తల ఊపినందుకు తంబూర బుట్టనిచ్చి పొమ్మన్నట్లు.

tala upinanduku tambura buttanichchi pommannatlu.

Translation

Like asking someone to leave with the tanpura basket just because they nodded their head.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a small gesture of courtesy or agreement is misinterpreted as a commitment to take on a huge, burdensome responsibility. It highlights the irony of being 'rewarded' with an unwanted task for simply showing polite attention or appreciation.

Related Phrases

Dammanna's raid won't leave even if told to go

This proverb is used to describe a persistent problem, an unwanted guest, or a stubborn situation that refuses to go away despite several attempts to get rid of it. It refers to a nuisance that has overstayed its welcome.

When the Śūdra saluted the Brahman, the latter in return asked him to pay an old debt due by his father. Rudeness in return for civility.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an attempt to be polite or respectful towards someone results in them taking undue advantage or bringing up old grievances. It signifies that being over-courteous to certain demanding or opportunistic people can sometimes invite trouble or unwanted obligations.

Waking up early and losing the way offset each other.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the effort put into a task is rendered useless by a subsequent mistake or hurdle. It highlights that the benefit gained from starting early or working hard was nullified because the person ended up going in the wrong direction or making a fundamental error, resulting in no net progress.

She that gave neither food nor drink, beat [me] and said "be off." Said by a beggar.

This proverb describes a person who is not only uncharitable or unhelpful but also behaves rudely or aggressively towards those seeking help. It is used to highlight a situation where instead of receiving expected hospitality or assistance, one receives harsh treatment.

Boiling the nuts is equal to drinking the residue.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort put into a task is completely negated by the poor quality of the result, or where one trouble cancels out another with no net gain. It is used when a difficult process yields a disappointing or insignificant outcome, effectively meaning 'it was all for nothing' or 'the effort and the result are equally bad'.

Waking up early and losing the way balanced each other out.

This expression is used when the extra effort or advantage gained at the start of a task is completely negated by a subsequent mistake or misfortune. It implies that despite a good start, one is back to square one due to poor execution or bad luck.

Just because they are the body hairs of Tallapaka Chinnanna, will they become the strings of a Tambura?

This proverb is used to say that one's lineage or greatness (like the poet Tallapaka Chinnanna) does not automatically make every part of them or their belongings superior or useful for purposes they aren't meant for. It highlights that merit is based on inherent quality and suitability, not just association with greatness.

Like inviting Lord Shani, who was passing by a distance, to visit one's home before leaving.

This proverb describes a situation where someone unnecessarily invites trouble or bad luck that was otherwise passing them by. It is used when a person interferes in a problematic matter that does not concern them, thereby creating self-inflicted misery.

While going to the village fair, they said to take it off; while going to a wedding, they said to put it on.

This proverb describes a situation where a person is given contradictory advice or where things are handled based on the specific context and necessity. It highlights the irony or the double standards in instructions given by others depending on the occasion—encouraging modesty or safety in crowds (fair) and display of wealth at celebrations (wedding).

When someone offered a respectful salute to the priest, he replied by asking to pay back the old debt owed by the person's father.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an act of courtesy or a friendly gesture is met with an unwelcome demand or a harsh reminder of past obligations. It characterizes people who cannot look past their own interests or greed even when being treated with respect.