తాను పోను దోవ లేదు, డోలు ఒకటి మెడన
tanu ponu dova ledu, dolu okati medana
When there is no room for him to pass himself, he hangs a big drum round his neck. Said of a man who tries to provide for another, when he has diffi- culty in managing for himself.
This proverb describes a person who is already in a difficult or impossible situation but takes on additional, unnecessary burdens that make progress even harder. It is used to mock someone who lacks the capacity to handle their own basic problems yet complicates them with extra responsibilities or shows of vanity.
Related Phrases
ఊరికంతా ఒక దారి, ఉలిపికట్టెకు ఒక దారి
urikanta oka dari, ulipikatteku oka dari
All the village has one way, and the prig another.
This expression is used to describe someone who is eccentric, stubborn, or refuses to conform to social norms. It characterizes a person who purposefully goes against the common path or consensus just to be different or difficult.
రోగము ఒకటి, మందు ఒకటి
rogamu okati, mandu okati
The disease is one, the medicine is another. i. e. the one is not fitted to remove the other. Said of unsuitable remedies.
This expression is used to describe a situation where the solution provided does not match the problem at hand, or when actions taken are completely irrelevant to the actual issue. It highlights a lack of coordination or understanding in addressing a specific challenge.
కాసుకు దోవలేదు, నూటికి పరవా లేదు.
kasuku dovaledu, nutiki parava ledu.
He has not the means of [getting] one cash, but thinks nothing of [spending] a hundred [pagodas]. A pagoda = 3½ Rupees. Wanton extravagance. He is able to buy an abbey.
This proverb describes a person who lacks the means to earn even a small amount of money (a 'kasu'), yet talks or acts with grand indifference toward large sums (a 'hundred'). It is used to mock someone who is boastful or financially reckless despite being in deep poverty.
కలకాలపు దొంగ ఒకనాడు దొరుకుతాడు
kalakalapu donga okanadu dorukutadu
The everlasting thief is one day caught. The old fox is caught at last. The old ape is taken at last. (Latin.)
This proverb means that no matter how clever or successful someone is at hiding their wrongdoings or crimes for a long time, justice will eventually prevail and they will be caught. It is used to warn people that luck eventually runs out for those who consistently do wrong.
రోషానికి రోలు మెడకు కట్టుకున్నట్టు
roshaniki rolu medaku kattukunnattu
Like tying the rice-mortar to his neck out of rivalry. Two men were dancing.—One had a drum round his neck ; the other, not to be out-done, hung the mortar round his neck. ల.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person, driven by excessive pride, anger, or a false sense of honor, takes on a burden or makes a decision that only causes them more trouble and hardship. It highlights the foolishness of taking extreme actions just to prove a point when those actions lead to self-inflicted misery.
విత్తనము ఒకటి వేస్తే, మొక్క ఒకటి మొలుచునా?
vittanamu okati veste, mokka okati moluchuna?
Will the plant differ from the seed ?
This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It implies that every action has a corresponding consequence and that one cannot expect good results from bad actions or vice-versa. It is used to remind someone that their current situation is a direct result of their past deeds or character.
A chip of the old block. He that was born of a hen loves to be scratching. (French.)† * Après la fête on gratte la tête. † Qui naît de geline il aime à grater.
న్యాయమమ్మేవాడు, దోవలు చూసేవాడు ఒకటే.
nyayamammevadu, dovalu chusevadu okate.
The one who sells justice and the one who looks for loopholes are both the same.
This expression is used to criticize corruption and moral dishonesty. It suggests that a person who takes bribes to manipulate the law is just as guilty as the person who actively seeks ways to evade or cheat the system. Both contribute equally to the downfall of justice.
వాని యిల్లాలు దొమ్మరివాని డోలు.
vani yillalu dommarivani dolu.
His wife is like a tumbler's (acrobat's) drum.
This proverb is used to describe a woman who is frequently scolded, beaten, or subjected to harsh treatment by everyone in the household, much like an acrobat's drum which is beaten on both sides by anyone and everyone. It highlights a state of being constantly abused or handled roughly.
తాను దూరనంత లేదు, మెడకొక డోలు.
tanu durananta ledu, medakoka dolu.
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.
రోషానికి రోలు మెడను కట్టుకున్నట్లు.
roshaniki rolu medanu kattukunnatlu.
Like tying a stone mortar around one's neck out of pride or spite.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person, driven by ego, pride, or stubbornness, takes an action that only causes them self-harm or creates an unnecessary burden. It highlights the foolishness of letting one's emotions lead to a decision that is difficult to sustain or carries heavy consequences.