నూకల కేడ్చి తవుడు కేడ్చాడట.

nukala kedchi tavudu kedchadata.

Translation

He cried for the broken rice and then cried for the bran.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who laments or worries about small, insignificant things instead of focusing on the bigger picture. It suggests a lack of perspective, where one becomes overly distressed over minor losses or low-value items.

Related Phrases

Ignorant, muddy, yet a gold bar

This expression is used to describe someone who appears foolish, uneducated, or unrefined on the outside but possesses great internal value, wealth, or talent. It suggests that one should not judge a person's worth solely based on their outward appearance or lack of sophistication.

A relative who came to a funeral cried for a colorful saree.

This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves selfishly or inappropriately in a serious situation. It refers to a person who attends a funeral (a place of mourning) but is more concerned about material things or personal gains, like wanting a beautiful saree, rather than showing sympathy for the deceased.

When they call out "Deaf man! Deaf man!" he answers "[ I've got ] Bran, Bran!"

This proverb is used to describe a complete lack of communication or a situation where two people are talking about entirely different things. It refers to a person who misunderstands what is being said due to a lack of attention or hearing, responding with something totally irrelevant. It is used in situations where there is no sync between a question and an answer.

The jingle of the Telugu words is similar to that of the English equivalents.

When one person says 'deafness, deafness', the other person says 'bran, bran'

This expression describes a situation where two people are talking at cross-purposes or failing to communicate effectively due to a misunderstanding or a lack of attention. It is used when one person's words are completely misinterpreted by another, leading to a nonsensical or irrelevant response, much like a deaf person mishearing a word and replying with something that sounds similar but has a different meaning.

Like crying and getting a death anniversary performed.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task or fulfills an obligation with great reluctance, lack of interest, or while complaining, rather than doing it willingly or happily. It implies that the person is doing something just for the sake of finishing it, often ruining the spirit of the activity.

While the children were crying for food, the grandmother was crying for a paramour.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone ignores the basic or urgent needs of those dependent on them to pursue their own inappropriate or selfish desires. It highlights a complete lack of priorities and responsibility.

Crying for ear ornaments when the head itself is being severed.

This proverb describes a person who focuses on trivial or minor losses while ignoring a major catastrophe. It is used to criticize someone's lack of perspective or their obsession with insignificant things in the face of a life-threatening or severe crisis.

When the mouth cried for kisses, the back cried for punches.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's attempt to gain affection or a favor results in an unexpected punishment or a harsh consequence. It is often used to mock someone who expected a reward but received a reprimand instead, or when a situation backfires completely.

While the pampered child cried for anklets, the back cried for blows.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's excessive demands or spoiled behavior leads to unexpected negative consequences or punishment. It highlights the transition from being over-indulged to being disciplined when one's demands become unreasonable.

Will the dead return just because you cry?

This proverb is used to convey that worrying or grieving over something that is irrevocably lost is futile. It emphasizes the importance of accepting reality and moving forward, as some situations cannot be reversed regardless of how much emotional distress one expresses.