తొట్టి కింద తొట్టి, దొప్ప కింద దొప్ప

totti kinda totti, doppa kinda doppa

Translation

A bowl under a bowl, a leaf-cup under a leaf-cup.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe something that is redundant, repetitive, or lacks any real substance despite appearing layered. It often refers to a situation where there is no clear end or result, or where one thing is simply replaced by an identical, equally unproductive thing.

Related Phrases

Like saying 'Don't abuse me, you son of a slave'

This expression describes a hypocritical or contradictory situation where a person uses an insult while simultaneously asking someone else not to insult them. It is used to mock people who do exactly what they are preaching against, or those who lack self-awareness in their speech.

A cupful of rice water without debt is enough.

This proverb emphasizes the peace of mind that comes with being debt-free. It suggests that a humble or meager meal earned honestly and without borrowing is far better than a feast bought with borrowed money. It is used to advise people to live within their means and prioritize financial independence over luxury.

Out of debt, out of danger. Happy is he who owes nothing. (Greek.) !

Like searching for stones while having a mountain under one's head.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone searches for small, trivial things or minor solutions while ignoring a massive, obvious resource or solution they already possess. It highlights the irony of overlooking a great strength or asset in hand while worrying about insignificant details.

A maid-servant for a maid-servant.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is already in a subordinate or lowly position tries to employ someone else to do their work. It highlights unnecessary hierarchy or laziness among those who are already expected to serve.

The one in front gets a little, the one behind gets a handful.

This proverb describes a situation where those who lead or start early face difficulties or get limited rewards, while those who follow later or wait patiently reap the full benefits or larger portions. It is often used to describe situations where latecomers benefit from the groundwork laid by others.

Invitation to the feast at Vemulawada: bring a seven-cubit leaf plate, wear a three-cubit leaf bowl, and carry you while coming.

This proverb is used to describe an invitation or a situation that imposes more burdens and conditions than benefits. It mocks a scenario where someone 'invites' you to a benefit, but the preparation and requirements they demand of you are so exhausting and ridiculous that the invitation becomes a hassle rather than a favor.

A small bowl of gruel without debt is enough.

This proverb emphasizes the peace of mind that comes with being debt-free. It suggests that living a humble or simple life within one's means is far superior to living luxuriously on borrowed money. It is used to advise someone to prioritize financial independence and contentment over superficial status.

A slave serving under another slave

This expression describes a situation where a person is forced to serve or obey someone who is themselves subordinate or lacks any real authority. It is used to mock a double-layered hierarchy of servitude or a situation that is particularly humiliating because the person in charge has no real power of their own.

Like putting a mountain under one's head and searching for stones.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone overlooks a massive, obvious resource or solution they already possess and instead wastes time searching for something trivial or insignificant elsewhere. It highlights human nature's tendency to ignore what is readily available and hunt for minor things.

A servant under a servant

This expression describes a situation where someone is subordinate to an individual who is themselves in a lowly or subservient position. It highlights an extreme lack of authority or a hierarchy of servitude, often used to mock someone who is at the absolute bottom of a social or organizational ladder.