వట్టి మూతికి ఒక చేయి చాలునని రెండోదానితో తలగోకుకొన్నాడట.

vatti mutiki oka cheyi chalunani rendodanito talagokukonnadata.

Translation

Thinking one hand is enough for an empty mouth, he scratched his head with the second one.

Meaning

This proverb is used to mock someone who is lazy or makes excuses to avoid work. It describes a situation where a person has no food to eat (empty mouth) but instead of using both hands to work or find a meal, they use the lack of work as an excuse to be idle or indifferent, literally 'scratching their head' instead of being productive.

Related Phrases

Like scratching one's head with a firebrand. Applied to the use of bad agents.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone knowingly invites trouble or performs an action that is bound to result in self-harm or disaster. It refers to someone who is so foolish or reckless that they use a burning stick to scratch their head, leading to inevitable injury.

Like scratching one's head with a flaming brand.

This proverb is used to describe an act of extreme foolishness where someone invites unnecessary trouble or brings disaster upon themselves by their own reckless actions. It refers to a situation where a simple problem is addressed using a dangerous method that results in self-destruction.

Relying on her younger sister's husband, she held her hand pompously.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who acts arrogantly, lives extravagantly, or shows false pride based on the wealth and status of a relative (specifically a brother-in-law) rather than their own capability. It implies that their confidence is misplaced and dependent on someone else.

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.

Two ends for a bowstring, two children for a mother.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of balance and security. Just as a bowstring is secured at two ends to function properly, a mother is often considered 'complete' or secure when she has at least two children, ensuring that the lineage continues or that the children have companionship and mutual support.

Like scratching one's nose in front of a mute person.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an action is misinterpreted due to a lack of communication or context. In this metaphor, a mute person might mistake the simple act of scratching one's nose as a hand sign or a mockery, as they rely heavily on visual cues. It refers to doing something that inadvertently causes confusion or gives a wrong signal to someone who is already limited in their ability to understand the intent.

Do you eat with both hands just because you are hungry?

This expression is used to advise patience and decorum, regardless of how urgent a need might be. It suggests that even in desperate situations, one must maintain their dignity, follow proper etiquette, and not act greedily or impulsively.

Two holes in beauty; two cymbals in a dance.

This expression is used to describe a situation where excessive decoration or unnecessary additions are made to something that is already complete or simple, often leading to a lack of harmony or practical use. It highlights that adding more doesn't always mean improving quality.

Said of an ugly and bad dancer.

The man with itch scratches himself.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the person who is affected by a problem or has a personal need is the one who must take the initiative to address it. It implies that others will not bother to help or act unless they are the ones feeling the discomfort or desire.

Let him that itches scratch himself. (French.)*

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.'