శిశువుకు దక్కని స్తన్యం వలె

shishuvuku dakkani stanyam vale

Translation

Like breast milk that doesn't reach the infant

Meaning

This expression refers to something that is wasted or fails to serve its primary, intended purpose. It describes a situation where a valuable resource exists but does not benefit the person who needs it most, often due to poor timing, negligence, or unfortunate circumstances.

Related Phrases

To a tireless beast of burden, rest is strength.

This expression highlights the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Just as a hardworking animal regains its strength through a small break, a person who works without pause finds immense value and renewed energy in a moment of relief. It is used to suggest that taking a break is essential for long-term productivity.

The ritual was ruined, and no pleasure was gained.

This proverb is used when someone compromises their principles or makes a sacrifice to achieve a certain benefit, but ends up losing both their integrity and the expected reward. It describes a situation of total loss where a 'sin' was committed for a gain that never materialized.

Like a kite without a tail

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks direction, stability, or control in their life. Just as a kite without a tail spins out of control and is at the mercy of the wind, this phrase refers to someone wandering aimlessly or being highly unstable in their actions or situation.

A disciple greater than his Guru.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a protege, student, or apprentice becomes more skilled, knowledgeable, or successful than their mentor. It is often used as a compliment to both the student's talent and the teacher's effective guidance.

Said of an insolent fellow.

A disciple worthy of his Guru. Both blockheads.

This expression is used to describe a student who is as capable, skilled, or talented as their mentor. It can be used positively to praise excellence or sarcastically to imply that the student has inherited the same flaws or bad habits as the teacher.

Will a mighty tiger, just by taking the form of a cow, yield milk to a child?

This proverb highlights that an individual's fundamental nature or character cannot be changed simply by putting on a disguise or changing their outward appearance. A wicked person remains wicked even if they pretend to be kind or saintly, and one should not expect nourishment or goodness from someone who is inherently harmful.

Like the delirium of a wealthy man

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who possesses great wealth or power behaves in an irrational, arrogant, or unpredictable manner, similar to a patient suffering from 'sannipatam' (a state of high fever or delirium). It suggests that the pride and ego resulting from excessive wealth can cloud a person's judgment and cause them to act nonsensically or recklessly.

A disciple worthy of the teacher

This expression is used to describe a student or follower who is a perfect match for their teacher, often inheriting both their skills and their traits (positive or negative). It is similar to the English idiom 'Like father, like son' or 'A chip off the old block', specifically applied to a mentor-mentee relationship.

A feast for the tiger is death for the cattle.

This proverb highlights a situation where one person's gain or pleasure results in another's suffering or loss. It is used to describe zero-sum games or exploitative situations where the benefit of the powerful inherently involves the destruction of the weak.

Even animals and infants can experience the essence of music.

This expression highlights the universal power of music. It suggests that music is a divine and primal force that transcends language and intellect, capable of soothing or attracting even animals and newborn babies who do not understand lyrics or complex concepts.