వాకిలి దాటి వారణాశి ఎంత దూరమన్నట్టు

vakili dati varanashi enta duramannattu

Translation

Like a man asking when he had just got outside his door, how far off Benares was. Talking about the completion of a great undertaking before you have well commenced it.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks patience or perseverance. It refers to a person who starts a long or difficult task but expects immediate results or gets discouraged at the very first step. It highlights the absurdity of worrying about the final destination before even beginning the journey properly.

Related Phrases

My house is my holy place ; my threshold is Benares; my belly is my heaven. Said by an irreligious man. " Whose God is their belly." Philippians iii. 18.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely lazy, indifferent to spiritual or social duties, and entirely focused on their own comfort and food. It suggests that for such a person, their immediate surroundings and the satisfaction of their hunger are more important than any sacred pilgrimage or higher purpose.

If it is far from the feet, is it far from the eyes?

This expression is used to question why someone would stop caring for or remembering someone/something just because they are no longer physically close or in constant contact. It is similar to the English proverb 'out of sight, out of mind', but used as a challenge to suggest that physical distance should not result in emotional distance or forgetfulness.

If the leagues are long, are the hearts far distant? An Âmada (4 Kôs) is a distance varying from 8 to 10 miles. Distance cannot alter true friendship.

This expression is used to convey that physical distance between people (friends, family, or lovers) does not necessarily lead to emotional distance or a lack of affection. Even if individuals are separated by great distances (Amada being an old unit of distance), their hearts and thoughts remain connected.

The doorstep tells the story of the home's Lakshmi (prosperity/well-being).

This proverb implies that the cleanliness and appearance of the entrance of a house reflect the character, discipline, and prosperity of the residents inside. It is often used to suggest that first impressions or external signs can indicate the internal quality or state of a situation.

The distance of the foot is different, the distance of the eye is different.

This proverb highlights the difference between seeing a destination and actually reaching it. While an object or place might look close to the eyes, the physical effort and distance required to walk there can be significant. It is used to caution someone that planning or visualizing a task is much easier than the actual physical execution of it.

If distances grow by miles, do the hearts grow apart too?

This expression is used to emphasize that physical distance between people (friends or family) does not necessarily lead to emotional distance or a loss of affection. It suggests that true bonds remain intact regardless of how far apart people live.

If it is far from the feet, is it far from the eyes?

This expression is used to remind someone that even if a person or thing is physically distant (out of reach or out of the house), they are still kept in one's thoughts and memories. It is often used in the context of loved ones living far away, emphasizing that physical distance does not mean they are forgotten.

Like an open doorway facing the celebratory cold wind.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is overly eager or excessively prepared for something that might actually be uncomfortable or harmful, similar to opening a door wide to a freezing wind. It highlights a lack of foresight or a naive enthusiasm for a situation that requires caution.

A door opposite to the deliciously cool wind. Said ironically of a bitterly cold wind.

This proverb describes a situation where an already difficult or uncomfortable condition is worsened by one's own actions or poor planning. Just as a cold wind is biting, having a door directly facing it makes the cold unbearable. It is used to describe an invitation to unnecessary trouble.

If out of sight, is it out of hearing also ?

This expression is used to suggest that even if you cannot see someone or something in person, you can still hear about them or stay in touch. It emphasizes that physical absence does not justify a complete lack of communication or information.