పాతగుడ్డ కుట్టు నూలు చేటు

patagudda kuttu nulu chetu

Translation

Stitching an old cloth is a waste of thread

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where attempting to repair or fix something that is completely worn out, outdated, or beyond saving is a futile effort. It suggests that the resources (time, money, or effort) spent on such a task are wasted because the object is no longer viable.

Related Phrases

He is spinning fine thread. Wasting away.

This expression is used to describe someone who is acting overly smart, being cunning, or plotting a subtle and intricate plan to deceive others. It implies that the person is meticulously crafting a scheme, much like the patience required to spin very fine thread.

Listening to hearsay leads to ruin.

This expression warns against acting upon rumors or gossip without verification. It suggests that paying heed to malicious talk or the instigations of others will ultimately lead to one's own downfall or harm.

Three quarters worth of cloth and thirty rupees for the stitching.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the maintenance or incidental costs of an item far exceed the actual value of the item itself. It highlights poor financial decisions or disproportionate spending on trivial things.

One might know how to sew a patch, but not how to sew a decorative rice-grain stitch; one might know how to finish a seam, but not how to make a thick, sturdy stitch.

This expression highlights a person's limited or superficial skill set. It describes someone who knows how to do basic, rudimentary tasks (like patching a hole) but lacks the expertise or finesse required for delicate, decorative, or highly specialized work. It is used to point out that knowing the basics of a craft does not make one a master of its intricate details.

Bad thoughts come during bad times.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person starts making poor decisions or loses their sense of judgment when they are facing a period of misfortune or ruin. It suggests that one's intellect or character often declines when their downfall is near.

The secret of a home is the ruin of Lanka.

This proverb originates from the Ramayana, referring to how Vibhishana revealing Ravana's secrets led to the fall of Lanka. It is used to emphasize that internal family secrets or domestic disputes, when leaked to outsiders, can lead to total destruction or downfall.

Just as a new cloth takes on color, an old cloth does not.

This expression means that it is much easier to teach, influence, or mold something young, fresh, or new than something that is old and set in its ways. It is often used to describe how children learn faster than adults or how a new mind is more receptive to new ideas than an experienced one with preconceived notions.

Like a single thread of cotton for a hundred gold coins.

This expression is used to describe a token contribution or a small gesture made towards a large cause or expense. It signifies that even a tiny contribution (the thread) counts as a symbolic participation or 'blessing' when a massive task or expense (the hundred gold coins) is being undertaken. It is often used when one gives a small gift during a grand event to show their presence and goodwill.

Listening to gossip leads to ruin.

This proverb warns that paying attention to hearsay, rumors, or others' manipulative talk without verifying the facts will eventually lead to harm or disaster. It is used to advise someone to be wary of people who try to influence them with gossip.

Like making someone climb a tree and then letting go of the support.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or forces another person to take on a difficult or risky task and then abandons them without any support when they need it most. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in the lurch after getting them involved.