వెర్రివాడు ఏతం తొక్కినట్లు

verrivadu etam tokkinatlu

Translation

Like a fool operating a water lever

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who continues to do a task mechanically or pointlessly without knowing when to stop or understanding the purpose of the work. Just as a foolish person might keep treading a water lever (etam) even after the fields are flooded or the vessel is empty, it refers to mindless repetition or inefficient effort.

Related Phrases

Like a blind man stepping on wet dung floor-wash.

This expression describes a situation where someone performs a task haphazardly, clumsily, or without any sense of direction or awareness. It is used when someone's actions are messy and lack the precision or skill required for the job.

When a fool was called a fool, he sobbed and cried.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is offended or hurt by a truth that is obvious to everyone else. It highlights the irony of a person reacting emotionally when their well-known flaws or characteristics are pointed out directly to them.

Like the woman who threshes only gets to keep what she nibbled.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone works extremely hard on a task, but receives very little or insignificant benefit compared to the effort put in. It refers to the manual labor of pounding grain, where the worker might only get to eat a few grains that fall into her mouth while the bulk of the produce goes to someone else.

Like climbing the hill and praying to God.

This expression describes doing things for the sake of formality or in a routine, mechanical manner without real devotion or focus. It is used when someone performs a task just to get it over with or to show others they have done it, rather than putting in genuine effort or intent.

If one who has never done it works the water-lift, there will be six cubits of debt every year.

This proverb describes the consequences of an inexperienced person attempting a task they are not qualified for. It signifies that when an unskilled person manages a project or business without the necessary knowledge, they will likely incur losses or cause damage rather than achieving the desired result. It highlights the importance of expertise and experience.

Only the bran you have stuffed into your mouth is yours.

This proverb emphasizes that only what you have already consumed or secured for yourself is truly yours. It is used to describe situations involving uncertainty or limited resources, suggesting that one should value what they have already obtained rather than relying on future promises or potential gains that may never materialize.

Like a cobra whose tail has been stepped on

This expression is used to describe someone who becomes extremely furious, aggressive, or reacts with intense anger when provoked. Just as a cobra strikes back instantly and fiercely when its tail is trodden upon, this phrase characterizes a person's sudden and violent retaliation to an insult or injury.

Like a monkey that stepped on hot embers

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely restless, agitated, or reacting with sudden, frantic movement. It depicts a state of high distress or panicked jumping around, similar to how a monkey would behave if it accidentally stepped on fire.

If played exactly as before, even a fool can win.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of consistency and repetition in mastering a skill. It suggests that if one repeats a successful action or strategy without deviation, even someone with limited intelligence or skill can eventually achieve success.

Adulterated seed leads to empty storage bins.

This proverb highlights the importance of quality at the source. Just as poor quality or impure seeds result in a failed harvest and empty granaries, starting any project with flawed materials or bad intentions will lead to disappointing results and lack of success. It is used to advise someone to ensure the foundation of their work is strong.