ఉట్టికి ఎక్కలేనమ్మ స్వర్గానికి ఎక్కుతుందా?
uttiki ekkalenamma svarganiki ekkutunda?
Will the lady who cannot get up into the sling get up into heaven ?
This proverb is used to mock someone who makes grand claims or aspires for monumental tasks when they are incapable of performing even the simplest of daily chores. It highlights the gap between one's actual abilities and their lofty ambitions.
Utti is a net work sling hung up in Hindu houses at a height of seven or eight feet, to keep earthen pots containing food in. He that can't ride a gentle horse, must not attempt to back a mad colt.
Related Phrases
స్వర్గానికి బెత్తెడు
svarganiki bettedu
There is only a span between you and heaven. Said ironically to a hypocrite.
This expression is used to describe a state of extreme pride, arrogance, or overwhelming joy where a person feels superior or 'on top of the world'. It implies that the person is so conceited or elated that they feel they have almost reached heaven.
కొబ్బరి చెట్టు ఎందుకు ఎక్కుతావురా అంటే, దూడ గడ్డి కోసం ఎక్కుతాను అన్నట్టు
kobbari chettu enduku ekkutavura ante, duda gaddi kosam ekkutanu annattu
Like a man saying, when asked why he was getting up the cocoanut tree, that he wanted grass for his calf. An absurd reason.
This expression is used to describe someone giving a completely illogical, absurd, or irrelevant excuse for their actions. It mocks the act of providing a justification that makes no sense, as grass does not grow on top of coconut trees.
చేనిలో పుట్టిన బీడు ఎక్కడికి పోతుంది?
chenilo puttina bidu ekkadiki potundi?
Can the waste land be taken out of the field ? You must take the fat with the lean.
This expression suggests that problems or people originating from within a specific group, family, or environment will ultimately remain a burden or a part of that same entity. It is often used to imply that one cannot easily escape or disown domestic issues or the inherent nature of something born within.
కుక్కకు నెయ్యి ఎక్కడైనా అరుగుతుందా?
kukkaku neyyi ekkadaina arugutunda?
Can a dog ever retain ghi? He always throws it up.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person of low character or merit cannot handle respect, wealth, or a high position. Just as ghee is considered a rich, sacred food that a dog's stomach supposedly cannot process, certain people cannot gracefully accept or sustain good fortune or honorable treatment without behaving inappropriately.
స్వర్గానికి వెళ్ళినా వడ్రంగం తప్పదు
svarganiki vellina vadrangam tappadu
Even if you go to heaven, you will not escape spinning. Said reproachfully to a very poor person.
This proverb (often said as 'swarganiki vellina vadrekkulu tappavu') suggests that one's nature, profession, or inherent troubles follow them wherever they go. It is used to describe a situation where a person cannot escape their duties or hard work even in a better environment.
ఉట్టికి ఎగురలేనివాడు స్వర్గానికి ఎగురుతానన్నట్లు
uttiki eguralenivadu svarganiki egurutanannatlu
The one who cannot jump to reach the 'Utti' (low hanging net) says he will fly to heaven.
This proverb is used to mock someone who makes grand, ambitious claims or attempts complex tasks when they are incapable of performing even the simplest or most basic actions. It highlights the gap between a person's actual abilities and their unrealistic boasts.
ఎద్దును ఎక్కినవాడే లింగడు, గద్దను ఎక్కినవాడే రంగడు.
eddunu ekkinavade lingadu, gaddanu ekkinavade rangadu.
He who rides on a bullock is Lingaḍu (Śiva), he who rides on a kite is Rangaḍu (Vishṇu). i. e. the two are but one under different forms. Said by Smārtas.
This expression emphasizes that people are recognized and defined by their unique status, vehicles, or attributes. Just as Shiva is identified by his bull (Nandi) and Vishnu by his eagle (Garuda), everyone has their own distinct identity or role that defines them. It is used to suggest that individuals should be judged or identified by their specific characteristics or accomplishments.
ఆరే దిపానికి వెలుగు యెక్కువ.
are dipaniki velugu yekkuva.
The lamp about to go out gives sudden brilliance.
This suggests subtly the final glow or false promise before the approaching end. There is a saying cavu telivi: that before death one gets brilliant idea(s)
వాడు వెక్కిరిస్తే నీకు ఎక్కడ మొర్రిపోయింది?
vadu vekkiriste niku ekkada morripoyindi?
When he mocked you where were you maimed ? Words break no bones.
This expression is used to tell someone not to take petty insults or mockery to heart. It implies that verbal taunting doesn't cause physical damage or lessen one's value, suggesting that one should ignore such trivial behavior instead of getting offended.
ఎవరికి పుట్టిన బిడ్డవురా ఎక్కెక్కి ఏడ్చేవు?
evariki puttina biddavura ekkekki edchevu?
Whose child are you, that you cry and weep so bitterly ?
This is a sarcastic or critical rhetorical question used to describe someone who is grieving, crying, or worrying excessively over a matter that does not concern them at all. It is used when a person interferes in someone else's problems or takes on unnecessary burdens that aren't their own.