అంచు డాబే కానీ, పంచె డాబు లేదు.

anchu dabe kani, panche dabu ledu.

Translation

The border is showy, but the dhoti is not.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe someone who tries to maintain a grand or flashy outward appearance while lacking actual substance, quality, or character underneath. It highlights the contrast between external showmanship and internal reality.

Related Phrases

No house to stay in, no bed to lie on.

This expression describes a state of absolute poverty or homelessness. It is used to refer to someone who possesses no assets, shelter, or basic comforts, indicating a complete lack of resources.

Mother is good, but her serving ladle is not.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person is inherently kind or well-intentioned, but the resources they provide or the way they allocate things is insufficient or harsh. It specifically refers to how a mother loves her child, but when she uses the ladle (teddu) to serve food, the portions might be small or the discipline might be firm. It is applied to people who are good at heart but stingy or strict in their actions.

One earns, while another calculates.

This proverb describes a situation where one person works hard to earn wealth or resources, while someone else (often an idle person or an inheritor) spends, manages, or simply keeps track of that wealth. It is used to highlight the contrast between the person doing the labor and the person enjoying or controlling the benefits.

When she called him 'Showy Brother-in-law', he replied, 'I have no money, Sister-in-law'

This proverb is used to mock someone who puts on a grand act or maintains a high social status for show, but in reality, lacks the financial means to support it. It highlights the gap between outward pretension and inner poverty.

Dining plates may be shared, but the bed is not shared.

This expression is used to describe a relationship between people (often relatives or friends) who are close enough to eat together or share a meal, but are not close enough to share a household, intimate secrets, or a marital bond. It highlights the boundaries of social intimacy and the distinction between formal friendship and private life.

Don't count/calculate; you will end up sharing.

This expression is used to warn someone against being overly calculating, greedy, or fastidious about portions or shares. It suggests that when you try to calculate or scrutinize too much (often out of selfishness), you will inevitably be forced to share it with others or lose a portion of it anyway. It serves as a reminder that excessive calculation often leads to unexpected redistribution.

[They look at] the crops which grow in Kollêru, but there is no account of the buffaloes which die there. Counting profit, but not loss.

This proverb describes a situation where an outcome or profit is visible, but the immense cost, hidden sacrifices, or the loss of resources required to achieve it are ignored. It is used to highlight that success often comes at a high, unacknowledged price.

Neither a string nor a top

This expression is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, lacks roots, or has no attachments or accountability. Just as a spinning top cannot be controlled or operated without a string, it refers to someone who is wandering aimlessly or a situation that has no proper foundation or control.

Shared plate but not a shared bed.

This expression describes a relationship where people are close enough to eat together or share social meals, but do not share a deep, private, or familial intimacy. It is often used to define the boundaries of a friendship or a formal association where one's private life remains separate.

When going to play, one feels like watching; when going to watch, one feels like playing.

This expression describes a state of indecision or fickle-mindedness. It refers to a person who is never satisfied with their current choice and constantly wishes they were doing the opposite of what they are presently engaged in.