శ్రీరంగం రోకలి చేతులమీద నిలువదు

shrirangam rokali chetulamida niluvadu

Translation

The Srirangam pestle does not stay in one's hands.

Meaning

This proverb describes someone who is extremely restless, impatient, or physically unable to stay in one place. Just as a heavy pestle (rokali) might be difficult to balance or keep steady, it refers to individuals who are constantly on the move or whose presence is transient and unstable.

Related Phrases

The blow of a wooden pestle on a whitlow-infected nail.

Refers to a severe blow of misfortune on some one already suffering. When misfortunes come, they come in battalions. It is on those occasions, one should be bold and face the situation.

There are many who preach the morals of Srirangam, but none who practice them.

This expression is used to describe hypocrites who give lofty moral advice to others but fail to follow it themselves. It is similar to the English proverb 'Practice what you preach' or 'Do as I say, not as I do.' It highlights the gap between words and actions.

There are many who preach the morals of Srirangam, but none who practice them.

This expression is used to describe hypocrites who give great moral lectures or advice to others but fail to follow those same principles in their own lives. It highlights the gap between preaching and practicing.

The protection of the great Râma.

This expression is used to signify divine protection or a strong safeguard. It is commonly used as a blessing for someone's safety, or to describe something that is perfectly secure and beyond harm. It can also be used as a closing statement to wish for ultimate well-being.

Said in cases of absolute want, &c.

Wealth gained from gambling and illicit means will not last.

This proverb is used to warn that money earned through gambling (Rangamu) or deceptive, easy, or unethical ways (Tinku) is never permanent. It suggests that only hard-earned money stays with a person, while ill-gotten gains disappear as quickly as they were acquired.

Standing in a place where one shouldn't stand leads to forty accusations.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of choosing the right environment and company. If you stay in a place or situation that is inappropriate for your character or social standing, you will inevitably face numerous false accusations or damage to your reputation, even if you have done nothing wrong.

Hands on the shop, eyes on the mother-in-law.

This proverb describes someone who is physically performing a task in one place (like working in a shop) but is mentally preoccupied or keeping a suspicious eye on someone else (the mother-in-law) to ensure they aren't being cheated or monitored. It is used to describe a person who lacks focus or is overly suspicious of others while working.

An anxious spindle will not stay steady no matter which spinning frame it is placed on.

This proverb describes a person with a restless, impatient, or anxious nature. It suggests that if someone lacks internal peace or stability, changing their environment, job, or tools will not solve their problems; their inherent anxiety will cause failure or instability wherever they go.

Like water not staying in a leaky pot

This expression refers to something that is transient, unstable, or impossible to preserve. It is used to describe situations where resources, wealth, or secrets are lost quickly due to an inherent flaw or lack of capacity, much like how a broken or unbaked pot cannot hold water for long.

Like making someone climb a tree and then letting go of the support.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone encourages or forces another person to take on a difficult or risky task and then abandons them without any support when they need it most. It signifies betrayal or leaving someone in the lurch after getting them involved.