రాటం మీద రాగం ఘోటంమీద దరువు

ratam mida ragam ghotammida daruvu

Translation

Melody on the spinning wheel and rhythm on the horse.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a complete lack of coordination or harmony. It refers to a disorganized state where different people are doing different things without any synchronization or common goal.

Related Phrases

If a musquito light on an elephant, what weight?

This expression is used to describe an insignificant or negligible impact. It refers to a situation where a small addition or minor loss makes no difference to a person or an entity that is already vast, wealthy, or powerful.

Is the love for the relative greater, or the love for the rice?

This proverb is used to describe a stingy person who prioritizes their food or resources over hospitality. It highlights the conflict between the desire to be a good host and the reluctance to spend money or share provisions.

Is it a love for life or a fondness for jaggery?

This expression is used to mock someone who is being overly stingy or greedy even when faced with a life-threatening or serious situation. It highlights the absurdity of prioritizing small material gains or savings over one's own well-being or safety.

Credit in the shop, a burden on the head.

This proverb highlights the stress and mental burden that debt causes. Even if one buys something on credit (loan) from a shop, the thought of repayment weighs heavily on the mind like a physical load. It is used to caution people against taking loans or buying things they cannot immediately afford.

A stone on him who won't come! An imprecation used with reference to a man who refuses an invitation.

This expression is used to describe an attempt or a guess made when there is nothing to lose. It implies taking a chance or a 'shot in the dark' where if it succeeds, it's a gain, and if it fails, there is no loss since the outcome was already uncertain or unlikely.

Dal on top of Pulagam (rice-lentil mix)

This expression refers to something that adds extra benefit or comfort to an already good situation. Since 'Pulagam' is a wholesome meal of rice and dal cooked together, adding extra 'Pappu' (dal/lentil stew) on top makes it even more delicious and rich. It is used to describe a situation where a small addition makes something significantly better.

Even if a village falls upon another village, not a penny will fall on the Karanam.

This proverb highlights the extreme selfishness or stinginess of a person in power. A 'Karanam' was a village accountant/official; the saying implies that no matter how much disaster or collective burden falls upon society, certain greedy or clever individuals will ensure they don't lose a single cent of their own wealth or take any responsibility.

Hands on the shop, eyes on the mother-in-law.

This proverb describes someone who is physically performing a task in one place (like working in a shop) but is mentally preoccupied or keeping a suspicious eye on someone else (the mother-in-law) to ensure they aren't being cheated or monitored. It is used to describe a person who lacks focus or is overly suspicious of others while working.

The mind is on the sandals, while the meditation is on God.

This proverb describes a person who lacks focus or sincerity. It is used to mock someone who pretends to be deeply involved in a spiritual or serious task while their thoughts are actually preoccupied with trivial, worldly, or selfish concerns. It refers to the habit of people worrying about their footwear being stolen outside a temple while they are supposed to be praying inside.

Credit in the shop is a burden on the head

This proverb highlights the stress and psychological weight of debt. Even if one can buy things on credit easily at a market, the obligation to repay it remains a constant mental burden. It is used to advise people against taking unnecessary loans or living beyond their means.