పొల్లుకట్ట దంచి పోగు చేసుకున్నట్లు

pollukatta danchi pogu chesukunnatlu

Translation

Like pounding a bundle of chaff and gathering it

Meaning

This expression refers to performing a useless or futile task that yields no results despite putting in a lot of hard work. Just as pounding husks/chaff produces no grain, it describes actions that are a complete waste of time and effort.

Related Phrases

The goodness of a son-in-law is like pounding chaff; there is no rice to be found.

This proverb is used to suggest that relying on or over-praising certain people is futile. Just as pounding husks (chaff) yields no grain, expecting significant help or substance from certain individuals (traditionally used in a sarcastic context regarding a son-in-law's utility in a household) is a waste of effort. It represents a situation with no practical benefit or result.

The goodness of a son-in-law and rice from pounding husks do not exist.

This proverb is used to express that certain expectations are futile. Just as one cannot obtain rice by pounding empty husks, one should not expect a son-in-law to be entirely selfless or a permanent asset to the household, as he traditionally belongs to another family. It highlights the inherent limitations or disappointment in relying on something that lacks substance.

Whether ruined or fallen, one cannot escape the husband they married.

This proverb emphasizes the concept of commitment and acceptance in life's permanent choices, particularly marriage. It suggests that regardless of the difficulties, failures, or changes in circumstances, one must stand by and endure the consequences of their primary life decisions and relationships.

There is dross in gold, but there is no defect in man.

This expression is used to highlight the inherent value and dignity of a human being. It suggests that while even a precious metal like gold might contain impurities or waste (pollu), a person's life and character should be regarded as invaluable and without waste. It is often used to emphasize human worth over material wealth.

No husband for the one legally wed, but a double-colored saree for the mistress.

This proverb describes a situation of misplaced priorities or unfair treatment where a person neglects their primary duties or legitimate responsibilities (like a spouse) while overspending or showing excessive affection towards an illegitimate or secondary interest. It is used to mock someone who ignores necessities but indulges in luxuries for the wrong reasons.

Gold can become waste (dross), but a human is never waste.

This proverb emphasizes human value over material wealth. It suggests that while physical gold might lose its purity or value, a person's worth, character, and potential are enduring and should never be dismissed as useless. It is used to remind others to treat people with dignity regardless of their financial status.

He got it done in the street and kept it in the house.

This expression is used to describe someone who behaves recklessly or creates a mess/controversy in public, only to have to deal with the consequences and burdens within their own home. It often refers to someone who invites trouble through public actions and then has to live with the resulting problems privately.

One must bear the delivery of the pregnancy they caused themselves.

This proverb is used to convey that an individual must face and take responsibility for the consequences of their own actions, especially mistakes or wrongdoings. It emphasizes that there is no escape from the repercussions of one's own choices.

Like trying to get rice by pounding empty husk.

This proverb describes a futile or useless effort. Just as pounding empty grain husks (chaff) will never yield rice regardless of how much labor is put in, this expression is used when someone is wasting time on a task that has no possibility of a productive outcome.

Gold may have impurities, but this person has none.

This expression is used to describe a person of impeccable character and unwavering integrity. It suggests that while even a precious metal like gold might have flaws or dross, the person being referred to is absolutely perfect in their conduct and honesty.