పల్లెదాని దగ్గర పొలుసుకంపు అన్నట్లు

palledani daggara polusukampu annatlu

Translation

Like complaining about the smell of fish scales near a fisherwoman

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone complains about something that is an inherent and inevitable part of a person's profession, environment, or nature. It highlights the absurdity of expecting something to be different from its fundamental reality.

Related Phrases

Like playing a Veena in front of a male buffalo.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one's efforts, talents, or advice are wasted on someone who cannot appreciate or understand them. It is similar to the English idiom 'Casting pearls before swine.'

Even though the child is gone, the smell of childbirth hasn't left.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the core object or purpose of an endeavor is lost, but the lingering troubles, side effects, or burdens associated with it continue to persist. It highlights the irony of suffering through the consequences of something that no longer provides any benefit.

One should not be shy or hesitant when it comes to food and business.

This proverb suggests that in certain situations, being overly modest or shy can lead to personal loss. Specifically, when eating (so you get enough to satisfy your hunger) and when conducting business or legal matters (so you ensure your interests are protected), you must be direct and outspoken.

Like a gadfly near the ear

Used to describe someone who is constantly nagging, complaining, or talking in an annoying manner. It refers to a persistent disturbance that is hard to ignore, much like the irritating buzz of a fly close to one's ear.

He said 'brother' to the axe blow

This expression describes a situation where someone suddenly becomes humble, respectful, or starts calling an enemy 'brother' only when faced with an immediate, life-threatening danger or severe punishment. It is used to mock people who only show manners or submission when they are under duress.

Whether death approaches or a wife approaches, one loses their mind.

This proverb highlights two extremes where a person loses their rational thinking or common sense: when facing imminent death (due to fear and panic) and when overwhelmed by lust or infatuation. It is used to describe situations where a person acts irrationally under the influence of extreme fear or intense desire.

One should sing the song that belongs to the mortar they are at.

This expression means that one should adapt their speech or behavior according to the situation or the audience they are currently with. It is similar to the English proverb 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' or the idea of being opportunistic and adjusting one's stance based on the immediate context.

The words spoken at the graveyard do not remain at the dinner table.

This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of philosophical realizations or remorse. People often express deep wisdom or regret during somber moments (like a funeral), but quickly return to their usual habits and desires once they are back in the comfort of their daily lives.

The lock is with you, the key is with me.

In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.

If they are with kings they are gems, if they are with the poor they are just pebbles.

This proverb highlights how society perceives the same object or quality differently based on a person's status or wealth. When a powerful or rich person possesses something, it is highly valued and praised, but when a poor person has the same thing, it is often dismissed as worthless or ordinary. It is used to describe social bias and the unfair weight given to status.