తెడ్డు ఉండగా చేయి కాలినట్లు

teddu undaga cheyi kalinatlu

Translation

Getting the hand burnt when a ladle is available

Meaning

This expression is used when someone suffers unnecessary harm or puts in avoidable effort despite having the right tools or resources to complete a task safely. It highlights a lack of common sense or the failure to use available means to protect oneself.

Related Phrases

Like measuring a cubit with a stump of a hand.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to do something impossible or lacks the necessary tools/means to complete a task. It highlights the futility or inaccuracy of an action when the essential component required for success is missing.

Like hitting oneself with a hand that has no fingers.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person's efforts or protests are completely ineffective and go unnoticed. Just as a hand without fingers cannot produce a loud sound or physical impact when striking a surface, this phrase refers to someone who is so powerless or helpless that their complaints or struggles do not result in any change or attention.

Why step in the mud? Why wash the foot?

This expression means that it is better to avoid a bad situation or a known problem altogether rather than getting involved and then trying to fix the consequences. It is used to advise someone to stay away from trouble or unnecessary complications from the start.

When there is a lamp, why should you search for fire ?

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Make hay while the sun shines.' It advises people to make the most of an opportunity while conditions are favorable or to complete tasks while they have the resources and health to do so.

Why step in the mud and then why wash your feet?

This proverb is used to advise someone to avoid getting into trouble or making a mistake in the first place, rather than trying to fix it later. It is similar to the English saying 'Prevention is better than cure.' It suggests that one should use foresight to avoid messy situations instead of wasting effort resolving them.

When there is a beautiful highway, why crawl through narrow alleys?

This expression is used to advise someone to follow a straightforward, honest, or well-established path instead of resorting to devious, complicated, or risky shortcuts. It emphasizes choosing clarity and integrity over unnecessary complexity or trickery.

Giving with the right hand and taking back with the left hand.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers a benefit, gift, or salary increase, but simultaneously takes it away or cancels its value through another action, tax, or hidden condition. It signifies a deceptive or meaningless gesture of generosity.

Burning his hand when he had a ladle. To stir the rice with.

This proverb describes a situation where someone suffers or makes a mistake despite having the necessary tools or resources to avoid it. It is used to point out foolishness or the failure to utilize available help, similar to the English concept of 'making things harder for oneself'.

Saying no with the hand instead of saying no with the mouth.

This expression refers to someone who prefers giving or acting rather than just making verbal promises or refusals. It is often used to describe a person who is generous or practical, where their actions (hand) speak louder than their words (mouth).

A rap with ringed fingers will cause no pain. A man who wears rings is generally well'off, and therefore pays hand- some damages for injuries inflicted.

This expression is used to describe a situation where receiving a rebuke, correction, or punishment from a wealthy, powerful, or respected person is not seen as an insult or a pain, but rather as a blessing or a beneficial guidance. It implies that people are willing to tolerate harshness if it comes from someone of high status or someone they admire.