ఆకు నలిపినప్పుడే అసలు వాసన బయటపడుతుంది.

aku nalipinappude asalu vasana bayatapadutundi.

Translation

The true scent of a leaf is only revealed when it is crushed.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that a person's true character, strength, or integrity is revealed only when they are put under pressure or face difficult circumstances. Just as crushing a leaf releases its fragrance, trials reveal a person's inner nature.

Related Phrases

Only when one dies, does the truth of the funeral song come out.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the true nature, secrets, or total accomplishments of a person or a situation are only fully revealed or understood at the very end or after it is finished. It implies that certain truths remain hidden until the final conclusion.

Tamarinds mixed in the river.

This expression describes a situation where effort, resources, or hard work are completely wasted and cannot be recovered. Just as tamarind dissolved in a flowing river vanishes without leaving a trace or making the river sour, certain actions yield no results or benefits despite the investment.

Only the one who walks is the one who falls

This proverb is used to encourage people who make mistakes while trying something new or working hard. It implies that failure is a natural part of progress, and only those who take action and move forward risk falling, whereas those who stay idle never fail but also never succeed.

Like passing through a danger and the fetus coming out safely.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has successfully survived a life-threatening crisis or a very difficult ordeal. It compares overcoming a massive obstacle to the relief and safety felt after a complicated or dangerous childbirth.

Only the one who climbs the hill is the one who falls.

This expression is used to mean that failures and mistakes only happen to those who actually take initiative or attempt a task. It serves as a word of encouragement to someone who has failed, suggesting that making an effort is more important than the fear of falling, and that those who do nothing never fail but also never succeed.

Grandfather's wedding is whenever it is thought of

This expression is used to mock someone who wants something to happen instantly or impulsively without considering the necessary preparation, time, or feasibility. It highlights the absurdity of expecting major events to occur just because one suddenly had the idea.

The weight is only felt when the burden falls upon oneself

This proverb implies that one can only truly understand the difficulty or responsibility of a task when they have to handle it personally. It is often used to describe situations where people criticize others' struggles without experiencing them, or when someone finally realizes the gravity of a situation once they are held accountable for it.

The one who digs the pit is the one who falls into it.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'He who digs a pit for others falls into it himself.' It is used to describe a situation where someone's malicious plans or traps for others end up causing their own downfall. It emphasizes the concept of poetic justice or karma.

Winnow while the wind blows

This expression emphasizes the importance of seizing an opportunity while it is available. In agricultural terms, farmers winnow grain when there is a breeze to separate the chaff; similarly, one should complete their work while circumstances are favorable. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Make hay while the sun shines'.

When the pond dries up, the fish are revealed.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where secrets or hidden truths come to light when a protective cover or a source of support disappears. It can also imply that when a person's resources or power vanish, their true nature or past actions become visible to everyone.