ఉలి మీద ఉలిట లాగా
uli mida ulita laga
Like a chisel on top of another chisel
This expression is used to describe a situation where one person passes a command or task to another, who then simply passes it to someone else without adding any value or doing any work themselves. It refers to a chain of command where responsibility is constantly shifted downward.
Related Phrases
ఆశ ఆలి మీద, ఆధారం చాప మీద.
asha ali mida, adharam chapa mida.
His desire is on his wife and his support on his mat. Nothing for it but resignation.
This proverb describes a person who has grand desires or high aspirations but lacks the basic resources or means to fulfill them. It specifically refers to someone who wants to lead a family life or have comforts while living in extreme poverty, where they don't even have a proper bed, only a simple mat.
ఆవతల ఎద్దు
avatala eddu
The ox on the other side
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is ignored or their presence is completely disregarded, similar to 'talking to a wall.' It often implies that the person being spoken to is as unresponsive or indifferent as an ox standing far away.
విషం మాటలు తేనె పూతలు
visham matalu tene putalu
Poisonous words coated with honey
This expression describes someone who uses sweet, flattering, or pleasant language to hide their malicious intentions or harmful nature. It is used to warn others about deceitful people who act friendly on the surface while harboring ill will.
కూతురు మీద ప్రేమ కోడలి మీద ఉంటుందా?
kuturu mida prema kodali mida untunda?
Will the love for a daughter be the same as the love for a daughter-in-law?
This rhetorical question or proverb highlights the natural bias or difference in affection often found in families. It implies that a mother's innate love for her biological daughter is rarely matched by her feelings for her daughter-in-law. It is used to describe situations where there is perceived partiality or to acknowledge that certain bonds are naturally deeper than others.
రానివాడి మీద రాయి.
ranivadi mida rayi.
A stone on him who won't come! An imprecation used with reference to a man who refuses an invitation.
This expression is used to describe an attempt or a guess made when there is nothing to lose. It implies taking a chance or a 'shot in the dark' where if it succeeds, it's a gain, and if it fails, there is no loss since the outcome was already uncertain or unlikely.
పులగం మీద పప్పు
pulagam mida pappu
Dal on top of Pulagam (rice-lentil mix)
This expression refers to something that adds extra benefit or comfort to an already good situation. Since 'Pulagam' is a wholesome meal of rice and dal cooked together, adding extra 'Pappu' (dal/lentil stew) on top makes it even more delicious and rich. It is used to describe a situation where a small addition makes something significantly better.
కత్తి మీద సాము
katti mida samu
Sword fighting on the edge of a blade
This expression describes a situation that is extremely precarious, delicate, or risky. It is used when a task requires immense skill, balance, or caution because even a small mistake could lead to disastrous consequences. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'walking on a tightrope' or 'walking on eggshells'.
ఉట్టి మీద ఆశ, పుట్టి మీద రోత
utti mida asha, putti mida rota
Desire for the hanging pot, but disgust for the granary.
This expression describes a person who desires something small or unattainable (represented by 'Utti', a hanging net for pots) while neglecting or showing disdain for something abundant and valuable already in their possession (represented by 'Putti', a large grain measurement/granary). It is used to mock those who lack a sense of priority or fail to appreciate their own resources.
అంగడి మీద చేతులు, అత్తమీద కన్ను.
angadi mida chetulu, attamida kannu.
Hands on the shop, eyes on the mother-in-law.
This proverb describes someone who is physically performing a task in one place (like working in a shop) but is mentally preoccupied or keeping a suspicious eye on someone else (the mother-in-law) to ensure they aren't being cheated or monitored. It is used to describe a person who lacks focus or is overly suspicious of others while working.
ఆశ ఆలి మీద, పడక చాప మీద
asha ali mida, padaka chapa mida
Desire for the wife, but the bed is on a mat.
This expression is used to describe a person who has high desires or grand ambitions but lacks the basic resources or means to fulfill them. It highlights the gap between one's wants and their actual capabilities or reality.