నూరు పూసలకు ఒకే కొలికి

nuru pusalaku oke koliki

Translation

One clasp for a hundred beads.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a central idea, person, or solution that connects many different elements together. It implies that while there may be many components (beads), they are all unified or held together by a single point (the clasp). It is often used to describe a common theme in a story or a single solution that resolves multiple problems.

Related Phrases

Is there the same mantra for a lightning bolt and a child?

This expression is used to highlight that different problems require different solutions. It suggests that one cannot apply the same logic, treatment, or punishment to vastly different situations—specifically contrasting something as powerful and destructive as a lightning bolt (pidugu) with something as delicate as a child (bidda).

Seven plowings for sesame, one plowing for horsegram.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb indicating that different tasks require different levels of effort. Sesame (gingelly) seeds are tiny and delicate, needing highly refined soil prepared by multiple plowings to thrive. In contrast, horsegram is a hardy crop that grows even in rough, minimally tilled soil. It is used to suggest that one should apply effort proportional to the specific nature and needs of a project.

A single cuckoo does not bring the spring.

This proverb means that one person or a single small sign cannot represent the whole situation or achieve a massive change alone. It is used to emphasize that collective effort or multiple signs are needed to confirm a significant event or result, similar to the English proverb 'One swallow doesn't make a summer.'

Three black beads for affection, and a mill stone for a clasp. When a man was told that out of affection three black beads had been tied round a boy's neck, he said " Then use a mill stone for a clasp."

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a lot of fuss or decoration is made over something small (symbolized by the black beads), but the final result or the heavy-duty part of the task is disproportionately large or burdensome (symbolized by the heavy grindstone). It highlights the irony between superficial appearances and the reality of the effort or outcome.

Is it the same mantra for wedding rituals and funeral rites?

This expression is used to criticize someone who uses the same approach or logic for two completely different or opposing situations. It highlights that one cannot treat a joyous, auspicious occasion (like a wedding) and a solemn, inauspicious event (like a funeral) with the same set of rules or methods.

Is it the same spell for a small blister and a giant ghost?

This proverb is used to criticize someone who applies the same simple solution to problems of vastly different scales. It suggests that a small remedy (suitable for a 'budda' or small boil) is insufficient for a massive problem (a 'bhutam' or ghost), highlighting the need for proportional responses.

'The rubbing is for me, and the applying is for you,' he said.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one person does all the hard work or labor (the 'rubbing' or preparation), while another person enjoys the final benefit or luxury (the 'applying' of the balm/paste). It highlights an unfair distribution of work versus reward.

Like a single thread of cotton for a hundred gold coins.

This expression is used to describe a token contribution or a small gesture made towards a large cause or expense. It signifies that even a tiny contribution (the thread) counts as a symbolic participation or 'blessing' when a massive task or expense (the hundred gold coins) is being undertaken. It is often used when one gives a small gift during a grand event to show their presence and goodwill.

Three black beads for beauty, and a grinding stone for the clasp.

This proverb is used to describe something that is absurdly disproportionate or ruined by a heavy, mismatched addition. It mocks the idea of adding something extremely bulky or ugly (the grinding stone) to something delicate and small (black beads) in the name of decoration or completion.

For a vulture that has eaten a hundred cows, a single gust of wind is enough.

This proverb is used to say that no matter how many sins or crimes one commits without getting caught, one day a single incident or divine intervention will bring about their downfall. It implies that justice eventually catches up with the wicked, and a single blow is sufficient to end a long streak of evil deeds.