సంకటి కోసం రాగులు గంజికోసం చోళ్ళు

sankati kosam ragulu ganjikosam chollu

Translation

Finger millets for the porridge, and Ragi for the gruel.

Meaning

In Telugu, 'Ragulu' and 'Chollu' are synonyms for the same grain (Finger Millet). This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being redundant, making unnecessary distinctions between identical things, or pretending to offer different choices that are actually the same.

Related Phrases

Going for what you don't have and losing what you already have.

This proverb describes a situation where a person, driven by greed or a desire for something they don't possess, takes a risk that results in the loss of their current assets or possessions. It is similar to the English expression 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' or 'Grasp all, lose all.'

Ten million skills are all for earning one’s livelihood.

The purpose, by and large, of acquisition of diverse special skills is only to make a living.

When one went for fortune-telling to find a lost needle, old rice-pounders (hidden secrets) were revealed.

This proverb describes a situation where a person, in an attempt to solve a trivial or minor problem, inadvertently uncovers much larger, hidden issues or scandals. It is used when someone's unnecessary curiosity or minor inquiry leads to the exposure of major secrets or embarrassing facts that were better left hidden.

If you ask why the flirtatious acting, it's for the tobacco.

This proverb describes a situation where someone puts on an elaborate act, shows off, or behaves pretentiously just to obtain something very minor or trivial. It is used to criticize people whose dramatic efforts are disproportionate to their small, selfish goals.

Like cutting the udder for milk

This expression describes the actions of someone who, out of greed or impatience for an immediate small gain, destroys the very source of their long-term benefit. It is used when a person's short-sightedness leads to a permanent loss.

To get wind, one must put their slippers in a cart.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task in a counter-productive or illogical way. It signifies that the effort being put in will not yield the desired result because the method is fundamentally flawed, much like thinking that putting slippers in a cart will somehow generate a breeze.

Carrying a heavy wooden beam to search for a needle.

This expression is used to describe an act of extreme foolishness or disproportionate effort. It refers to situations where someone undertakes an incredibly difficult, bulky, or illogical task to achieve a trivial or small objective, often resulting in more trouble than the goal is worth. It originated from the stories of Paramanandayya's disciples who carried a heavy beam just to stick a needle into it so they wouldn't lose it.

Is Hanuman's strength of devotion for Sita or for Rama?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task or shows dedication for one person, but the ultimate benefit or underlying cause is for another. It highlights the interconnectedness of goals or loyalties, often used when questioning the primary motivation behind an action.

Who are the shrimp's whiskers and the mosquito's music for?

This expression is used to describe trivial or useless displays of vanity and talent. Just as a shrimp's whiskers are insignificant and a mosquito's buzzing is annoying rather than musical, certain actions or boasts are seen as having no real value or audience.

A servant for the cart and a groom for the horse.

This expression is used to describe someone who is willing to perform any task or serve in any capacity required by their master or situation. It signifies complete subservience, versatility in service, or a state of having a dedicated person for every specific chore. Historically, it reflects the social structure of feudal service where one person might take on multiple roles to please a superior.