పెన్నలో మాన్యము చెప్పినట్టు.

pennalo manyamu cheppinattu.

Translation

Like allotting glebe land in the Penna. A doubtful benefit.

Meaning

This proverb refers to claiming something that is unstable, temporary, or bound to disappear. The Penna river is known for its shifting sands and flash floods; claiming a 'Maanyam' (tax-free land) in its bed is futile because the river can wash it away at any moment. It is used to describe unreliable promises or investments in highly volatile situations.

Related Phrases

Like pulling a hair out of butter

This expression is used to describe a task or process that is performed with extreme ease, smoothness, or without any resistance. It is often used when someone handles a difficult situation effortlessly or when a resolution is reached very cleanly.

Sin is removed by confession. Confession of a fault makes half amends. A sin confessed is half forgiven. (Italian.)

This proverb emphasizes the importance of confession and accountability. It suggests that acknowledging one's mistakes or wrongdoings openly helps in reducing the burden of guilt and paves the way for forgiveness or self-correction. It is used to encourage people to be honest about their faults rather than hiding them.

No matter how many wise words are said, a stubborn mind will not change.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is incorrigibly stubborn or set in their ways. Despite receiving sound advice, moral instruction, or logical reasoning from others, such individuals refuse to abandon their foolish or obstinate behavior. It highlights that character traits are often deeply ingrained and difficult to alter through external influence.

Neither a word whispered in the ear nor a word shouted aloud will be worthy of listening.

This expression suggests that communication lacks credibility or value when it is done in extremes. Whispering implies secrecy or manipulation, while shouting implies force or lack of reason. It is used to emphasize that truth and wisdom are best shared through open, calm, and moderate dialogue.

Not being able to dance, she abused the drum. A bad workman complains of his tools. An ill shearer never got a hook. (Scots.)

This expression is used to describe a person who blames their tools, environment, or others for their own lack of skill or failure. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'A bad workman always blames his tools'.

What he says is Vashishtha's dictum.

In Hindu mythology, Sage Vasistha is known for his truthfulness and wisdom. This expression is used to describe a statement that is considered absolutely true, indisputable, or final. It is used when someone's words are taken as the ultimate authority or gospel truth.

Like taking a hair out of butter.

This expression is used to describe a task that is performed with extreme ease, smoothness, and without any resistance or obstacles. It can also refer to resolving a delicate situation very tactfully and cleanly.

Said of a very easy business. How easily a hair gets into butter ! (Gorman.)*

One should buy land that is exactly as described.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of verifying facts and ensuring transparency in transactions. It suggests that if someone describes a piece of land to be a certain way, it must be acquired only if it matches that description exactly, warning against deceptive marketing or hidden flaws in deals.

Like churning milk to extract butter, like catching the sky in a fist, or like donating non-existent land in Kashi.

This expression is used to describe tasks or claims that are absolutely impossible, absurd, or deceptive. It refers to someone who makes grand, unrealistic promises or attempts things that defy reality, much like trying to grab the sky or donating property one doesn't even own.

Like the fortress's beauty being described by the gatekeeper.

This expression refers to a situation where someone with limited or peripheral knowledge attempts to explain the greatness or complexity of something vast. Just as a guard at the gate only sees the entrance and not the entire inner magnificence of the palace, it describes an incomplete or superficial perspective given by an unqualified person.