పిడక పొగకే సిగమెక్కితే, గుగ్గిలం పొగ కెట్లూగవలె
pidaka pogake sigamekkite, guggilam poga ketlugavale
If one goes into a trance just for cow-dung smoke, how would they dance for frankincense smoke?
This proverb is used to mock someone who overreacts or shows off excessively for a small or trivial matter. It implies that if they are making such a big deal out of something minor (symbolized by the low-quality smoke of a cow-dung cake), their reaction to something significant (symbolized by the fragrant, high-quality frankincense smoke used in rituals) would be unimaginably exaggerated or unsustainable.
Related Phrases
పొమ్మనలేక పొగ పెట్టినట్టు
pommanaleka poga pettinattu
Not being able to tell him to go he smoked him out.
This expression describes a situation where someone is indirectly forced or pressured to leave or quit because the other person is too polite or hesitant to ask them directly. It is commonly used when someone creates an uncomfortable environment to drive another person away.
పొమ్మనలేక పొగ బెట్టినట్లు
pommanaleka poga bettinatlu
Like lighting smoke because one cannot directly ask someone to leave
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone wants to get rid of a person or end a situation but doesn't want to say it directly. Instead, they create uncomfortable conditions or make things difficult to force the person to leave on their own accord. It is synonymous with 'indirectly forcing someone out'.
పాడి దాచవలె, పంట పొగడవలె
padi dachavale, panta pogadavale
Milk production should be kept secret, while the crop should be praised.
This proverb suggests that one should be humble and discreet about their steady income or wealth (metaphorically the milk from cattle), while expressing pride and gratitude for their hard-earned achievements and successes (the harvest/crop). It emphasizes the wisdom in not flaunting daily prosperity to avoid jealousy, but celebrating general success.
అందీతే సిగ అందక పోతే కాళ్ళు.
andite siga andaka pote kallu.
To go for the head or fall at the feet of a person to get one’s purpose served.
This is said of the opportunist who changes tactics, with the sole purpose of realising his wishes.
పోగా పోగా పైమీద బట్ట బరువవుతుంది
poga poga paimida batta baruvavutundi
As time goes on, even the cloth on one's body becomes a burden.
This expression describes a state of extreme exhaustion or fatigue where even the slightest weight or smallest task feels unbearable. It is used to signify that as a situation persists or as one loses strength, things that were once effortless become difficult to manage.
పోయిన చోటెల్లా పొగాకే అడిగితే
poyina chotella pogake adigite
If one asks for tobacco everywhere they go
This expression is used to describe someone who is overly predictable or repetitive in their requests or behavior. It suggests that if a person keeps asking for the same thing or behaving the same way in every situation, they become a nuisance or a subject of ridicule. It is often used to criticize someone's lack of variety or tact.
నేతి బీరకాయలో నెయ్యి చందము
neti birakayalo neyyi chandamu
Like ghee in a ridge gourd.
This expression is used to describe something that is purely nominal or carries a name that has no relation to its actual content or quality. Just as a 'Ghee ridge gourd' (Nethi Beerakaya) contains no actual ghee, this phrase refers to titles, promises, or things that are deceptive or empty in reality.
అగ్గి మీద గుగ్గిలం.
aggi mida guggilam.
Adding incense to the fire.
When a person is already angry the anger is aggravated by indiscreet words.On those occasions, it is wise to be silent; otherwise it would add insult to injury.
అగ్గి మీద గుగ్గిలం చల్లినట్లు!
aggi mida guggilam challinatlu!
Like sprinkling guggilam (fragrant resin) on fire!
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's existing anger is further provoked or aggravated. Just as resin makes a fire flare up intensely, certain words or actions can make a person's temper or an already tense situation much worse.
ఇనప గుగ్గిళ్లు గాని, మినప గుగ్గిళ్లు కావు
inapa guggillu gani, minapa guggillu kavu
Grains of iron, not of black gram.
This expression is used to describe a task or a subject that is extremely difficult to master, understand, or accomplish. Just as boiled iron pellets are impossible to chew compared to soft boiled black gram, it refers to something that is exceptionally 'tough to swallow' or highly complex.
The pulse spoken of is the Phaseolus Roxburghii. Said of a puzzling passage or a jawbreaking verse.