పాప లేని ఇంట్లో, తాత తడవేలాడినట్లు
papa leni intlo, tata tadaveladinatlu
Like a grandfather groping around in a house where there is no child.
This proverb is used to describe a situation that is purposeless, lonely, or lacks the intended joy and activity. Just as a grandfather might search for a child to play with in a house where none exists, it signifies efforts made in vain or being in a place that feels empty and devoid of its primary charm or necessity.
Related Phrases
పాడుబడిన ఇంట్లో పంజులు ఎత్తినట్లు
padubadina intlo panjulu ettinatlu
Like lifting torches in a ruined or abandoned house.
This expression refers to performing a useless action or displaying brilliance in a place where there is no one to appreciate it. It is used to describe efforts that go to waste or talents that are showcased in an unworthy or empty environment.
మాటలకు మా ఇంట్లో, మాపటికి మీ ఇంట్లో
matalaku ma intlo, mapatiki mi intlo
In our house for talks, but in your house for the night.
This expression describes someone who talks a lot about hospitality or friendship but is unwilling to bear any actual responsibility or cost. It is used to mock people who enjoy socializing and giving advice at their own place but look for a free meal or a place to stay at someone else's expense when it matters.
పేదవాడి పెళ్ళాం ఊరికంతా వదిన
pedavadi pellam urikanta vadina
A poor man's wife is a sister-in-law to the whole village.
This proverb highlights how people tend to take liberties with those who lack social or financial standing. Just as a 'Vadina' (sister-in-law) is someone one can joke with or command in a traditional family, a poor person's family is often treated with a lack of respect or boundaries by everyone in society because they lack the power to protest.
తనువు వెళ్ళినా దినము వెళ్ళదు
tanuvu vellina dinamu velladu
Even if the body leaves, the day does not pass.
This expression is used to describe a state of extreme suffering or boredom where time feels agonizingly slow. It suggests that while one's life or strength might be fading away, the day itself feels endless and difficult to get through.
పిల్లి లేని ఇంట్లో ఎలుకలు చెలరేగినట్టు
pilli leni intlo elukalu chelareginattu
Like a grandfather groping for the children in a house where there are none.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where subordinates or children behave uncontrollably or misbehave in the absence of an authority figure or supervisor. It is equivalent to the English expression 'When the cat is away, the mice will play.'
బయట తన్ని ఇంట్లో కాళ్ళు పట్టుకొన్నట్లు
bayata tanni intlo kallu pattukonnatlu
Like kicking someone outside and then holding their feet inside the house
This expression describes a person's hypocritical or cowardly behavior where they behave aggressively or disrespectfully in public, but act submissive or apologetic in private. It refers to a situation where someone harms another person and later tries to please them for selfish reasons or out of fear.
ముడ్డి గిల్లి జోలపాడినట్లు
muddi gilli jolapadinatlu
Pinching the bottom and then singing a lullaby.
This expression describes a hypocritical or manipulative action where someone intentionally causes harm or distress to another person and then pretends to offer comfort or sympathy. It is often used to call out those who create a problem just to act as the savior later.
చీకటింట్లో శివాలాడినట్లు
chikatintlo shivaladinatlu
Like performing the Shiva dance (Shiva Tandavam) in a pitch-dark room.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is performing a great deal of work or making a lot of effort, but because it is done in secret or without any visibility, no one notices or appreciates it. It can also refer to pointless or chaotic activity that yields no recognition.
కోలలేని పెట్టు, తాడులేని కట్టు
kolaleni pettu, taduleni kattu
A blow without a rod, a bond without a rope.
This proverb describes a situation where someone is deeply affected, controlled, or punished by words, social pressure, or psychological influence rather than physical force. It is often used to refer to a verbal reprimand or a situation where a person is bound by their own sense of duty or obligation without any physical constraints.
A sudden and unaccountable calamity.
దాగబోయి తలారి ఇంట్లో దూరినట్లు
dagaboyi talari intlo durinatlu
Like trying to hide and entering the village watchman's house
This proverb describes a situation where someone, in an attempt to escape a problem or hide from danger, inadvertently ends up in the most dangerous or worst possible place. It is used when a person's efforts to seek safety lead them directly into the hands of the very authority or person they were trying to avoid.