ఆకారం చూసి ఆశపడ్డానే గానీ, అయ్యకు అందులో పస లేదు.
akaram chusi ashapaddane gani, ayyaku andulo pasa ledu.
I was hopeful looking at the appearance, but the gentleman has no substance within.
This proverb is used to describe a person or situation that looks impressive or grand on the outside but lacks actual talent, quality, or depth. It is similar to the English saying 'Don't judge a book by its cover' or 'All that glitters is not gold,' specifically referring to being deceived by outward appearances.
Related Phrases
అందులో పస లేకపోయినా, అరలో మంచం వేయమన్నట్లు
andulo pasa lekapoyina, aralo mancham veyamannatlu
Even if there is no essence in it, asking to lay a bed in the inner room.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone demands high honors, special arrangements, or grand treatment despite the underlying matter or person having no real substance, value, or quality. It highlights the irony of expecting luxury for something worthless.
అందని మామిడి పండ్లకు ఆశపడ్డట్లు
andani mamidi pandlaku ashapaddatlu
Like craving for mangoes that cannot be reached.
This expression describes a situation where someone desires or pursues something that is completely out of their reach or impossible to achieve. It is used to point out unrealistic ambitions or futile longing for things beyond one's capability or status.
బొట్టు పసేగాని, బోనం పసలేదు
bottu pasegani, bonam pasaledu
The bindi (decoration) has splendor, but the meal has no substance.
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a lot of external show, pomp, or decoration, but the core essence or quality is lacking. It refers to something that looks impressive on the outside but is disappointing in reality.
అన్ని రుచులూ సరేగాని, అందులో ఉప్పు లేదు.
anni ruchulu saregani, andulo uppu ledu.
All the flavours are right, but there is no salt in it. Said of badly prepared food.
This expression is used to describe a situation where something has all the superficial qualities or fancy elements but lacks the most essential ingredient or core component needed for it to be useful or satisfying. Just as salt is vital for the taste of food, this highlights a fundamental missing piece in an otherwise grand effort.
అన్నీ రుచులు సరేగాని, అందులో ఉప్పు లేదు
anni ruchulu saregani, andulo uppu ledu
All flavors are fine, but there is no salt in it.
This expression is used to describe a situation where everything appears perfect or complete on the surface, but a crucial, essential element is missing that makes the entire effort useless. Just as salt is vital for a meal's taste, certain tasks or relationships are incomplete without their core requirement.
అందులో పసలేదు, గంజిలో వార్చుమన్నట్టు
andulo pasaledu, ganjilo varchumannattu
There is no substance in that, strain the rice water. Equivalent to the English "there's nothing in him" or "there's nothing in it."
This expression is used to describe a situation or an object that is completely devoid of value, substance, or truth. Since 'ganji' (gruel/congee) is essentially the water strained from rice, trying to 'strain' it further is a futile task that yields nothing. It highlights an exercise in futility or something that is worthless.
కక్కిన కూటికి ఆశపడ్డట్టు
kakkina kutiki ashapaddattu
Like craving for the food that has been vomited
This proverb is used to describe a person who shamelessly goes back to something they previously rejected, insulted, or abandoned. It highlights a lack of self-respect or dignity in seeking out discarded things or toxic situations for personal gain.
అసలు పసలేక దొంగని అరిచినట్లు
asalu pasaleka dongani arichinatlu
Like shouting 'thief' when there is no substance or truth in the first place.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a loud commotion or accusation to hide their own lack of merit, substance, or capability. It refers to creating a diversion or putting up a front when one is actually empty or in the wrong.
అద్దంలో నీడకు ఆశపడినట్టు.
addamlo nidaku ashapadinattu.
Like longing for the reflection in a mirror.
This expression is used to describe chasing an unattainable illusion or wasting effort on something that is not real. It signifies the folly of being attracted to a mere shadow or reflection rather than the actual object.
కొసరిన కూరలోనే పస ఉంటుంది
kosarina kuralone pasa untundi
There is no taste in the greens unless some are received over. Said by Hindu women, who are never satisfied unless they obtain some- thing over and above their money's worth.
This expression suggests that things obtained with effort, persistence, or as a small extra favor often feel more satisfying or valuable than what is given freely or initially. It is used to describe the satisfaction found in small additions or the value of items gained through request/bargaining.