తాడు చాలకపోతే నుయ్యి పూడ్చమన్నట్టు
tadu chalakapote nuyyi pudchamannattu
Like asking to fill up the well because the rope is too short.
This proverb describes a foolish or lazy approach to solving a problem where, instead of addressing the actual deficiency (the short rope), someone suggests a drastic, destructive, or irrational 'solution' (filling the well) that defeats the original purpose. It is used to mock people who propose absurd workarounds to simple problems.
Related Phrases
చాలకపోతే బలాదూరు అన్నట్లు
chalakapote baladuru annatlu
Like saying if it is not enough, it is useless
This expression describes a dismissive attitude where someone devalues or discards something simply because it isn't sufficient for their specific needs, even if it has inherent value. It is often used to criticize people who make excuses or pretend that things they cannot fully attain are worthless.
చూస్తే నీది, చూడకపోతే నాది
chuste nidi, chudakapote nadi
If seen, it is yours; if not seen, it is mine
This expression refers to someone who is being dishonest or opportunistic. It describes a situation where a person tries to steal or misappropriate something and only admits to it if they are caught; otherwise, they treat it as their own. It is used to highlight hypocrisy or lack of integrity.
తన ముడ్డి కాకపోతే గంగదాకా దేకుమన్నట్టు.
tana muddi kakapote gangadaka dekumannattu.
If not on my posteriors, crawl as far as Kâsi (Benares).
This is a blunt and slightly vulgar proverb used to describe people who are indifferent to others' suffering or effort because it doesn't affect them personally. It highlights how people give reckless or difficult advice to others when they have no 'skin in the game' or when they don't have to face the consequences themselves.
తాడు చాలకపోతే నుయ్యి పూడ్చుమన్నట్టు
tadu chalakapote nuyyi pudchumannattu
Like ordering the well to be filled up when the rope was found too short.
This proverb describes an absurd or foolish solution where someone tries to change the core requirement or destroy the resource instead of making a small adjustment. It is used when someone suggests an impractical, destructive, or extreme 'fix' for a minor problem, rather than finding the right tool or putting in the necessary effort.
ముందుకు పోతే గొయ్యి; వెనుకకు పోతే నుయ్యి
munduku pote goyyi; venukaku pote nuyyi
A ditch ahead and a well behind.
This refers to a situation where both going forward and coming backward are risky. In life, too, one arrives at a crossroads, where the choice of moving either way can lead only to unfortunate results. On those occasions, it is better to trust one’s instinct and go ahead, hoping for the best.
తండ్రి తవ్విన నుయ్యి అని అందులో పడి చావవచ్చా?
tandri tavvina nuyyi ani andulo padi chavavachcha?
Will you drown yourself in the well because your father dug it?
This proverb is used to criticize blind adherence to outdated traditions or harmful ancestral habits. It suggests that one should use common sense and logic rather than following something blindly just because it was established by one's ancestors or elders.
త్రాడు చాలదని బావి పూడ్చుకుంటారా?
tradu chaladani bavi pudchukuntara?
Will anyone fill up a well just because the rope is too short?
This proverb is used to criticize people who suggest extreme, destructive, or foolish solutions to minor problems. Instead of fixing the specific deficiency (getting a longer rope), they propose destroying the entire resource (filling the well). It highlights the lack of proportion in problem-solving.
నేను పుట్టకపోతే నీకు పెండ్లామే లేకపోవునే అంటే, నీవు పుట్టకపోతే నీ తల్లినే పెళ్ళాడి ఉందునన్నాడట.
nenu puttakapote niku pendlame lekapovune ante, nivu puttakapote ni talline pelladi undunannadata.
When she said 'If I hadn't been born, you wouldn't have had a wife at all', he replied 'If you hadn't been born, I would have married your mother'.
This is a humorous and sarcastic Telugu proverb used to describe a witty or sharp-tongued retort to an arrogant or self-important claim. It highlights how someone's attempt to show their indispensability can be met with a crushing and absurd counter-argument, often used to silence someone who is bragging about their role in a situation.
నుయ్యి తీయబోతే దయ్యం బయటపడినట్లు
nuyyi tiyabote dayyam bayatapadinatlu
Like a ghost appearing when one went to dig a well
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one starts a task with good intentions or for a basic need, but unexpectedly encounters a huge problem or a hidden danger. It is similar to the English idea of 'opening a can of worms' or discovering an unforeseen complication while performing a routine job.
ఇంట్లో పొయ్యి, చావిట్లో నుయ్యి
intlo poyyi, chavitlo nuyyi
A stove inside the house, a well in the entrance hall
This expression describes a perfectly convenient or self-contained setup where everything one needs is within immediate reach. It is used to signify a comfortable, well-organized, or ideal living situation where there is no need to step outside for basic necessities.