సముద్రానికి ఏతము వేసినట్లు
samudraniki etamu vesinatlu
Like fixing a pump to the sea. For full description of the Etam, Etām or Yâtâm (the Indian swape called by the English Picota) see Buchanan's Mysore. He is building a bridge over the sea.
This expression describes a futile or insignificant effort. An 'Etamu' (picota) is a traditional tool used to draw water from small wells for irrigation; using such a small tool to try and empty or impact a vast ocean is pointless and ineffective. It is used when someone's efforts are grossly inadequate for the scale of the task at hand.
Related Phrases
ఎవరి కొంప తీయడానికి ఈ జంగం వేషం వేశావు?
evari kompa tiyadaniki i jangam vesham veshavu?
To ruin whom are you disguised as a Jangam? . Said to an impostor.
This expression is used to question someone's true intentions when they are acting deceptively or pretending to be someone they are not. It implies that the person has put on a 'mask' or a fake persona specifically to cheat, betray, or cause significant loss (ruining the 'homestead') to another person.
నేల విడిచి సాము చేసినట్టు
nela vidichi samu chesinattu
Rising off the ground and fencing in the air. If you loose your footing you will loose your power. ( Brown's Tel. Dict. )
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to do something without a solid foundation or ignores basic, practical realities. It highlights the foolishness of trying to achieve advanced results while neglecting the fundamental roots or necessary support systems. Similar to 'building castles in the air'.
ఉత్త చేతులు మూర వేసినట్టు
utta chetulu mura vesinattu
Like measuring the air.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes grand plans or claims without having any resources, basis, or substance. It refers to the futility of trying to measure length (a cubit) when you have nothing to measure or no foundation to work from.
Idle dreams.
స్వాతి వానకు సముద్రాలు నిండును
svati vanaku samudralu nindunu
The oceans will be filled by the Swati rain.
This proverb refers to the 'Swati' nakshatram (star constellation). It signifies that during the auspicious Swati rain, even a small amount of rain is considered so potent and significant that it metaphorically fills the vast oceans. It is used to describe how a timely blessing or a single positive event can bring immense abundance and fulfillment.
సముద్రానికి చెల్లెలికట్టే హద్దు
samudraniki chellelikatte haddu
The shore is the limit of the sea. The word Chellelikattā signifies 'sister bank.' The idea is that the shore is as inviolate as a sister. Used in cautioning others not to transgress due bounds.
This expression is used to describe an individual's integrity, self-restraint, or discipline. Just as the vast ocean stays within its shores and does not overflow despite its power, a person of character stays within their moral boundaries and principles regardless of circumstances.
ఎలుకకు పిల్లి పొంచు వేసినట్టు
elukaku pilli ponchu vesinattu
Like a cat crouching for a mouse.
This expression describes a situation where someone is stealthily waiting for the right moment to ambush or catch someone off guard. It is used to denote extreme vigilance, patience, or a predatory stance in anticipation of an opponent's mistake.
కాకులను కొట్టి గద్దలకు వేసినట్లు
kakulanu kotti gaddalaku vesinatlu
To kill crows and throw them to the kites.
This proverb is used to describe an act of taking away from the poor or weak to give to the rich or powerful. It highlights an unfair or unethical distribution of resources where those who have little are exploited to benefit those who already have plenty.
He robs Peter to pay Paul.
బిడ్డను వేసి లోతు చూచినట్టు
biddanu vesi lotu chuchinattu
Like throwing a child into a well to find out the depth.
This expression is used to describe a foolish or reckless action where one risks something very precious just to test or find out something trivial or dangerous. It highlights extreme negligence or a lack of common sense in decision-making.
దొంగ వాకిట మంచం వేసినట్లు
donga vakita mancham vesinatlu
Putting your bed in the yard of a thief's house. To watch his doings. Outwitting a crafty man.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unknowingly or foolishly seeks protection or places their trust in the very person who intends to harm or rob them. It signifies an act of extreme negligence or lack of common sense.
సముద్రంలో వాన పడినట్లు
samudramlo vana padinatlu
Like rain falling into the ocean
This expression is used to describe an action that is redundant, useless, or has no significant impact because it is being added to something that is already vast or abundant. Just as rain does not change the level of the sea, a small contribution or help given to someone who already has everything is considered pointless.