నిమ్మకు నీరెత్తినట్టు
nimmaku nirettinattu
Like watering a lime tree.
This expression is used to describe someone who remains completely indifferent, unbothered, or unresponsive to a situation that should typically provoke a reaction. Just as a lime tree doesn't show immediate or visible changes when watered compared to other plants, it refers to a person's stoic or cold lack of concern.
Related Phrases
బోడి నెత్తిన టెంకాయ కొట్టినట్టు
bodi nettina tenkaya kottinattu
Like beating a shaven head with a cocoanut. As used to be done to a Sannyâsi ( religious mendicant ) by his disciples when he was about to die.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being extremely harsh, blunt, or unkind to a vulnerable person. It signifies a lack of empathy or a direct, painful impact on someone who has no protection against the action.
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.
పూల చేరెత్తినట్లు
pula cherettinatlu
Like lifting a handful of flowers
This expression is used to describe doing a task with extreme ease, gentleness, or without any strain. It signifies handling a situation or performing an action so effortlessly that it feels as light as picking up a handful of flowers.
పూలతేరెత్తినట్టు
pulaterettinattu
Like lifting up a string of flowers. A very easy business.
Used to describe a task that is performed with extreme ease, grace, or smoothness, without any visible effort or struggle. It signifies a flawless and lightweight execution of a process.
అట్టు పెట్టినమ్మకు అట్టున్నర!
attu pettinammaku attunnara!
One and a half pancakes for the mother who served the pancake!
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who performs a service or favor for someone else ends up receiving an even larger share or better treatment than the recipient. It often highlights irony, favoritism, or the self-serving nature of the person in charge of distribution.
అట్టు పెట్టినమ్మకు అట్టున్నర.
attu pettinammaku attunnara.
An attu-and-a-half for the mother who served an attu.
This proverb highlights the principle of reciprocity and generosity. It implies that those who give or help others will receive back even more than what they offered (interest/bonus). It is used to suggest that kindness is rewarded with greater kindness.
చెట్టుబొమ్మకు గిలిగింత పెట్టినట్లు
chettubommaku giliginta pettinatlu
Like trying to tickle a wooden statue.
This expression is used to describe a situation where an effort is completely futile or wasted because the recipient is unresponsive or emotionless. Just as a statue made of wood cannot feel a tickle, certain people cannot be moved by persuasion, humor, or emotional appeals.
నిమ్మకు నీరెత్తినట్లు
nimmaku nirettinatlu
Like pouring water for a lime tree
This expression describes a person who remains completely indifferent, unbothered, or unresponsive to a situation that requires action or emotion. It is used to characterize someone's coldness or lack of reaction in circumstances where others might be worried or excited.
సముద్రంలో కాకిరెట్ట లాగా
samudramlo kakiretta laga
Like a crow's dropping in the ocean
This expression is used to describe something that is so small, insignificant, or negligible in comparison to the vastness of the situation that it makes no impact or difference at all. It is similar to the English idiom 'a drop in the ocean'.
రాతిబొమ్మకు చంకలిగింతలు పెట్టినట్టు
ratibommaku chankaligintalu pettinattu
Like trying to tickle a stone statue.
This expression is used to describe a futile effort or an action that yields no response. It refers to situations where one tries to evoke an emotion, reaction, or change in someone who is completely indifferent, stoic, or stubborn.