రోకలి చిగురు పెట్టినట్లు.

rokali chiguru pettinatlu.

Translation

Like a wooden pestle sprouting leaves.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe something that is completely impossible or an occurrence that is highly improbable. Just as a dry, dead wooden pestle (rokali) can never grow leaves or sprout, this phrase refers to situations where one expects a result from a hopeless source or refers to a miraculous, unheard-of event.

Related Phrases

Like using a rice-pounder for [ carrying ] a bunch of glass bracelets. When put down, the weight of the stick would break the bracelets. A foolish action.

This proverb is used to describe an action where someone uses excessive force or an inappropriate, heavy-handed tool for a delicate task. It highlights the mismatch between the fragility of the object (glass bangles) and the brute force applied (a heavy wooden pestle), inevitably leading to destruction rather than the intended result.

Like giving cheese to a fever patient or putting butter on a split head.

This expression describes an act that is counterproductive, harmful, or poorly timed. Just as dairy is traditionally avoided during a fever in Ayurveda and butter won't heal a deep head wound, it refers to actions that worsen a situation despite appearing like a gesture of care or help.

Three half-pagodas for a rice pounder. Said of any thing purchased at an exorbitant price.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the cost of a basic, inexpensive item or its maintenance is disproportionately high. It highlights irony or absurdity when something simple ends up being unnecessarily expensive or overvalued.

Like breaking into the house of the person who fed you.

This expression describes extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It refers to a person who harms their benefactor or someone who has helped them in their time of need. It is used to condemn the act of biting the hand that feeds you.

To put Panganâmams on your Guru. To outwit him. Panganâmam is a very large Nāmam, the sectarian mark worn on the forehead by Vaishṇavas.

This expression is used when someone cheats, deceives, or outsmarts their own mentor, teacher, or the person who helped them. It implies a betrayal of trust where the student/protege ends up causing a loss or embarrassment to their guide.

* Niemand sieht seine eigene Fehler.

As if a wooden pestle in a shed sprouted leaves

This proverb is used to describe a situation that is absolutely impossible or highly improbable. A dry, dead piece of wood like a pestle (rokali) can never sprout leaves; therefore, it refers to expecting a miracle where there is no possibility of growth or change.

Like harvesting tender sprouts from a wooden pestle.

This expression is used to describe an impossible or futile task. Since a pestle (rokali) is a dry, solid piece of wood used for pounding grain, it can never grow sprouts. Expecting results from an impossible source or attempting something that defies logic is compared to this phrase.

Giving to an old woman and giving to a childless widow is the same.

This expression is used to describe an investment or a favor that yields no return or future benefit. In a traditional social context, it implies that providing for those who cannot reproduce or contribute back to the lineage is a dead-end expenditure.

Applying religious marks (deceiving) to the teacher himself.

This expression is used when a student or a subordinate tries to cheat or outsmart the very person who taught them or mentored them. It signifies an act of extreme betrayal, ingratitude, or cunning deception against a mentor.

Like a rice pounder budding. Said of a hopelessly ignorant fellow.

This expression is used to describe something that is completely impossible, highly improbable, or a miracle. A dry, dead wooden pestle (rokali) can never grow new leaves or buds; therefore, it refers to situations where a hopeless cause suddenly shows life or an impossible task is claimed to be achieved.