నిప్పులో నెయ్యి పోసినట్లు
nippulo neyyi posinatlu
Like pouring ghee into the fire
This expression is used to describe an action that worsens an already volatile or tense situation. Just as ghee makes a fire blaze more intensely, this phrase refers to 'adding fuel to the fire'—making someone angrier or making a conflict more severe.
Related Phrases
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.
పాయసంలో నెయ్యి వలికినట్లు
payasamlo neyyi valikinatlu
Like the ghi falling into the milk pudding.
This expression is used to describe a situation where something good happens within an already positive or beneficial context. Since ghee is an expensive and tasty ingredient that enhances the flavor of kheer, spilling it into the dish is not seen as a loss or a waste, but rather an added benefit or a fortunate gain.
When a pot of ghi slipped from a woman's hand, it fortunately fell into a pudding. He is like a cat, he always falls on his feet.
ఓపలేని వాడు నెయ్యి నాకినట్లు
opaleni vadu neyyi nakinatlu
Like a weak person licking ghee.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is lazy, incapable, or lacks strength attempts to do something in a very inefficient or half-hearted manner, or tries to enjoy benefits without putting in the necessary hard work. It highlights the irony of a person who claims they cannot work but has the energy to consume rich or luxurious things.
ఓటి కుండలో నీళ్ళు పోసినట్టు
oti kundalo nillu posinattu
Like pouring water into a leaky pot
This expression is used to describe a situation where effort or resources are being completely wasted on something that cannot be salvaged or retained. It refers to a futile action where despite continuous input, there is no result or progress because the foundation is fundamentally flawed or broken.
నిప్పులో ఉప్పు వేసినట్లు
nippulo uppu vesinatlu
Like throwing salt into the fire
This expression is used to describe someone who gets extremely irritated, flares up in anger, or reacts with instant agitation. Just as salt crackles and pops loudly when thrown into a fire, it refers to a person's explosive or sharp temper in response to a situation.
పొరుగింటి అట్లకు నెయ్యి కాచినట్లు
poruginti atlaku neyyi kachinatlu
Like melting ghee for the neighbor's pancakes.
This expression describes a situation where someone works hard or spends resources on something that only benefits others and provides no benefit to themselves. It is used to highlight wasted effort or misplaced generosity where the doer gains nothing.
ఆచార్యుని తలచి నిప్పలో చెయ్యి పెట్టితే కాలదా?
acharyuni talachi nippalo cheyyi pettite kalada?
If you think of your teacher and put your hand in the fire, will it not burn?
This proverb emphasizes that natural laws and consequences apply to everyone regardless of their faith or intentions. Blind faith cannot override physical reality; even if you invoke a great person or deity, if you do something dangerous or foolish, you will suffer the consequences.
దయ్యాలతో నెయ్యాలు చేసినట్లు.
dayyalato neyyalu chesinatlu.
Like making friendships with ghosts/demons.
This expression is used to describe a dangerous or ill-advised alliance with wicked, untrustworthy, or harmful people. Just as a ghost is unpredictable and potentially lethal, befriending such individuals will eventually lead to one's own downfall.
నిప్పుకు నెయ్యి తోడయినట్లు
nippuku neyyi todayinatlu
Like adding ghee to fire
This expression is used to describe a situation where an already intense emotion or conflict is further escalated or fueled by an additional factor. Similar to the English idiom 'adding fuel to the fire,' it signifies making a bad situation worse or making an existing anger even more explosive.
చూరులో నిప్పుపెట్టి, కొప్పలో పెట్టనా అన్నట్లు
churulo nippupetti, koppalo pettana annatlu
Setting fire to the eaves and asking if I should set fire to the hair bun too.
This expression describes a person who has already caused significant damage or committed a grave error and then asks for permission or guidance to do something even worse. It is used to mock people who act innocently after being intentionally destructive or those who lack common sense regarding the magnitude of their mistakes.