అంజనగాడికి పుట్టి ఆరతితో సమానం
anjanagadiki putti aratito samanam
Born to a sorcerer/diviner, yet equal to a standard camphor lamp.
This expression is used to describe someone who comes from an illustrious or highly skilled background but fails to exhibit any extraordinary talent or greatness themselves. It highlights the irony of having a powerful lineage while remaining mediocre or ordinary in one's own capabilities.
Related Phrases
ప్రీతిలేని కూడు పిండాకూటితో సమానం
pritileni kudu pindakutito samanam
Food served without affection is equal to the food offered to the dead.
This proverb emphasizes that the hospitality and love behind a meal are more important than the food itself. Even the most delicious food is considered unpalatable or unlucky if it is served with resentment or without heart, comparing it to 'Pinda Kudu' (the ritual food offered to deceased ancestors).
బేగడరాగం మీగడతో సమానం
begadaragam migadato samanam
The Begada Raga is equal to the cream of milk.
This is a traditional saying among Carnatic music lovers. It suggests that just as 'Meegada' (cream) is the richest and most delicious part of milk, the 'Begada' raga is exceptionally sweet, soothing, and rich in musical essence. It is used to praise the unique beauty and comforting nature of this specific raga.
కలలో కాంత, నీటిలో నీడతో సమానం.
kalalo kanta, nitilo nidato samanam.
A woman in a dream is equal to a shadow in the water.
This proverb refers to the transient and illusory nature of certain desires or possessions. Just as you cannot hold a woman seen in a dream or grab a reflection in the water, some things in life are unreachable or temporary despite appearing real or attractive.
పదిమందితో చావు పెళ్ళితో సమానం
padimandito chavu pellito samanam
Death along with ten people is equal to a wedding
This expression means that when a difficulty or disaster is shared by many, it becomes easier to bear. It suggests that collective suffering reduces individual pain or that facing a challenge as a group provides a sense of solidarity and comfort, similar to the shared joy of a wedding.
నలుగురితో చావు పెళ్ళితో సమానం
nalugurito chavu pellito samanam
Death along with many people is equivalent to a wedding.
This proverb suggests that when a misfortune or a difficult situation is shared by a large group, it becomes easier to bear. It reflects the human psychological comfort found in solidarity during times of crisis, implying that suffering alone is a tragedy, but suffering together is a shared experience.
రాని అప్పు రాతితో సమానం
rani appu ratito samanam
A debt that cannot be recovered is equal to a stone.
This expression is used to describe a situation where money lent to someone is unlikely to be repaid. Just as a stone has no value in financial transactions and cannot be changed or utilized, a bad debt is considered a dead asset. It serves as a warning or a philosophical acceptance of a financial loss.
పదిమంది చావు పెళ్ళితో సమానం.
padimandi chavu pellito samanam.
The death of ten people is equal to a wedding.
This proverb suggests that when a disaster or misfortune is shared by a large group, it becomes easier to bear than a personal tragedy. Similar to how people gather for a wedding, a collective struggle provides a sense of solidarity and reduces individual grief.
ఎడపిల్ల ఏరాలితో సమానం
edapilla eralito samanam
A girl born after three consecutive boys is equal to a co-sister-in-law.
This traditional Telugu proverb refers to the specific family dynamic when a girl is born after three sons. It suggests that such a child is treated with high regard, authority, or maturity within the household, similar to the status of a co-sister-in-law (Eralu) who shares responsibilities and status in the family hierarchy.
ఇష్టమైన వస్తువు ఇంగువతో సమానం.
ishtamaina vastuvu inguvato samanam.
A favorite item is equal to asafoetida.
This proverb suggests that just as a tiny pinch of asafoetida (hing) adds immense flavor to a dish, something that is dear or favorite to us has high value and impact regardless of its size or quantity. It is used to express that quality and personal preference matter more than quantity.
సరిపడనివారు చచ్చినవారితో సమానం
saripadanivaru chachchinavarito samanam
Those who do not get along are equal to those who are dead.
This expression is used to describe an extreme level of enmity or incompatibility between individuals. It suggests that when people have irreconcilable differences or a complete lack of harmony, their relationship is effectively non-existent, as if they are dead to each other. It highlights the social or emotional finality of a deep-seated grudge.