నత్తనడక తాబేలు పరుగు
nattanadaka tabelu parugu
A snail's walk and a tortoise's run
This expression is used to describe something that is moving at an extremely slow pace. It compares a slow process to the movement of a snail or the sluggish run of a tortoise, often used to criticize inefficiency or delays in work or traffic.
Related Phrases
బట్టతలకు పేలు పట్టినట్టు
battatalaku pelu pattinattu
Like lice infesting a bald head.
Used to describe a situation that is logically impossible, highly improbable, or a baseless allegation. Just as lice cannot live on a head without hair, this expression mocks claims or events that lack any foundation or sense.
కొన్నాక తినక మానడు
konnaka tinaka manadu
After buying, he won't stop eating it.
This expression is used to describe a situation where once a person has committed to or invested in something (or someone), they are bound to follow through or deal with the consequences. It highlights that certain actions create an inevitable sequence of events or responsibilities.
తడక తీసినవాడిదే తప్పు
tadaka tisinavadide tappu
It is the fault of the one who removed the bamboo screen.
This proverb is used to illustrate how someone who exposes a pre-existing flaw or enters a vulnerable situation is often blamed, even if they didn't create the underlying issue. It also suggests that the person who takes the final action or breaks a silence is the one held responsible for the consequences.
మిద్దె మీది పరుగు
midde midi parugu
Running on the terrace of a house. A hasty beginning.
This expression refers to a situation where there is a lot of effort or activity, but no real progress is made because one is confined to a limited space. It describes futile efforts or a 'running in circles' scenario where the movement doesn't lead to a destination.
తనదాకా వస్తే తగవే లేదు
tanadaka vaste tagave ledu
If it comes to oneself, there is no dispute at all.
This expression describes a hypocritical situation where a person who usually gives advice or judges others becomes silent or changes their stance when the same problem affects them personally. It is used to point out that people are often indifferent or tolerant of issues until they are personally inconvenienced.
నత్త నడక
natta nadaka
Snail's pace
This expression is used to describe something that is moving or progressing extremely slowly. It is commonly used to criticize slow administrative processes, delayed projects, or people who are taking too long to complete a task.
పట్టినవాడు తాబేలు అంటే, గట్టున ఉన్నవాడు కుందేలు అన్నట్లు
pattinavadu tabelu ante, gattuna unnavadu kundelu annatlu
When the one who caught it says it's a turtle, the one on the shore says it's a rabbit.
This proverb describes a situation where people stubbornly argue over their own perceptions or biases, even when the facts are clear. It is used to mock people who contradict someone with firsthand experience or those who insist on their own version of the truth despite evidence to the contrary.
దాయ కట్టని ఆవు తన్నక మానదు
daya kattani avu tannaka manadu
A cow whose legs are not tied will not refrain from kicking
This proverb emphasizes the importance of taking necessary precautions or setting boundaries. Just as a cow might kick during milking if its legs aren't secured, a person or situation without proper discipline, control, or safeguards will inevitably cause trouble or failure.
మిద్దె మీద పరుగు మీసాల మీద మెరుగు
midde mida parugu misala mida merugu
Running on the roof and shining the mustache.
This expression refers to someone who focuses on outward appearances, vanity, or superficial shows of status while lacking actual substance, property, or a solid foundation. It describes a person who prioritizes pride and showing off over practical stability.
తలకాయ లోపలికి దూర్చిన తాబేలు వలె
talakaya lopaliki durchina tabelu vale
Like a tortoise that has tucked its head inside.
This expression describes a person who is extremely introverted, shy, or someone who retreats into a shell to avoid facing a situation or responsibility. It is often used to characterize someone who is hiding away or being uncommunicative when confronted with a problem.