సూదిలోది దారం, దబ్బనంలోది తాడు

sudilodi daram, dabbanamlodi tadu

Translation

Thread for the needle, rope for the bodkin.

Meaning

This expression refers to the principle of using appropriate tools or resources for a specific task. Just as you cannot use a thick rope for a small sewing needle or thin thread for a large heavy-duty needle (bodkin), one must match the effort or equipment to the scale of the problem.

Related Phrases

A thick needle with a rope

This expression is used to describe a situation where things are perfectly matched or in total agreement. It can also imply a state of mutual convenience or being 'thick as thieves' when two people or things work together perfectly for a specific purpose.

Like coming in as a needle and ending up as a thick bodkin.

This proverb describes a situation where something starts very small, humble, or inconspicuous but eventually grows into a large, unmanageable, or significant issue. It is often used to refer to people who enter a situation quietly or modestly but soon start to dominate or cause trouble, or when a small debt or problem escalates into a massive one.

Like taking out with a packing needle, a thorn which could have been extracted with a thorn.

This proverb describes overreacting to a small problem by using excessive force or overly complex tools. It is used when someone employs a 'sledgehammer to crack a nut,' often causing more pain or damage than necessary because the solution was disproportionate to the simple issue.

What is in the hand is tender; what is in the field is overripe.

This proverb describes a situation where someone experiences a double loss due to bad timing or indecision. It refers to missing the right moment—harvesting something too early so it is immature, while leaving the rest so long that it becomes spoiled or too tough.

The thread is hidden in the necklace, the fiber is hidden in the flower garland.

This expression highlights the concept of an underlying foundation or an invisible force that holds things together. Just as a thread is essential but unseen in a beautiful necklace or garland, it refers to a person, principle, or effort that remains behind the scenes while being the core reason for success or unity.

Coming like a needle and ending up like a large bodkin.

This expression describes a situation where something starts very small, subtle, or harmless but grows into something significantly larger, more intrusive, or difficult to handle. It is often used to refer to people who enter a space or a life modestly but eventually dominate or cause unexpected trouble, or problems that escalate from minor to major proportions.

Making a knot between the shaven head and the knee.

This refers to the way of trying to bring together two disparate things for a harmonious blend. When such an attempt is made, the listener understands the absurdity.

If you turn the needle, will the thread fall straight into the eye?

This expression is used to highlight that a task requires focus, precision, and the right approach rather than unnecessary movements or over-complicating the process. It emphasizes that unless the alignment is correct, effort alone won't yield results.

Coming like a needle and turning out a packing needle. The reverse of No. 688 q. v.

This expression is used to describe a situation where something starts very small, modest, or harmless (like a tiny needle) but eventually grows into something large, intrusive, or problematic (like a thick bodkin/large needle). It is often used to refer to people who enter one's life humbly but end up becoming a major burden or dominating the space.

Delicacy, like a thread in a needle.

This expression is used to describe something extremely delicate, fine, or sensitive. It can refer to a person's gentle temperament, a precise piece of work, or a situation that requires very careful handling, much like the precision needed to pass a fine thread through the eye of a needle.