ఓడు వూడంటే, కంచం వూడన్నట్టు.
odu vudante, kancham vudannattu.
One said " Loss, loss !" the other replied " A hole in the dish." A pun on the word Ôḍu.
This proverb describes a situation where someone performs a task with excessive or destructive force, or takes a simple instruction to an absurd extreme, causing more damage than help. It is used when a person lacks common sense in fixing a minor problem.
Related Phrases
దేవుడని మొక్కితే దయ్యమై పట్టుకున్నట్టు
devudani mokkite dayyamai pattukunnattu
Like praying to someone as a God, only for them to possess you like a ghost.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone seeks help or protection from a person or entity, but instead of receiving help, that person becomes a source of trouble or harassment. It reflects the irony of a perceived savior becoming a tormentor.
ఏట్లో ఉదకము ఉన్నది సూర్యదేవా
etlo udakamu unnadi suryadeva
There is water in the river, O Sûryadeva! Said by an irreligious fellow, too lazy to bring water as an oblation to the Sun. 3
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers something to a person that already belongs to them, or uses a person's own resources to honor or serve them. It is often used in the context of 'Arghyam' (offering water to the Sun), where one takes water from the river and pours it back into the river while praying to the Sun, effectively offering the Sun's own creation back to him.
శివుడంటే యముడికి కూడా భయమే
shivudante yamudiki kuda bhayame
Even Yama (the God of Death) is afraid of Shiva.
This expression is used to describe an extremely powerful or influential person whom even the most formidable authorities fear. It highlights supreme authority and indicates that someone is so strong that even those who are usually feared by others are intimidated by them.
పానకంలో పుడకలాగా
panakamlo pudakalaga
Like a splinter in the panakam (sweet drink).
This expression is used to describe a person or a thing that acts as a nuisance or an obstacle in an otherwise pleasant or smooth situation. Just as a small piece of wood or a splinter ruins the experience of drinking a delicious sweet beverage, this refers to an unwelcome interruption.
ఉడకకే ఉడకకే ఓ ఉల్లిగడ్డ, నీవెంత ఉడికినా నీ కంపు పోదు.
udakake udakake o ulligadda, niventa udikina ni kampu podu.
Don't boil, don't boil, O garlick! However much you boil, your smell will not go. Said to an envious person, who is said to burn inwardly.
This proverb is used to describe a person's inherent nature or bad character. It suggests that no matter how much someone tries to change their outward appearance or refine themselves through education or status, their basic negative traits or humble/crude origins will eventually manifest. It is often used to criticize someone whose fundamental flaws remain despite external improvements.
ఉడత భక్తి
udata bhakti
A squirrel performs a squirrel's service. The squirrels are said to have assisted Râma in building the bridge at Râméśvaram by dipping themselves into the water and then rolling in sand, which they brought for the mortar. Willingly doing what one can.
This expression is used to describe a small contribution or help offered towards a larger cause or project. It originates from the Ramayana, where a squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying small grains of sand. It signifies that even a tiny effort, when done with sincerity and devotion, is valuable and significant.
దేవుడని మొక్కితే, దయ్యమై పట్టుకొన్నట్లు
devudani mokkite, dayyamai pattukonnatlu
Like praying to a deity, only for it to possess you like a ghost.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone seeks help or protection from a person or entity, but instead of receiving help, that very person or entity becomes a source of trouble or misery. It is similar to the concept of a 'blessing becoming a curse' or a savior turning into an oppressor.
యముడన్నా, శివుడన్నా వెరవని వాడుండడు.
yamudanna, shivudanna veravani vadundadu.
There is no one who does not fear either Yama or Shiva.
This expression implies that every person, no matter how powerful or defiant, is ultimately subject to divine authority, the laws of karma, or the inevitability of death. Yama represents the god of death and justice, while Shiva represents the supreme power of destruction and transformation. It is used to suggest that everyone has a moral compass or a fear of ultimate consequences.
లేని ఉదారి కంటే కలిగిన మొండి మేలు.
leni udari kante kaligina mondi melu.
A rich stingy man is better than a poor liberal man.
This proverb highlights that intentions alone are not enough. A generous person who lacks resources cannot help others despite their kindness, whereas a wealthy but difficult or stingy person might still be a source of resources or support in a practical sense. It is often used to emphasize the importance of capability over empty promises.
ఆ పప్పు ఈ నీళ్లకు ఉడకదు.
a pappu i nillaku udakadu.
That pulse cannot be cooked with this water. The pulse alluded to is the Cajanus Indicus commonly called Dâl (Hind.) It requires to be boiled in good sweet water to make it soft and fit for eating. A phrase similar to "That game won't pay," "That cock won't fight."
This expression is used to indicate that a certain trick, manipulation, or strategy will not work with a particular person or in a specific situation. It is often said when someone realizes another person's ulterior motives and refuses to be fooled by them.