నమలక, మింగక నానవేసినట్లు.

namalaka, mingaka nanavesinatlu.

Translation

Like soaking something without chewing or swallowing it.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a state of indecision or procrastination. It refers to someone who keeps a task or a decision lingering for a long time without either completing it or rejecting it, much like keeping food in the mouth without chewing or swallowing.

Related Phrases

When four dosas were given to the innocent-acting woman, she swallowed them without even chewing.

This proverb is used to describe a hypocrite who pretends to be innocent, shy, or ascetic in public (a 'Nanganachi') but acts greedily when given the chance. It highlights the contrast between a person's fake outward humility and their inner greed.

Like the sun shining on an elephant.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an action or criticism has no effect on someone. Just as an elephant is too large and thick-skinned to be bothered by the heat of the sun, some people are indifferent to insults, advice, or external pressures.

Will a fish in disturbed water escape the net?

This proverb implies that when a situation is intentionally disrupted or 'stirred up', the target will eventually be caught or the desired result will be achieved. It is used to suggest that once the process of entrapment or investigation has begun, the outcome is inevitable.

Like a discarded leaf plate becoming useful on a festival day.

This expression describes a situation where something or someone previously considered useless or neglected suddenly becomes valuable or essential due to specific circumstances. It is often used to highlight a stroke of luck or the unexpected utility of a discarded object/person.

A knot soaked in water, turmeric applied to a brand.

This expression is used to describe something that is fixed, permanent, or impossible to undo. Just as a wet knot becomes tighter and harder to untie, and turmeric applied to a cauterized wound stays fixed to the skin, this phrase refers to a decision or situation that is finalized and unchangeable.

When a simpleton was told to swallow without chewing, she said the boiled fish might bite.

This proverb is used to describe people who act overly innocent or fake naivety to avoid work or to make excuses. It mocks someone who pretends to be so simple-minded that they fear impossible things (like a cooked fish biting) just to be difficult or to gain sympathy.

Like killing crows to feed eagles

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes from the poor or weak to give to the rich or powerful. It highlights an act of injustice or a futile redistribution of resources that benefits those who are already strong at the expense of those who are vulnerable.

Like guarding the clothes that have already been washed and spread out to dry.

This expression describes a situation where someone is performing a redundant or unnecessary task. It refers to a person watching over something that is already safe or in a state where guarding it serves no practical purpose, similar to 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or performing a futile, over-protective action.

No matter what costume you put on a dog, it will not stop barking.

This proverb suggests that a person's true nature or inherent character cannot be hidden or changed, no matter how much they try to mask it with external appearances or status. It is used to describe situations where someone eventually reveals their true (often negative) traits despite attempts to behave differently.

"Swallow without chewing, Nangi."—"The boiled fish are biting me" she replied.

This proverb describes a person who pretends to be overly innocent, shy, or delicate to avoid work or to hide their true nature. It is used to mock someone who makes ridiculous, impossible excuses to act helpless (like claiming cooked/dead fish can bite) while trying to maintain a facade of extreme modesty or naivety.

Nangi is a name given to a woman who is never at a loss for an excuse however paltry.