నీరు ముంతకుండ నిలవని చందాన

niru muntakunda nilavani chandana

Translation

Like water not staying in a leaky pot

Meaning

This expression refers to something that is transient, unstable, or impossible to preserve. It is used to describe situations where resources, wealth, or secrets are lost quickly due to an inherent flaw or lack of capacity, much like how a broken or unbaked pot cannot hold water for long.

Related Phrases

A man that puts the pot of ghî on the floor, and the empty pot in the sling. The eye is blind if the mind is absent. ( Italian. )

This proverb describes a person who lacks common sense or priority. It refers to someone who neglects valuable things (ghee) while carefully preserving useless things (empty pot), highlighting foolishness or inverted priorities in decision-making.

One obstinate man who wouldn't give and another who wouldn't take a refusal.

This expression describes a situation where two equally stubborn or determined individuals clash. It is used when a person who refuses to yield meets someone who is relentlessly persistent in their demand or pursuit. It highlights a stalemate between a 'stubborn refuser' and a 'persistent pursuer'.

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.

Seeing the stone pot, the clay pot ran away.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone realizes they are significantly weaker, less durable, or less capable than their opponent and chooses to withdraw to avoid certain destruction. It highlights the vulnerability of the weak (clay) when faced with the unshakable strength of the powerful (stone).

A stubborn person who doesn't give meets a persistent person who doesn't let go.

This proverb describes a confrontation between two equally obstinate individuals. It is used to illustrate a situation where a person who refuses to yield or pay up is met with someone who is equally relentless and persistent in their demand until they get what they want.

If the nose doesn't stay when coughing, will it stay when sneezing?

This expression is used to describe a situation that is already fragile or failing under minor pressure, suggesting it will certainly collapse under greater stress. It implies that if someone cannot handle a small problem, they surely cannot handle a bigger one.

Standing in a place where one shouldn't stand leads to forty accusations.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of choosing the right environment and company. If you stay in a place or situation that is inappropriate for your character or social standing, you will inevitably face numerous false accusations or damage to your reputation, even if you have done nothing wrong.

Will water stay in a broken pot?

This expression is used to illustrate that resources, secrets, or wealth cannot be preserved or accumulated if the container (or person) is fundamentally flawed or lacks integrity. Just as water leaks from a pot with holes, efforts spent on a person with bad habits or a system with deep flaws will always go to waste.

Like lifting an empty pot onto the sling and placing the ghee pot on the floor.

This proverb describes a person who lacks judgment and priorities. It refers to someone who values useless things while neglecting or mismanaging valuable assets. It is used to point out foolish decisions where one gives importance to the trivial and ignores the essential.

The Srirangam pestle does not stay in one's hands.

This proverb describes someone who is extremely restless, impatient, or physically unable to stay in one place. Just as a heavy pestle (rokali) might be difficult to balance or keep steady, it refers to individuals who are constantly on the move or whose presence is transient and unstable.