సంచిలాభం చిల్లి కూడ తీసినది.

sanchilabham chilli kuda tisinadi.

Translation

The profit of the bag also took away the hole.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to gain profit or solve a problem ends up causing a total loss, often exceeding the original capital. It is used when someone's greed or a bad investment results in losing even what they originally had, much like a hole in a bag leaking out both the profit and the contents.

Related Phrases

He said it's not a small hole, it's a large hole.

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to sound clever or correct others by using a different word that means exactly the same thing. It highlights a distinction without a difference, mocking someone who argues over trivial terminology or semantics when the end result is identical.

Like eating someone's food and then questioning their caste.

This proverb is used to describe an ungrateful person who accepts help or hospitality from someone and then insults or criticizes them based on their background or social status. It highlights hypocrisy and lack of gratitude.

There is no good for a mother-in-law, and there is no raw state for a tamarind.

This proverb highlights two perceived universal truths: that a mother-in-law is rarely seen as 'good' or appreciated by a daughter-in-law, just as a tamarind fruit is almost never considered truly 'raw' because of its inherent sourness and immediate utility. It is used to describe situations where a person's nature is fixed or where a certain relationship is traditionally difficult and unlikely to change.

Like earning a basketful of profit, only for it to drain through a hole.

This proverb describes a situation where a person makes a significant profit or gain, but it is immediately lost or wasted due to a single flaw, bad habit, or unexpected expense. It highlights the irony of large gains being rendered useless by a small, persistent leakage or mismanagement.

A plucked chicken and a leaf with its ribs removed.

This expression is used to describe a person or a situation that has been stripped of all strength, dignity, or resources. Just as a chicken without feathers or a leaf without its veins/ribs is weak and lacks structure, it refers to someone who is left completely helpless or impoverished.

The profit has come into the drums of the ears. A dealer in gāi suffering from the ear-ache put a little of it into his ears. This was all his profit. Applied to any unprofitable transaction.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where an attempt to make a profit or gain an advantage has instead resulted in a heavy loss, physical punishment, or a stinging slap. It implies that the outcome was the opposite of what was desired.

A household without mischief/noise is not even worth a broken shell.

This proverb suggests that a home without the lively noise of children, laughter, or even minor disagreements is lifeless and lacks true value. It emphasizes that a vibrant, slightly chaotic family life is better than a silent, empty one. It is often used to comfort parents when their children are being naughty or to highlight the joy of a bustling household.

Is a cat to come as well as himself? Said when a man who is already a burden upon others, brings some one else with him. Amongst the Hindus a cat is an evil omen.

This expression is used to mock someone who, despite being incapable of helping themselves or being in a dire state, tries to take on additional burdens or pretend they can provide for others. It highlights the irony of someone who cannot sustain themselves but is followed by others (like a pet cat) expecting to be fed.

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.

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.