindiki karutundi, panniru paiki chimmutundi
Tears flow downwards, while rose water is sprinkled upwards.
This expression is used to describe the irony of social status and emotions. It signifies that while sorrow and suffering (tears) are common, private, and flow naturally, luxury and celebration (rose water) are often displayed ostentatiously. It can also refer to the flow of resources or sympathy in society.
నీరధికి నీరు మోసినట్లు
niradhiki niru mosinatlu
Like carrying water to the ocean
This expression is used to describe a redundant or futile effort where one provides something to someone who already possesses it in abundance. It is similar to the English idiom 'carrying coals to Newcastle'.
నెమలి కంట నీరు కారితే వేటగాడికి ముద్దా?
nemali kanta niru karite vetagadiki mudda?
If a peacock sheds tears, does a hunter feel affection?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a cruel or predatory person remains indifferent to the suffering of their victim. It highlights that someone who intends to harm you for their own benefit will not be moved by your tears or pain. It is often applied when someone shows fake sympathy while continuing to exploit or hurt another.
కొత్త నీరు వచ్చి పాత నీరు కొట్టుకుపోయినట్లు
kotta niru vachchi pata niru kottukupoyinatlu
The new water came and washed away the old water. A little gain once was the cause of all being lost eventually.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where new people, ideas, or trends replace old ones completely. It is often used when a newcomer takes over the position or influence of someone who has been there for a long time, or when modern methods render traditional ones obsolete.
కంచం అమ్మి మట్టెలు చేయించినట్లు.
kancham ammi mattelu cheyinchinatlu.
Like selling a dining plate to get toe-rings made.
This expression is used to describe a foolish act where someone sacrifices a basic necessity or something of great utility for the sake of a useless luxury or a decorative item. It highlights poor prioritization and a lack of common sense.
ఏటికి ఎదురీదినట్లు
etiki eduridinatlu
Like swimming against the river current
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is working against great odds or facing immense difficulties. It signifies a struggle against a natural or powerful force, or trying to achieve something that is contrary to the prevailing circumstances or public opinion.
పెన్నీరు చిలకకొట్టి వెన్న తీసినట్లు, ఆకాశాన్ని పిడికిట పట్టినట్లు, లేని మాన్యం కాశీలో దానం చేసినట్లు
penniru chilakakotti venna tisinatlu, akashanni pidikita pattinatlu, leni manyam kashilo danam chesinatlu
Like churning milk to extract butter, like catching the sky in a fist, or like donating non-existent land in Kashi.
This expression is used to describe tasks or claims that are absolutely impossible, absurd, or deceptive. It refers to someone who makes grand, unrealistic promises or attempts things that defy reality, much like trying to grab the sky or donating property one doesn't even own.