అదే పతకమైతే అమ్ముకోలేనా?

ade patakamaite ammukolena?

Translation

If it were a gold medal, couldn't I sell it?

Meaning

This expression is used sarcastically to retort when someone asks a redundant or silly question about an obvious situation, or when someone expects one to value something that is actually useless or a burden. It implies that if the object or situation in question actually had any value (like a gold medal), the speaker would have already benefited from it.

Related Phrases

If I were a smuggler in the fair, where could I sell my thread ?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone harms or cheats the very place or people they rely on for their livelihood or survival. It highlights the foolishness of destroying one's own source of income or support system.

When one finally chose a time to play after a long wait, the washerman reportedly ran away with the clothes.

This proverb describes a situation where a person faces an unexpected hurdle or bad luck the one time they finally decide to do something or celebrate. It is used when a rare opportunity is ruined by an unfortunate coincidence.

An inscription on stone is profitable. Said of an honest man's word.

The first part 'Shila Shasanam' refers to something permanent, unchangeable, and authoritative, like a decree carved in stone. The second part (often corrected to 'Phala Pradakam') implies that such a firm commitment or rule will inevitably yield a significant result or outcome. It is used to describe a promise or a rule that is absolute and will be fulfilled.

If it happens, it's castor seeds; if not, it's pigeon peas.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is prepared for two possible outcomes, often in farming or business. Castor plants grow in low rainfall, while pigeon peas need more rain. It signifies a win-win strategy or a fallback plan where regardless of the circumstances, there will be some form of harvest or benefit.

He left without telling the fruit or the bed.

This expression is used to describe someone who leaves a place very suddenly, secretly, or without informing anyone. It implies a quiet or abrupt departure where no one was given notice.

Snail's pace

This expression is used to describe something that is moving or progressing extremely slowly. It is commonly used to criticize slow administrative processes, delayed projects, or people who are taking too long to complete a task.

If liked, they are flower garlands; if disliked, they are thorny bushes.

This proverb describes a fickle mindset where a person's perception of someone or something changes based on their current mood or interest. When they like a person, everything about them seems wonderful and soft like flowers (eeparalu), but once the interest fades or a conflict arises, the same person or thing seems irritating and painful like thorns (kamparalu). It is used to mock hypocritical or inconsistent behavior in relationships.

Even a mother will not serve (food) unless asked.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and self-advocacy. It suggests that even the most caring person might not fulfill your needs if you don't express them, implying that one must speak up or ask for what they want to achieve their goals.

If this were a brooch, might we not be made rich ? Patakam ( Sans. Padaka ) is a valuable ornament attached to the Kanthasara ( necklace ). The allusion is to one made of false gold, and set with false gems. Disappointment. The treasure turned out charcoal. (Latin.)?

This expression is used sarcastically or philosophically to point out that if things actually went according to a specific (often flawed or overly simple) plan, life would be much easier or different. It is often used to highlight the gap between ideal planning and reality, or to dismiss a suggestion that sounds good in theory but is impractical.

An inscription on stone, and without expectation of results.

The phrase 'Shila-shasanam' (శిలాశాసనం) refers to a decree carved in stone, meaning it is permanent, unchangeable, and authoritative. While the user provided 'Gilashasanam', it is corrected to 'Shilashasanam'. It is used to describe a promise, rule, or word that is final and immutable. 'Phalapeksha rahitam' means doing a task without expecting anything in return.