చంకలో బిడ్డను పెట్టుకుని ఊరంతా వెతికినట్టు

chankalo biddanu pettukuni uranta vetikinattu

Translation

Like searching the whole village for the child who is right in your arms

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is searching frantically for something that is already in their possession or right in front of them. It highlights absent-mindedness or overlooking the obvious.

Related Phrases

When asked to inform before putting salt in the dal, she said she quickly put it in and handed it over to her mother-in-law.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks common sense or misunderstands a simple instruction. Instead of 'telling' (cheppadam) before doing the action as requested, the person 'puts' (veyyadam) it quickly due to the phonetic similarity of the words in Telugu or sheer negligence, leading to an undesired result. It highlights the behavior of doing things in a hurry without thinking.

When will the waves of the sea cease [ to roll ] ? When will you bathe ? i. e. Will you wait to bathe until the sea is motionless ?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone waits for all problems or obstacles to disappear before starting a task. It highlights the futility of waiting for a 'perfect' or 'trouble-free' time, as life—like the ocean waves—is continuous. Usage: To advise someone to stop procrastinating or waiting for ideal conditions.

Listening to hearsay leads to ruin.

This expression warns against acting upon rumors or gossip without verification. It suggests that paying heed to malicious talk or the instigations of others will ultimately lead to one's own downfall or harm.

Listening to hearsay leads to ruin, while honest words can be sharp.

This expression warns that acting on gossip or others' manipulative words causes harm. Conversely, sincere or truthful advice may feel blunt or 'sharp' like a spice, but it is ultimately beneficial. It is used to advise someone to be wary of rumors and appreciate honest criticism.

He who speaks to make you laugh, speaks to your ruin; he who speaks to make you weep, speaks to your profit. A friend's frown is better than a fool's smile.

This proverb highlights the difference between a sycophant and a true well-wisher. Someone who always tells you what you want to hear (making you laugh/happy) might be leading you toward a downfall by ignoring your mistakes. In contrast, a true friend or mentor who criticizes you or tells you harsh truths (making you cry/sad) actually helps you improve and succeed in life.

People are like many crows

This proverb is used to convey that people in society have diverse opinions and often engage in gossip or criticism, much like the incessant cawing of crows. It suggests that one should not take public criticism too seriously because it is the nature of the world to talk.

Whether you have wealth or your sandals are torn, kinship cannot be avoided.

This proverb highlights that family relationships and kinship obligations remain constant regardless of one's financial status. Whether a person is wealthy (symbolized by having possessions) or poor (symbolized by torn footwear), they must still maintain their social and familial ties.

People are like crows

This expression is used to convey that people will always find something to gossip about or criticize, regardless of what one does. Just as crows caw incessantly, society often engages in relentless talk or judgment. It is used to advise someone to ignore public opinion or gossip.

Listening to gossip leads to ruin.

This proverb warns that paying attention to hearsay, rumors, or others' manipulative talk without verifying the facts will eventually lead to harm or disaster. It is used to advise someone to be wary of people who try to influence them with gossip.

A slap with a chappal for dog bite.

Figuratively, it is an act of retaliation. Similar to “Tit for tat.”