తలపాగా చుట్టలేక తల వంకర అన్నట్లు

talapaga chuttaleka tala vankara annatlu

Translation

Like saying the head is crooked because one doesn't know how to tie a turban

Meaning

This expression describes a situation where someone blames external factors or others for their own lack of skill or failure. It is similar to the English proverb: 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'

Related Phrases

A Talâri's hate ends with one's head. Talâri is a village watchman.

This expression suggests that certain rivalries or grudges held by powerful or stubborn individuals will only end in total destruction or extreme consequences. It is used to describe a situation where an enemy will not stop until they have achieved complete revenge, implying that one should be cautious of making enemies with those in positions of authority or those who harbor deep-seated resentment.

Like a turban bearing the suffering meant for the head

This expression is used when a major disaster or great harm is averted, and instead, only a minor loss or trivial damage is incurred. It implies that something very valuable was saved at the cost of something less significant, or a huge problem was minimized into a small one.

Like untying the loincloth and wrapping it around the head

This expression describes a situation where one solves a problem by creating another equally bad or inconvenient problem, or shifting resources from one essential place to another without any real gain. It is often used to criticize poor management or awkward solutions.

The head is a relative, but the tail is an enemy.

This proverb describes a hypocritical or double-faced person who acts like a friend or well-wisher to one's face (the head) but secretly harbors malice or causes harm behind their back (the tail). It is used to warn someone about people whose intentions are not consistent.

All are relatives of the rich man. ( Bee No. 1557. ) A full purse never lacked friends.

This proverb highlights the social reality that people flock to those who are wealthy or powerful. When someone is affluent, many people claim a relationship or friendship with them to share in their status or benefits. It is used to describe how wealth attracts people, often contrasting with how the poor are neglected.

When he was at the point of death he cried "Śankara! Śankara!" (Siva.) Deathbed repentance.

This proverb is used to describe someone who waits until the very last moment or a crisis to seek help, turn to God, or do the right thing. It refers to a person who ignores their duties or avoids spiritual/ethical paths throughout their life, only to become desperately 'pious' or 'diligent' when they realize time has run out.

Just because you say 'Shankara Shankara', will your mouth become crooked?

This proverb is used to mock someone's irrational fear or superstition that performing a simple, good, or harmless act will lead to a ridiculous physical deformity or negative consequence. It is often used to encourage someone to stop making excuses and just do what is necessary.

Like saying the courtyard is crooked because one cannot dance.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks skill or fails at a task, but blames external circumstances or their environment instead of admitting their own deficiency. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb: 'A bad workman quarrels with his tools.'

He is nothing to me but my sister's husband ; the millstone is only valued for the grain it grinds. Átṭu is the plural of Áruga ( Passalum Scrobiculatum ).

This proverb describes people who pretend to be relatives or close friends only when they want something or have a selfish motive. It mocks those who establish connections based on greed or immediate material gain rather than genuine affection.

Don't serve the elders, but wear a fancy turban of disputes.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who neglects their basic duties or responsibilities—such as taking care of elders or family—but spends their time and energy on vanity, creating unnecessary arguments, or maintaining a false sense of prestige.