ProverbPedia

“ തോണിയുടെ നടുവിൽനിന്നു തുഴയുമ്പോലെ”
English Translation:
Like attempting to row while standing in the dead center of the canoe. (Working with clumsy, ineffective leverage where effort is wasted and balance is destroyed.)

— Malayalam

Related Mantras

“ അള (ഏറെ) കുത്തിയാൽ ചേരയും കടിക്കും”
English Translation:
If prodded too much in its burrow, even a non-venomous rat snake will strike. (Push even the mildest person to the wall, and they will retaliate.)

“ ചോറിൽകിടക്കുന്ന കല്ലെടുത്തു മാറ്റാൻ വയ്യ, ഗോപുരംകെട്ടാൻ കല്ലു ചുമക്കാം പോലും”
English Translation:
Unable to remove a tiny pebble from a bowl of rice, yet boasting of hauling stones to erect a temple tower. (Incapable of performing the simplest practical tasks, yet bragging of tackling colossal, heroic feats.)

“ മതൃത്തപാലിന്നില്ലാത്തതൊ പുളിച്ചമോറ്റിനു”
English Translation:
What was missing in sweet, rich milk, will it be found in sour buttermilk? (If an asset failed to deliver value at the peak of its excellence, its degraded residue certainly will not.)