ఉట్టికి ఎగరలేనమ్మ స్వర్గానికి ఎగురుతుందా?
uttiki egaralenamma svarganiki egurutunda?
If one cannot jump to the hanging pot, can she fly to heaven?
This proverb is used to mock someone who fails at a simple, basic task but makes grand claims about achieving something much more difficult or impossible. It highlights the gap between one's actual abilities and their lofty ambitions.
Related Phrases
కంటికి రెప్ప, కాలికి చెప్పు
kantiki reppa, kaliki cheppu
A lid to the eye, a shoe to the foot. The protection necessary.
This expression refers to someone or something that provides constant, essential protection and support. Just as an eyelid naturally protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot from harsh terrain, this phrase describes a guardian, a loyal companion, or a preventive measure that keeps one safe from harm.
రెంటికి చెడ్డ రేవడి వలె
rentiki chedda revadi vale
Like a washerman who lost both sides.
This expression describes a person who attempts to balance or benefit from two different options but ends up losing both. It is used to illustrate a situation where someone's indecision or greed leads to a total loss of all available opportunities, similar to the English idiom 'falling between two stools'.
ఒంటికి ఓర్వలేనమ్మ రెంటికి ఓర్చునా?
ontiki orvalenamma rentiki orchuna?
Will the woman who cannot bear one [ trouble ] bear two ?
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the capacity or patience to handle a small responsibility but claims or aspires to handle a much larger one. It highlights the contradiction in their capabilities.
మాటకు మా ఇంటికి, కూటికి మీ ఇంటికి
mataku ma intiki, kutiki mi intiki
For conversation at our house, for a meal at your house.
This proverb is used to describe someone who is very friendly and talkative but avoids being hospitable or sharing food. It refers to a person who is happy to host a conversation but expects others to provide the meal or resources. It highlights a one-sided relationship or stinginess disguised as friendliness.
కంటికి రెప్ప కాలికి చెప్పు
kantiki reppa kaliki cheppu
An eyelid for the eye, a sandal for the foot
This expression refers to things that are essential for protection and safety. Just as an eyelid protects the eye and a sandal protects the foot, it describes someone or something that acts as a constant guardian or a basic necessity for one's well-being. It is often used to describe a protective person or a relationship where one takes care of another's safety.
గుడ్డికంటికి రెండు గూటాలు, మెల్లకంటికి రెండు మేళాలు
guddikantiki rendu gutalu, mellakantiki rendu melalu
Two stakes for a blind eye, two musical bands for a squint eye.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is being overly cautious or excessive in trying to compensate for a minor or major defect. It highlights how people sometimes apply unnecessary or mismatched solutions to their problems, often making the situation look more dramatic or complicated than it needs to be.
నోటికి చేతికి చీకటి లేదు
notiki chetiki chikati ledu
There is no darkness between the mouth and the hand.
This expression is used to describe someone who eats excessively or constantly, often without any sense of timing or restraint. It implies that the person is always moving their hand to their mouth to eat, regardless of whether it is day or night.
ఇంటి కూటికి, దోవ కూటికి రెంటికీ చెడినట్లు
inti kutiki, dova kutiki rentiki chedinatlu
Like losing both the meal at home and the meal for the journey.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to gain from two different options but ends up losing both due to indecision, poor planning, or greed. It is similar to the English idiom 'falling between two stools.'
అలిగి అత్తవారింటికి, చెడి చెల్లెలింటికి పోరాదు.
aligi attavarintiki, chedi chellelintiki poradu.
Do not go to your in-laws' house out of anger, and do not go to your sister's house when you are ruined.
This proverb advises maintaining self-respect and social dignity. Going to an in-law's house while angry (after a fight at home) diminishes one's respect there, and going to a sister's house after losing one's wealth or status can become a burden and strain relationships. It emphasizes that one should avoid seeking refuge in places where their presence might lead to humiliation or awkwardness during times of vulnerability.
వెట్టికి పుట్టిన బిడ్డ నెత్తికి లేక ఏడ్చినదట
vettiki puttina bidda nettiki leka edchinadata
A child born where there was no love [ between the parents ] suffered for want [ of oil ] for its head.
This proverb is used to describe an unrealistic or greedy expectation. When someone is already in a state of extreme poverty or performing forced unpaid labor (vetti), expecting luxuries or even basic comforts is seen as ironic or foolish. It highlights the contradiction of seeking extras when the fundamental situation is dire.