వేలుకు వేస్తే కాలికి, కాలికి వేస్తే వేలికి.

veluku veste kaliki, kaliki veste veliki.

Translation

If put on the finger it goes to the toe, and if put on the toe it goes to the finger.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely manipulative, inconsistent, or shifty in their speech. It refers to someone who changes their story or logic constantly to suit their convenience, making it impossible to pin them down to a single fact or commitment.

Related Phrases

Born to the wind and raised by the dust.

This expression refers to someone who grew up without any proper guidance, care, or parental supervision. It is often used to describe people who are self-made or, more commonly, those who lack manners and discipline because they were left to fend for themselves like weeds in the wind.

Like a field crop shared between a potter and a goldsmith.

This expression is used to describe a situation or task that is neglected because the parties involved think the other will take care of it. Since a potter (kummar) and a goldsmith (kansali) have no expertise or primary interest in farming, a field left in their joint care will inevitably fail as neither takes responsibility.

If tied to the leg, it moves to the finger; if tied to the finger, it moves to the leg.

This expression describes a person who is extremely manipulative, slippery, or cunning. It is used for someone who always has a counter-argument or a way to twist words to escape accountability, making it impossible to pin them down to a single point.

If put on the finger it's a twist, if put on the leg it's a shackle.

This proverb describes someone who is extremely cunning, manipulative, or versatile in making excuses. It refers to a person who can adapt their behavior or arguments to any situation just to get their way—if you try to catch them one way, they twist out of it; if you try another, they bind you instead.

He removes the rope from the leg to the neck, and from the neck to the leg. Attempting to entrap a person by unfair questions.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely cunning, slippery, or argumentative. It refers to someone who can twist any situation or argument to their advantage, making it impossible to pin them down or hold them accountable. It depicts a 'shifty' character who always finds a loophole or a way to deflect blame.

Taking a cat along while going to a wedding.

This refers to doing something inauspicious or undesirable. It is an unwanted burden and might lead to undesirable results.

Like catching a flying thorn bush with one's own foot.

This expression is used when someone unnecessarily involves themselves in a problem that has nothing to do with them, resulting in self-inflicted trouble. It describes a situation where an individual invites a nuisance or a complication into their life that could have easily been avoided.

He came for hire, and asked for a share [in the business]. A cool request.

This proverb is used to describe a person who, despite having a very minor or temporary role in a task or organization, tries to claim ownership, authority, or a large share of the profits. It highlights the audacity of someone overstepping their boundaries.

Like playing the role of Satyabhama during one's dying days.

This proverb describes someone starting a new, demanding, or flamboyant venture at an inappropriate time, particularly when they are nearing the end of their career or life. It is used to mock people who attempt tasks that no longer suit their age, health, or circumstances.

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.