నీ చంక నేమిటోయీ అంటే, నా చంక నాకయ్యా అన్నాడట.

ni chanka nemitoyi ante, na chanka nakayya annadata.

Translation

When asked 'What is that in your armpit?', he replied 'It's my armpit, sir'.

Meaning

This expression describes a situation where someone gives a redundant, evasive, or foolishly obvious answer to avoid revealing what they are hiding. It is used to mock people who try to hide something by stating the obvious or using circular reasoning.

Related Phrases

Is it for licking the armpit if it is not available when needed?

This is a blunt and colloquial rhetorical question used to express frustration when a resource, tool, or person is unavailable at the exact moment of need. It implies that something is completely useless if it doesn't serve its purpose during a crisis, regardless of its existence otherwise.

When asked 'What is with this showing off, brother?', he replied 'I don't have a single paisa, younger brother.'

This proverb is used to mock people who boast or show off their status and lifestyle while actually being broke or having no resources. It highlights the irony of people maintaining a grand facade despite having an empty pocket.

If it is not available when needed, should I lick my armpit?

This is a blunt and slightly crude idiomatic expression used to express frustration when a resource, person, or tool is unavailable at the exact moment it is required. It implies that if something doesn't serve its purpose during a crisis or need, it is utterly useless thereafter.

If you give familiarity, they will climb onto your shoulder

This expression is used to describe people who take undue advantage of one's kindness, friendliness, or leniency. It suggests that if you are too approachable or fail to set boundaries, others may become over-familiar or disrespectful, crossing their limits.

He said Ekadasi (11th day) feels just like licking Chaviti's (4th day) armpit.

This expression is used to describe someone who lacks common sense, experience, or the ability to distinguish between significantly different situations. Both Chaviti and Ekadasi are fasting days in the lunar calendar, but the speaker's comparison is crude and nonsensical, highlighting their ignorance or uncouth nature.

When he was at the point of death he cried "Śankara! Śankara!" (Siva.) Deathbed repentance.

This proverb is used to describe someone who waits until the very last moment or a crisis to seek help, turn to God, or do the right thing. It refers to a person who ignores their duties or avoids spiritual/ethical paths throughout their life, only to become desperately 'pious' or 'diligent' when they realize time has run out.

Like bowing to the stick held under the arm.

This expression refers to a situation where someone shows respect or obeys another person not out of genuine regard, but out of fear of the weapon or power they possess. It is used when a person's submission is forced by an immediate threat of violence or authority.

If carried on the hip, it is affection; if carried on the head, it is a nuisance.

This proverb highlights the importance of maintaining boundaries and limits. It suggests that while showing affection or giving support is good, over-indulging someone or giving them too much freedom/authority can lead to them becoming a burden or acting out of place. It is often used to warn against spoiling children or being overly lenient with subordinates.

A child who has climbed onto the hip won't get down even if they die.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gets too comfortable with a favor or a position of privilege and refuses to let go of it. It typically refers to people who take advantage of others' kindness or tolerance and become a burden, refusing to become independent or vacate their position.

When the Jangam was told that the house had caught fire, he replied "I have my bag and bowl with me." Selfish indifference.

This proverb describes a person who is completely detached or indifferent to a situation because they have no personal stake or property at risk. It is used to remark on individuals who remain unconcerned about a general disaster or collective loss because their own minimal belongings are safe, or to describe those who prioritize their small interests over a major catastrophe affecting others.