నీరధికి నీరు మోసినట్లు

niradhiki niru mosinatlu

Translation

Like carrying water to the ocean

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a redundant or futile effort where one provides something to someone who already possesses it in abundance. It is similar to the English idiom 'carrying coals to Newcastle'.

Related Phrases

Water runs towards water. Men haste to help those of their own caste, &c.

This proverb is used to describe things that naturally follow a specific path or instinct. Just as water naturally flows toward lower ground (slopes), certain events or human tendencies are inevitable. It is often used to imply that truth will eventually come out or that people naturally gravitate towards their own kind or interests.

The one who planted the seedling will not stop pouring water.

This proverb is an expression of faith and optimism. It suggests that the Creator who gave us life will surely provide the means for our survival. It is used to comfort someone facing hardships, implying that their basic needs will be met by a higher power or that the person responsible for a situation will eventually take care of its consequences.

Like a turban bearing the suffering meant for the head

This expression is used when a major disaster or great harm is averted, and instead, only a minor loss or trivial damage is incurred. It implies that something very valuable was saved at the cost of something less significant, or a huge problem was minimized into a small one.

Like carrying Cissus quadrangularis to the graveyard.

This expression is used to describe a redundant or futile activity. Since graveyard sites (bonda lakunta) are typically overgrown with weeds like Nalleru (veldt grape), bringing more of the same plant there is an unnecessary waste of effort. It is similar to the English idiom 'carrying coals to Newcastle'.

Like carrying three measures of grain after they have become wet

This proverb describes a situation where an already difficult task becomes significantly more burdensome due to unfavorable circumstances. Just as dry grain becomes much heavier when soaked in water, a problem or responsibility becomes harder to handle when complications are added.

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.

Like carrying firewood to a mountain and water to a pond.

This proverb is used to describe a redundant or futile action. It refers to providing something to a place that already has it in abundance, similar to the English expression 'carrying coals to Newcastle'. It highlights the pointlessness of doing something unnecessary.

Like carrying wood from a hill and water from a temple pond.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task that is redundant, unnecessary, or involves carrying something to a place where it is already abundant. It highlights the futility or lack of common sense in doing work that provides no additional value or brings resources to their own source.

The new water came and washed away the old water. A little gain once was the cause of all being lost eventually.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where new people, ideas, or trends replace old ones completely. It is often used when a newcomer takes over the position or influence of someone who has been there for a long time, or when modern methods render traditional ones obsolete.

A crocodile out of water - a fish out of water

These two expressions describe loss of power and vulnerability. A crocodile out of water (నీరు విడిచిన మొసలి) refers to a powerful person who loses their strength and authority when removed from their natural environment or position. A fish out of water (నీరు విడిచిన చేప) refers to someone who is helpless, extremely uncomfortable, or unable to survive in an alien environment. Both are used to highlight how strength and survival are dependent on the right context or surroundings.