పొక్కిటి రాళ్లకు పోట్లాడినట్టు
pokkiti rallaku potladinattu
Fighting for the fire-dogs.
This expression describes people who engage in senseless or petty quarrels over things that are worthless or irrelevant. It originates from the imagery of someone fighting over the stones used to build a temporary cooking stove, which are easily available and hold no real value.
Pokkaṭi Rāḷḷu are three clods of earth, or round stones used as a tem- porary fire place. Quarrelling for something of no value.
Related Phrases
కొండతో తగురు పోట్లాడినట్టు
kondato taguru potladinattu
Like a ram fighting with a mountain
This expression describes a situation where someone attempts a task that is far beyond their capability, or challenges an opponent who is vastly more powerful. It highlights the futility and inevitable self-destruction of such an uneven confrontation.
కొండతో తగరు పోట్లాడినట్టు.
kondato tagaru potladinattu.
Like a ram butting a mountain. Great conceit.
This proverb describes a situation where someone attempts to challenge or fight an opponent that is far more powerful or immovable than themselves. It highlights a futile effort where the weaker party only ends up hurting themselves while the stronger party remains unaffected.
గట్టు చేరిన వెనుక పుట్టినవానితో పోట్లాడినట్లు
gattu cherina venuka puttinavanito potladinatlu
Like picking a fight with the ferryman after reaching the shore.
This expression refers to a situation where a person displays ungratefulness or arrogance toward someone who helped them, immediately after the danger or need has passed. It describes the act of turning against a benefactor once their assistance is no longer required to ensure one's safety or success.
ఆవులూ ఆవులూ పోట్లాడుకుంటే లేగదూడల కాళ్లు విరిగినట్టు
avulu avulu potladukunte legadudala kallu viriginattu
When cows fight with each other, it is the calves' legs that get broken.
This proverb describes a situation where the conflict between two powerful or senior parties results in the suffering of innocent or subordinate individuals who are caught in the middle. It is used to highlight how collateral damage often affects the most vulnerable.
మాట్లాడనేరిస్తే పోట్లాడరాదు
matladaneriste potladaradu
If you know how to speak properly, there will be no need to fight.
This proverb emphasizes the power of communication and diplomacy. It suggests that if a person possesses the skill of speaking tactfully, politely, and effectively, they can resolve any conflict or misunderstanding without it escalating into a physical or verbal fight.
గట్టు చేరిన వెనక పుట్టివానితో పోట్లాడినట్టు
gattu cherina venaka puttivanito potladinattu
Like fighting with the ferry-man after getting over the river. The river past, the saint forgotten. (Spanish.)* The peril past, the saint mocked. (Italian.)
This proverb describes the behavior of ungrateful people who forget the help they received once their purpose is served. It is used to criticize someone who turns against their benefactor or helper as soon as they are out of danger or have achieved their goal.
పొక్కటి రాళ్ళకు పోట్లాడినట్లు
pokkati rallaku potladinatlu
Like fighting over pebbles used for a hearth.
This expression describes people who waste their energy and time fighting over trivial, worthless, or insignificant things. It is often used to mock unnecessary conflicts where the prize has no real value.
వాళ్ళు పొయ్యి గడ్డల (పొయ్యి రాళ్ళ) వలె ఉన్నారు
vallu poyyi gaddala (poyyi ralla) vale unnaru
They are like fire dogs. Bosom friends.
This expression is used to describe three people who are always seen together, or are inseparable and mutually dependent, much like the three stones required to balance a cooking pot over a fire.
పుణ్యానికి పుట్టెడిస్తే, పిచ్చకుంచమని పోట్లాడినట్టు.
punyaniki puttediste, pichchakunchamani potladinattu.
When a man was given a Puṭṭi of corn he complained of short measure. Look not a gift horse in the mouth. (Latin.)
This proverb describes the behavior of ungrateful people who find faults even when receiving something for free or as an act of charity. It is used to criticize someone who, instead of being thankful for a gift or favor, complains about its quantity, quality, or the method of delivery.
గట్టు చేరిన వెనక పుట్టివానితో పోట్లాడినట్లు.
gattu cherina venaka puttivanito potladinatlu.
Like fighting with the boatman after reaching the shore.
This expression is used to describe a person who shows ingratitude or picks a fight with someone who helped them through a crisis, once the danger has passed and they no longer need that help. It highlights the behavior of being selfish and ungrateful.