తనకాళ్ళకు తానే మొక్కుకొన్నట్లు

tanakallaku tane mokkukonnatlu

Translation

As if one is bowing down to their own feet.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely conceited, self-admiring, or overly proud of their own actions and intelligence. It highlights the irony of self-veneration or thinking too highly of oneself to the point of absurdity.

Related Phrases

Like an elephant pouring sand on its own head

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone brings trouble upon themselves or ruins their own reputation through their own foolish actions, despite having power or status. Just as an elephant takes a bath and immediately throws dust on itself, it refers to self-destructive behavior.

As if bringing the very ropes used to tie oneself up.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone inadvertently creates their own troubles or provides the means for their own downfall. It is similar to the English idiom 'digging one's own grave' or 'handing someone a stick to beat you with'.

Like sneezing oneself and wishing oneself a hundred-year life.

This expression is used to describe a self-centered person who validates their own actions or praises themselves without waiting for others' opinions. In Telugu culture, it is customary for someone else to say 'Shatayushsu' (live for a hundred years) when you sneeze; doing it for oneself implies vanity or a lack of external support/validation.

Coming for buttermilk and hiding the pot.

This proverb refers to a situation where someone approaches another person with a specific request or goal but is too hesitant, shy, or secretive to state their true intention. It describes the irony of seeking help or a favor while trying to hide the very vessel needed to receive it. It is used to advise someone to be straightforward instead of being unnecessarily evasive.

Like sneezing oneself and blessing oneself.

This proverb describes a situation where a person makes a decision, performs an action, or proposes an idea and then proceeds to praise or validate it themselves without any external input or approval. It is used to mock someone's self-centeredness or self-validation, similar to the English concept of 'tooting one's own horn' or being judge and jury of one's own case.

One must bow to the sister's feet to ask her to cook, and bow to the brother-in-law's feet to ask him to listen.

This proverb describes a situation where a person is caught between two difficult or demanding individuals and must constantly humble themselves or flatter both sides just to get basic things done. It signifies the struggle of managing sensitive relationships or dealing with people who expect excessive respect before fulfilling their responsibilities.

He brought fetters for his own legs. He brings a staff to brak his ain head. (Scotch.)

This expression describes a situation where a person, through their own actions or decisions, creates obstacles or restrictions for themselves. It is used when someone's self-inflicted complications lead to their own downfall or lack of freedom.

Like a rabbit licking its own leg

This expression is used to describe a person who is overly self-satisfied or takes immense pride in their own small achievements, often ignoring the bigger picture or failing to realize that their actions are self-serving and of little consequence to others.

Like stepping on one's own shadow.

This expression describes a futile or impossible task. Just as it is impossible for a person to actually step on the head of their own shadow (as the shadow moves with them), it refers to actions that are self-defeating, redundant, or trying to achieve something that is inherently unachievable due to one's own nature or presence.

Like bringing the very ropes that will be used to tie oneself up.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's own actions, decisions, or words lead to their own downfall or trouble. It is similar to the English idioms 'digging one's own grave' or 'being the architect of one's own misfortune.'