చాకలి సంతకుపోతే, ఏకులబుట్ట ఎదురుగా పోయిందట

chakali santakupote, ekulabutta eduruga poyindata

Translation

When the washerman went to the market, the basket of cotton rolls went against him.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone encounters the very thing they were trying to avoid, or when an unexpected complication arises right when one attempts to start a task. It highlights the irony of bad timing or unavoidable obstacles.

Related Phrases

When I went for water, the well went deep.

This proverb is used to describe a stroke of extreme bad luck or a situation where a person's presence seems to make things go wrong. It implies that even a simple task becomes impossible or the resources disappear just when a specific person tries to access them, often used in a self-deprecating or sarcastic manner about one's own misfortune.

If a woman with no food goes to a festival, it's just enough for her to climb (the stairs/hill).

This proverb describes a situation where someone who is already struggling takes on a new endeavor, only to find that the effort required for the endeavor consumes whatever little resources they had left. It is used when a person's attempt to improve their situation or enjoy something actually results in more exhaustion or loss because they were ill-prepared or lacked the basic means to begin with.

A stomach that has eaten a lot and a basket filled with cotton rolls will not tear.

This proverb suggests that the human stomach and certain containers are surprisingly resilient. It is often used to imply that the body can handle a large meal without literal damage, or more broadly, that things designed for a specific capacity often have a natural elasticity or strength beyond appearances.

When an unlucky person was going to a wedding, a cotton spinning wheel came across them.

This proverb describes a situation where an incompetent or unlucky person encounters a distraction or an obstacle that prevents them from achieving a good result. It is used when someone's bad luck or lack of focus turns a positive opportunity into a futile or messy endeavor.

When going out of greed, even the loincloth was lost.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's excessive greed or over-ambition leads them to lose even the basic things they already possessed. It warns against being penny-wise and pound-foolish or taking unnecessary risks that result in total loss.

Like the deity you were going to pray to appearing right in front of you.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone you were planning to visit for help or a favor unexpectedly meets you or becomes available easily. It signifies a stroke of luck or a coincidence where your goal is achieved with much less effort than anticipated.

When Mr. Grand-style went to the fair, the spinning basket met him in the way. Said of a man being brought to his bearings.

This proverb describes a situation where an unlucky person encounters a bad omen or an obstacle right at the start of an endeavor. It is used to mock the bad luck of a person who is already prone to misfortune; as soon as they set out to do something, they face a situation that suggests failure.

Like a dog going to a village market

This expression is used to describe someone who goes to a place or joins an event where they have no purpose, relevance, or benefit. Just as a dog at a crowded market gets pushed around and gains nothing, it refers to aimless wandering or being out of place in a busy situation.

A mother who is like a basket of cotton is better than a father who is like a silver mountain.

This proverb highlights the depth of maternal love and care. Even if a father is as grand, wealthy, or strong as a mountain (Veligonda), a mother—even if she is poor or fragile like a small basket of cotton—is considered more valuable and beneficial to a child because of her nurturing nature and constant presence.

When a foolish man went to a fair, it took him seven days just to climb up.

This proverb is used to describe an eccentric or foolish person who gets distracted or stuck on a simple, initial task, taking an excessive amount of time to accomplish something that should be quick. It mocks those who lack focus or common sense in practical situations.