పారవేసిన విస్తరాకు పండగనాడు పనికివచ్చినట్లు

paravesina vistaraku pandaganadu panikivachchinatlu

Translation

Like a discarded leaf plate becoming useful on a festival day.

Meaning

This expression describes a situation where something or someone previously considered useless or neglected suddenly becomes valuable or essential due to specific circumstances. It is often used to highlight a stroke of luck or the unexpected utility of a discarded object/person.

Related Phrases

A dry twig supported by a blade of grass.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is already weak or in a precarious position receives help from someone who is equally weak or insignificant. It highlights that the assistance provided is trivial or insufficient to make a real difference, often used in a sarcastic or self-deprecating context.

Throwing away the cooked rice and licking the cooking pot.

This expression is used to describe a person who ignores a valuable or easily available resource and instead pursues something of much lesser value or puts in unnecessary effort for meager results. It highlights foolishness or lack of priorities.

Shackles for the front legs

This expression is used to describe an action taken in advance to prevent someone or something from moving forward or causing trouble. It refers to the practice of tying the front legs of an animal to restrict its movement, figuratively implying a preemptive strike or a preventative measure to keep a situation under control.

Like asking for a confinement fee for cows that have gone into the forest.

This proverb describes a situation where someone demands payment or taxes for something they do not control or have no authority over. It is used to mock illogical or greedy demands made by people who try to exploit situations where they have provided no service or protection.

Like a tigress that has just given birth falling upon you.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely aggressive, fierce, or reacting with sudden and intense rage. Just as a tigress is most protective and dangerous right after giving birth, it refers to a situation where a person attacks or scolds someone with peak intensity.

A knot soaked in water, turmeric applied to a brand.

This expression is used to describe something that is fixed, permanent, or impossible to undo. Just as a wet knot becomes tighter and harder to untie, and turmeric applied to a cauterized wound stays fixed to the skin, this phrase refers to a decision or situation that is finalized and unchangeable.

Like measuring a cubit with empty hands

This expression is used to describe a futile or meaningless action where someone tries to achieve a result without having the necessary resources or substance. Just as measuring length with empty hands (without a physical object to measure) results in nothing, this refers to making empty promises or engaging in unproductive efforts.

Like throwing away the jaggery and licking the hand.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone lets go of a valuable asset or a major opportunity and tries to find satisfaction in the minor, insignificant remnants. It highlights poor decision-making and the foolishness of missing the main point while focusing on the trivial.

Like guarding the clothes that have already been washed and spread out to dry.

This expression describes a situation where someone is performing a redundant or unnecessary task. It refers to a person watching over something that is already safe or in a state where guarding it serves no practical purpose, similar to 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or performing a futile, over-protective action.

If it's within reach, grab the hair; if not, grab the feet.

This proverb describes a person who is highly opportunistic and inconsistent. It refers to someone who acts arrogant or tries to dominate when they have the upper hand (grabbing the hair), but becomes extremely submissive or begs for mercy when they are in a weak position (falling at the feet).