శిఖి శిఖల మీద మిడతలు చెనసినట్లు
shikhi shikhala mida midatalu chenasinatlu
Like grasshoppers attacking the flames of a fire
This expression describes a situation where someone unknowingly or foolishly invites their own destruction by challenging a much stronger force. Just as grasshoppers are instantly consumed by the fire they jump into, it refers to actions that are suicidal or self-destructive due to ignorance or overconfidence.
Related Phrases
ఆశ ఆలి మీద, ఆధారం చాప మీద.
asha ali mida, adharam chapa mida.
His desire is on his wife and his support on his mat. Nothing for it but resignation.
This proverb describes a person who has grand desires or high aspirations but lacks the basic resources or means to fulfill them. It specifically refers to someone who wants to lead a family life or have comforts while living in extreme poverty, where they don't even have a proper bed, only a simple mat.
గుండెల మీద కుంపటి
gundela mida kumpati
A brazier (hot coal stove) on one's chest
This expression is used to describe a heavy burden, a constant source of anxiety, or a troublesome person/situation that causes continuous mental agony and stress. It signifies a problem that is impossible to ignore and painful to endure.
చిత్తం శివుని మీద, భక్తి చెప్పుల మీద
chittam shivuni mida, bhakti cheppula mida
The mind is on Lord Shiva, but the devotion is on the sandals.
This proverb is used to describe a person who pretends to be focused on a spiritual or serious task while their actual interest or worry lies elsewhere (usually on materialistic or trivial things). It highlights hypocrisy or a lack of true concentration.
బారెడు కళ్ళ మీద బట్ట పడ్డట్టు
baredu kalla mida batta paddattu
Like a cloth falling over wide-open eyes
This expression describes a situation where a sudden, unexpected obstacle or misfortune completely obstructs one's vision or progress just when everything seemed clear and promising. It is used when a person is caught off guard by a problem that renders them helpless or blind to the situation at hand.
పీనుగ మీద పిండాకూడన్నట్లు
pinuga mida pindakudannatlu
Like the food offered to the dead on a corpse
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is so greedy or heartless that they try to extract benefit or profit from a tragic, miserable, or desperate situation. It reflects a state of utter exploitation or extreme pettiness in a moment of sorrow.
పేరు పల్లకీ మీద, కాలు నేల మీద.
peru pallaki mida, kalu nela mida.
His name is in the palankin, and his legs on the ground. i. e. he once rode, but now walks.
This proverb refers to a situation where someone has a high reputation or social status (palanquin), but their actual living conditions or current situation remain humble or poor (foot on the ground). It is used to describe people who possess a famous name but lack the wealth or facilities to match that status.
మొండి శిఖండి
mondi shikhandi
Stubborn Shikhandi
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely stubborn, obstinate, and refuses to listen to reason or change their mind. It combines 'Mondi' (stubborn) with 'Shikhandi' (a character from the Mahabharata known for being unshakeable in their purpose), signifying someone who stands their ground to a fault regardless of the consequences or arguments presented.
అత్త మీద కోపం దుత్త మీద చూపించినట్టు
atta mida kopam dutta mida chupinchinattu
Like showing anger toward the mother-in-law on the earthen pot.
This expression describes a situation where someone takes out their frustration or anger on an innocent third party or an inanimate object because they cannot confront the person who actually caused the provocation. It is similar to the concept of 'displaced aggression'.
ఆశ ఆలి మీద, పడక చాప మీద
asha ali mida, padaka chapa mida
Desire for the wife, but the bed is on a mat.
This expression is used to describe a person who has high desires or grand ambitions but lacks the basic resources or means to fulfill them. It highlights the gap between one's wants and their actual capabilities or reality.
చిత్తం చెప్పుల మీద, ధ్యానం దేవుని మీద
chittam cheppula mida, dhyanam devuni mida
The mind is on the sandals, while the meditation is on God.
This proverb describes a person who lacks focus or sincerity. It is used to mock someone who pretends to be deeply involved in a spiritual or serious task while their thoughts are actually preoccupied with trivial, worldly, or selfish concerns. It refers to the habit of people worrying about their footwear being stolen outside a temple while they are supposed to be praying inside.