శతమానం నాకెందుకూ ఒక మానంతో చస్తుంటే అన్నాట్ట

shatamanam nakenduku oka mananto chastunte annatta

Translation

When I am dying from a single measure, why do I need a hundred measures?

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who is already overwhelmed by a small problem and is then offered or burdened with something much larger or supposedly better that they cannot handle. It satirizes the irony of offering abundance to someone who is struggling with the very basics.

Related Phrases

When asked 'Will you ruin my house, Ramanna?', he replied 'Is there any doubt about it?'

This expression is used to describe a person who is blatantly and shamelessly honest about their intention to cause harm or mischief. It depicts a situation where someone is so committed to a negative action that they don't even try to hide it when confronted, highlighting their audacity or the inevitability of the impending trouble.

Like remembering the conversations of the wedding night while on a day of fasting.

This proverb describes the act of dwelling on past pleasures or happy memories while currently experiencing hardship or deprivation. It is used when someone fruitlessly reminisces about a time of abundance or joy during a period of struggle, highlighting the stark contrast between better days and the current difficult reality.

Like asking someone to recite evening prayers while they are dying.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gives impractical, ill-timed, or pedantic advice during a critical crisis. It refers to a person focusing on trivial rituals or formalities when immediate life-saving action or empathy is required.

One blow for the cattle, one word for the human.

This expression means that while an animal needs physical punishment to understand or obey, a sensible human should be able to understand with just a single word or a simple explanation. It is used to emphasize that intelligent people do not need to be repeatedly told or forced to do the right thing.

Are steamed rice balls even a festive delicacy? Is a cross-cousin even a husband?

This proverb is used to express dissatisfaction or indifference towards something that is easily available or lacks excitement. In traditional Telugu culture, marrying a maternal aunt's son was common and expected, leading to a sense of familiarity that lacked the thrill of a new alliance. Similarly, 'undrallu' are simple steamed rice balls, considered plain compared to elaborate sweets. It describes a situation where familiarity breeds a lack of value.

One word for a good person, one lash for a good ox.

This proverb highlights that sensible or noble people understand a hint or a single request and act accordingly without needing repeated instructions or force. Similarly, a well-trained or strong ox requires only a single stroke to perform its task. It is used to suggest that intelligent people do not need to be constantly nagged or punished to do the right thing.

Why should the taro root itch if the elephant yam doesn't?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a third party is more concerned or agitated about a problem than the person directly involved. It highlights unnecessary interference or someone taking offense on behalf of another who is actually unbothered.

Why should the taro root itch if the yam does not?

This proverb is used to criticize a situation where a third party is more concerned or agitated about an issue than the person directly affected by it. It highlights unnecessary meddling or over-enthusiasm by someone who has no stake in the matter.

There is no better answer than silence.

This expression is used to convey that sometimes staying silent is the most powerful or effective way to respond to a situation, provocation, or unnecessary argument. It suggests that silence can prevent further conflict and is often more dignified than words.

When told 'May you live for a hundred years', she replied 'One is enough'.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely cynical, pessimistic, or lacks the will to live/enjoy life. It highlights a situation where someone rejects a great blessing or a positive wish with a sarcastic or hopeless remark, essentially 'killing the vibe' or showing extreme dissatisfaction.