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.
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.
అంబటికీ ఆశ, మీసాలకూ ఆశ
ambatiki asha, misalaku asha
Wishing for porridge and also for mustaches.
This proverb describes a person who wants two things that are mutually exclusive or incompatible. In the context, one cannot drink porridge (ambali) from a bowl without getting it on their mustache. It is used to critique someone who is being greedy or unrealistic by trying to enjoy a benefit without accepting the associated consequences or trade-offs.
The two don't go well together.
అంబలి మీద ఆశ, మీసాల మీద ఆశ.
ambali mida asha, misala mida asha.
Desire for the porridge, desire for the mustache.
This proverb describes a person who wants two things that are mutually exclusive or incompatible. In the context of the saying, drinking porridge (ambali) would inevitably soil one's mustache; therefore, one cannot keep the mustache clean while enjoying the drink. It is used to mock someone who is indecisive or greedy, wanting to enjoy a benefit without accepting the necessary sacrifice or consequence.
ఈ ఇంటికాకి ఆ ఇంటి మీద వాలదు
i intikaki a inti mida valadu
This house crow will not perch on that house.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely loyal or strictly confined to their own circle, family, or workplace. It characterizes someone who never interferes in others' business or stays so busy/loyal to their own home that they never visit others.
కూటి మీద ఆశ, మీసం మీద ఆశ
kuti mida asha, misam mida asha
Lust for the food, and lust for the mustache.
This proverb refers to a person who wants two contradictory things at the same time. In ancient culture, eating a full meal (especially liquid-based traditional food) might soil a well-groomed mustache. It is used to describe a situation where someone wants to enjoy a benefit but is unwilling to compromise on their pride or vanity, or simply wants 'the best of both worlds' when they are mutually exclusive.
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'.
ఆ ఇంటి కాకి ఈ ఇంటి మీద వాలదు, ఈ ఇంటి కాకి ఆ ఇంటి మీద వాలదు
a inti kaki i inti mida valadu, i inti kaki a inti mida valadu
That house's crow doesn't land on this house, and this house's crow doesn't land on that house.
This expression is used to describe an extreme state of enmity or total lack of communication between two families or individuals. It signifies that there is absolutely no relationship or interaction remaining between two parties, often due to a severe dispute or long-standing rivalry.
పేరు పల్లకీ మీద, కాలు నేల మీద.
peru pallaki mida, kalu nela mida.
His name is in the palankin, and his legs on the ground. i. e. he once rode, but now walks.
This proverb refers to a situation where someone has a high reputation or social status (palanquin), but their actual living conditions or current situation remain humble or poor (foot on the ground). It is used to describe people who possess a famous name but lack the wealth or facilities to match that status.
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.