ఉత్త పుణ్యానికి మొత్తుకు చచ్చిందట

utta punyaniki mottuku chachchindata

Translation

Died from excessive lamenting for absolutely no reward.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone exerts a lot of effort, creates a huge fuss, or suffers greatly for something that is either trivial or results in no benefit at all. It highlights the futility of unnecessary drama or hard work that goes unrewarded.

Related Phrases

While she was mourning her husband's death, her lover came and threw stones at her.

This proverb describes a situation where a person is already dealing with a major tragedy or crisis, only to be further harassed or troubled by an insignificant or unwelcome person. It is used to highlight the height of misfortune or the insensitivity of others during a person's most vulnerable moments.

Like beating one's mouth (lamentation) with a maimed hand. Doing any thing clumsily.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is deeply frustrated or grieving but is unable to effectively express their pain or do anything about it. It signifies a state of utter helplessness where even one's attempts to lament are ineffective or incomplete due to a lack of resources or capability.

When he went to do good, evil met him.

This expression is used when a person tries to do a good deed or help someone, but instead of receiving gratitude or a good result, they end up facing trouble, blame, or negative consequences. It is similar to the English saying 'No good deed goes unpunished'.

The woman who doesn't even serve food came to beat!

This proverb is used to describe someone who fails to do their basic duty or provide help, but instead causes trouble or behaves aggressively. It highlights the irony of someone being useless in a positive sense but active in a negative or harmful way.

If you give a leaf, it is as meritorious as serving a meal.

In Telugu culture, eating on a banana leaf or a stitched leaf plate (vistari) is traditional. This expression highlights the virtue of hospitality; it means that even a small act of providing a plate or assistance to someone in need of food earns one great spiritual merit (punyam), similar to the act of providing the actual meal itself.

Achi's wedding ended up leading to Buchi's death.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a celebration or a positive event unintentionally leads to a disaster or a tragic outcome for someone else. It highlights the irony of a festive occasion turning into a cause for sorrow due to unforeseen circumstances or mismanagement.

Like a beggar who said “O charitable lady, give me food like that which you give to your husband.” An absurd request.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is receiving a favor or charity for free, but instead of being grateful, they start making excessive demands or expecting to be treated like a person of high importance. It highlights the audacity and lack of gratitude in demanding equal status or premium treatment when one is getting something for nothing.

When a man was given a Puṭṭi of corn he complained of short measure. Look not a gift horse in the mouth. (Latin.)

This proverb describes the behavior of ungrateful people who find faults even when receiving something for free or as an act of charity. It is used to criticize someone who, instead of being thankful for a gift or favor, complains about its quantity, quality, or the method of delivery.

When the daughter-in-law wore her deceased mother-in-law's saree because she died, the mother-in-law returned as a ghost to haunt her.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to benefit from another person's misfortune or death, only to find that the benefit brings unforeseen troubles or burdens. It highlights that ill-gotten gains or taking advantage of a situation can lead to haunting consequences.

Like asking a woman who gives charity to serve food equal to her husband's portion

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is receiving something for free or as a favor, but instead of being grateful, they start demanding more or dictate how it should be given. It highlights the audacity of demanding high quality or large quantities when one is relying on another's charity.