వెన్నబడే సమయానికి బాన పగిలినట్టు

vennabade samayaniki bana pagilinattu

Translation

Like the pot breaking just when the butter was about to form

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where a major disaster or failure occurs at the very last moment, just when success or the desired result was within reach. It represents unfortunate timing and the loss of hard work right before it pays off.

Related Phrases

The trouble that befell the iron has now befallen the charcoal.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent associate or a bystander suffers the same harsh punishment or hardship as the main culprit. Just as charcoal is burnt and exhausted while heating iron in a forge, an innocent person often gets caught up and destroyed in the process of dealing with a problematic person or situation.

Is it for licking the armpit if it is not available when needed?

This is a blunt and colloquial rhetorical question used to express frustration when a resource, tool, or person is unavailable at the exact moment of need. It implies that something is completely useless if it doesn't serve its purpose during a crisis, regardless of its existence otherwise.

One should praise the ocean while standing on the shore

This expression means that it is easy to admire or criticize something complex and dangerous from a safe distance. It is used to suggest that one can truly appreciate the magnitude of a situation only when they are not directly endangered or overwhelmed by it, or conversely, that one's perspective is limited when they haven't actually entered the 'waters' of the experience.

A brother-in-law who is not there when needed is the same whether he is dead or alive.

This proverb is used to describe someone who fails to offer help during a critical time or a crisis. It implies that if a person (especially a relative who is expected to support you) is unavailable when most needed, their existence or relationship becomes irrelevant to the sufferer.

If it is not available when needed, should I lick my armpit?

This is a blunt and slightly crude idiomatic expression used to express frustration when a resource, person, or tool is unavailable at the exact moment it is required. It implies that if something doesn't serve its purpose during a crisis or need, it is utterly useless thereafter.

Like saying the pestle has tightened well even though the mortar is broken

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to find a positive justification for a failure or a disaster, often ignoring the gravity of the loss. It refers to an optimistic but foolish perspective where the destruction of the main tool (the mortar) is overlooked just because the handle (the pestle) fits tightly now.

Equality is necessary for marriage and for war.

This proverb emphasizes that both marital alliances and rivalries (fights) should occur between equals. In marriage, it suggests that compatibility in status, wealth, and background ensures a smooth relationship; in conflict, it implies that one should only engage with an opponent of equal strength for a fair or meaningful outcome.

Like the crew of a wrecked ship. In a miserable plight. Said of something sudden and alarming.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where subordinates or employees are not worried about the loss or failure of a project or business because they don't have a personal stake or investment in it. They believe they can simply find work elsewhere, while only the owner suffers the loss. It highlights a lack of responsibility or ownership among workers.

Like the elbow hitting the knee.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person moves from one difficult situation only to end up in another similarly painful or problematic one. It represents a state of being stuck between two equally unpleasant outcomes or a minor accident leading to another clumsy moment.

An iron pot can be mended if it breaks, but a clay pot cannot be mended if it breaks.

This proverb highlights the difference between salvageable and irreparable damage. It is often used to compare relationships or situations: strong bonds (iron) can be repaired after a conflict, but delicate trust or certain reputations (clay) are permanently destroyed once broken.