రాళ్ళను నార తీసినట్టు
rallanu nara tisinattu
Like taking the bark off a stone.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to achieve something impossible or attempting to extract something from a source that has nothing to give. It characterizes a task that is extremely difficult, futile, or involves dealing with a very stubborn and heartless person.
To milk a he goat. (Latin.)*
Related Phrases
కత్తి తీసి కంపలో వేసి ఏకు తీసి పొడుచుకుంటానన్నట్టు
katti tisi kampalo vesi eku tisi poduchukuntanannattu
Like a man throwing away the knife and threatening to kill himself with a flock of cotton. Saying and doing are two things.
This proverb is used to describe someone who avoids dealing with real problems or major challenges but makes a great fuss or drama over something trivial and harmless. It mocks a person who displays false bravado or reacts disproportionately to minor issues while ignoring the actual tools or solutions available to them.
కుక్క తీసిన కొయ్య, నక్క తీసిన కొయ్య
kukka tisina koyya, nakka tisina koyya
A stick taken by a dog, a stick taken by a jackal. No one agreeing with his neighbour. All at sixes and sevens.
This proverb is used to describe a situation or task that has been completely ruined or made useless by being handled by too many incompetent or unreliable people. It implies that when something is passed between many hands without proper care, it loses its original value or purpose.
తడిసిన కుక్కి బిగిసినట్టు
tadisina kukki bigisinattu
When the cot was wet, it became tight. The cots used by the poorest classes are plaited with the fibres of the Cannabis Sativa which shrink when wet. A bad man is puffed up when flattered.
This expression is used to describe a situation or a problem that becomes increasingly difficult, rigid, or stubborn over time rather than resolving easily. It refers to how natural fibers like hemp or jute (kukki) shrink and tighten significantly after being soaked and then drying, making them nearly impossible to loosen.
నానబెట్టిన నార తలకెక్కినట్లు
nanabettina nara talakekkinatlu
Like soaked fiber climbing onto the head
This expression refers to people who take advantage of kindness or proximity to become overly familiar, disrespectful, or dominant. It describes a situation where someone who was initially humble or in a subordinate position starts acting superior or bothersome once they are given some comfort or leeway.
ముల్లు ముల్లుతో తీస్తే పోయేదానికి దబ్బనంతో తీసినట్టు
mullu mulluto tiste poyedaniki dabbananto tisinattu
Like taking out with a packing needle, a thorn which could have been extracted with a thorn.
This proverb describes overreacting to a small problem by using excessive force or overly complex tools. It is used when someone employs a 'sledgehammer to crack a nut,' often causing more pain or damage than necessary because the solution was disproportionate to the simple issue.
పూలతో కూడా నార తలకెక్కినట్లు
pulato kuda nara talakekkinatlu
Like the fiber that reaches the head along with the flowers.
This proverb describes how an ordinary or low-status person gains respect or a higher position simply by being in the company of great people. Just as the fiber (nara) used to tie a garland is worn on the head along with the fragrant flowers, an individual benefits from the association with virtuous or successful people.
చెట్టు ఎక్కించి నిచ్చెన తీసేసినట్లు
chettu ekkinchi nichchena tisesinatlu
Making a man mount a tree and then taking away the ladder. Treachery. Breach of faith.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or helps another person to take a risk or reach a certain position, only to abandon them or withdraw support once they are vulnerable. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in a helpless situation after leading them into it.
చట్రాతిన నారు తీసినట్లు
chatratina naru tisinatlu
Like plucking seedlings from a flat rock.
This expression is used to describe a situation or task that is extremely difficult, futile, or yields very little result despite great effort. Just as it is impossible for seeds to grow deep roots or thrive on a solid rock surface, attempting to get something out of a stubborn person or a hopeless situation is compared to this act.
ఏరు తీసినట్టు
eru tisinattu
Like the flood subsiding. Perfect stillness after a tumult. After a storm comes a calm.
This expression is used to describe something that has been done with extreme precision, neatness, or perfection. It is most commonly used to compliment beautiful handwriting, straight lines, or a very well-executed task that looks flawlessly continuous and smooth.
జుట్టులో నార తీసినట్లు
juttulo nara tisinatlu
Like extracting fiber from hair
This expression describes a task that is practically impossible or an attempt to find something where it doesn't exist. It is used to mock someone who is being overly pedantic, searching for non-existent flaws, or attempting a futile, logic-defying action.