నూతి కప్పకు సముద్రము తెలుసా?

nuti kappaku samudramu telusa?

Translation

Is the sea near to a frog in a well ? Applied to a clumsy fellow.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person with a narrow perspective or limited knowledge who thinks their small world is everything. It highlights how someone with restricted experience cannot comprehend the vastness or complexity of the real world, much like a frog that believes its well is the entire universe.

Related Phrases

Is that a stomach or a lake?

This expression is used to describe someone who eats excessively or has an insatiable appetite. It compares the capacity of their stomach to that of a lake, implying it is unusually large or bottomless.

The behavior of frogs in a well

This expression describes the behavior of narrow-minded or jealous people who, like frogs in a well, try to pull down anyone who attempts to climb up or succeed. It is used to characterize small-mindedness and the lack of a broader perspective or community support.

The oceans will be filled by the Swati rain.

This proverb refers to the 'Swati' nakshatram (star constellation). It signifies that during the auspicious Swati rain, even a small amount of rain is considered so potent and significant that it metaphorically fills the vast oceans. It is used to describe how a timely blessing or a single positive event can bring immense abundance and fulfillment.

One should live close to a lake and far from relatives.

This proverb highlights the importance of being near essential resources (like water) for survival while maintaining a healthy distance from relatives to avoid unnecessary conflicts, gossip, or dependence that can arise from over-familiarity.

The sea to a desperate man is as [ shallow water only up to ] his knees. Men in despair fear nothing. Despair gives courage to a coward.

This proverb describes a state of desperation or extreme courage born out of having nothing left to lose. When someone is facing certain death or a total downfall, even the most daunting obstacles (like a vast ocean) seem trivial or manageable to them because they no longer fear the consequences.

Like having the ocean under one's arm, yet stretching out a hand for a small puddle.

This proverb is used to describe a person who possesses vast resources or great wealth but still begs or seeks help for something insignificant. It highlights the irony of not realizing or utilizing one's own immense potential and instead looking for petty external assistance.

What does a frog in a well know about the ocean?

This proverb is used to describe a person with a narrow-minded perspective or limited knowledge who thinks their small world is everything. It suggests that someone with restricted experience cannot comprehend the vastness or complexity of the world outside their own environment.

Like dipping a small stick into the ocean.

This expression is used to describe an action that is insignificant or has no noticeable impact on a vast situation. It refers to a task that is so small compared to the scale of the problem that it makes absolutely no difference, similar to the English idiom 'a drop in the ocean.'

Like rain falling into the ocean

This expression is used to describe an action that is redundant, useless, or has no significant impact because it is being added to something that is already vast or abundant. Just as rain does not change the level of the sea, a small contribution or help given to someone who already has everything is considered pointless.

Like mixing asafoetida in the ocean.

This expression is used to describe an action that is completely futile or a resource that is wasted because the scale of the problem is too vast. Just as a small amount of pungent asafoetida cannot change the taste or smell of the entire ocean, small efforts directed at massive problems result in no noticeable impact.