తా దూరే కంత లేదు, మెడకో డోలు అన్నాడట

ta dure kanta ledu, medako dolu annadata

Translation

There isn't enough space for himself to pass through the hole, yet he wants a drum around his neck, he said.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who is already in a difficult or tight situation but tries to take on additional, unnecessary burdens or responsibilities that make the situation impossible. It mocks people who lack the capacity to manage their basic needs yet aspire for grand, cumbersome status symbols or extra tasks.

Related Phrases

Where there is no mother-in-law, the daughter-in-law is per- fect; where there is no daughter-in-law, the mother-in-law is good tempered. As long I was a daughter-in-law I never had a good mother-in-law, and as long as I was a mother-in-law I never had a good daughter-in-law. (Spanish.)

This proverb is a satirical take on the stereotypical conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. It suggests that they only seem perfect or virtuous when they don't have to interact or deal with each other, implying that friction is inevitable in their relationship.

* Aquella es bien casada, que no tiene suegra ni cuñada. † En cuanto fue suera, nunca tuvo buena suegra, y en cuanto fue suegra, nunca tuvo buena suera.

All of it is just a hole/gap

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a total loss, or when something is completely hollow, empty, or useless despite appearances. It implies that everything has gone down the drain or that the entirety of a matter results in nothingness.

No effort was put in then, and no worry is felt now.

This proverb describes a state of total negligence or lack of foresight. It is used to describe a person who did not take action or plan during the appropriate time (the past) and consequently feels no regret or concern about the failure in the present. It often implies a sense of indifference toward one's responsibilities.

He will spend any amount on the royal palace/city, but cries to provide food for his eldest daughter-in-law.

This proverb describes a hypocritical or foolish person who spends lavishly on grand public displays or outsiders to gain status, but neglects the basic needs of his own family members. It highlights the irony of seeking external prestige while being stingy at home.

He removes the rope from the leg to the neck, and from the neck to the leg. Attempting to entrap a person by unfair questions.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely cunning, slippery, or argumentative. It refers to someone who can twist any situation or argument to their advantage, making it impossible to pin them down or hold them accountable. It depicts a 'shifty' character who always finds a loophole or a way to deflect blame.

Building castles in the air

This expression refers to creating unrealistic plans or daydreams that have no solid foundation. It is used to describe someone who is being impractical or overly idealistic about the future without taking any concrete action.

A daughter-in-law without a mother-in-law is the best; a mother-in-law without a daughter-in-law is of noble character.

This proverb sarcastically points out that it is easy for people to appear perfect or virtuous when there is no one around to challenge them or reveal their flaws. It highlights that conflict often arises in relationships (specifically between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law), and the absence of the 'opposing' party is what makes a person seem flawless.

A hungry man will ruin the price

This expression suggests that someone in desperate need (hungry) will pay any price or settle for any deal regardless of its fairness or market value just to satisfy their immediate necessity. In a broader sense, it implies that desperation leads to poor negotiation and can disrupt market standards.

Not enough space for oneself to enter, yet carrying a drum around the neck.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is already in a difficult or cramped situation but unnecessarily takes on additional burdens or responsibilities. It highlights the irony of someone who cannot even manage their own basic needs but attempts to handle extra baggage that makes their situation even worse.

Better be the eldest daughter-in-law in a poor man's house, than the youngest daughter-in-law in a rich man's house. The eldest son's wife has authority in a household next to a mother-in- law and in the case of the latter's death she becomes mistress of the estab- lishment. The youngest son's daughter, though generally petted, is allowed no voice in the management of the household affairs.

This proverb highlights the importance of status, responsibility, and respect over mere material wealth. In traditional households, the eldest daughter-in-law (Pedda Kodalu) holds significant authority and decision-making power, even if the family is poor. Conversely, the youngest (Kadagottu Kodalu) in a rich family may have luxuries but often lacks a voice or status in family matters. It is used to suggest that it is better to lead in humble circumstances than to be a subordinate in affluent ones.