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.
Related Phrases
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.
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.
ఉన్న ఒక్క మెతుకు కాస్తా గంజిలో పోయినట్లు
unna okka metuku kasta ganjilo poyinatlu
As if the only grain of rice one had fell into the congee (gruel).
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person who is already in a precarious or poor state loses the very little they have left. It signifies a stroke of bad luck that worsens an already desperate situation, or a loss that is particularly painful because it was all that remained.
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.
తాగను గంజి లేదు కానీ, తలకి అటికలట
taganu ganji ledu kani, talaki atikalata
Not even gruel to drink, but asks for flowers/decorations for the head.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities or means of survival, yet indulges in unnecessary luxuries or shows off beyond their status. It highlights the irony of being poor but maintaining a false sense of vanity or pride.
అసలే సోమిదేవమ్మ, అందులో వేవిళ్ళు
asale somidevamma, andulo vevillu
Basically she is Somidevamma, and on top of that, she has morning sickness.
This expression is used to describe a person who is naturally lazy or prone to making excuses, who then finds a genuine or additional reason to avoid work altogether. It highlights a situation where an already difficult or unproductive behavior is exacerbated by a new circumstance.
కలలో పరమాన్నం ఇలలో గంజినీళ్ళు
kalalo paramannam ilalo ganjinillu
Sweet rice in a dream, rice water in reality.
This proverb describes a situation where a person has grand aspirations or fantasies but lives in poverty or hardship. It is used to highlight the stark contrast between one's desires/dreams and their actual meager circumstances.
ఎందులో పుట్టిన పురుగు, అందులోనే చస్తుంది.
endulo puttina purugu, andulone chastundi.
The insect dies in the same place where it was born.
This expression is used to describe a person who is deeply attached to their place of origin, a specific habit, or a particular situation and remains there until the very end, despite better opportunities or the need for change. It signifies that one eventually perishes in the environment or lifestyle they are accustomed to.
మరుగుభాషపై మన్నుపొయ్యి, గంజిలో యింత ఉప్పెయ్యి
marugubhashapai mannupoyyi, ganjilo yinta uppeyyi
Pour soil on the obscure/secret language, and put a little salt in the gruel.
This proverb is a critique of intellectualism or complex secret languages that do not serve basic human needs. It suggests that practical survival and basic sustenance (symbolized by salt in porridge) are more important than uselessly complex or esoteric knowledge that doesn't put food on the table.
గంజిలోకి ఉప్పులేదు మావా అంటే పాలల్లోకి పంచదార తెమ్మన్నాట్టు.
ganjiloki uppuledu mava ante palalloki panchadara temmannattu.
When someone says there is no salt for the gruel, it is like asking them to bring sugar for the milk.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes an even more expensive or demanding request when they are already informed that basic necessities cannot be met. It highlights the lack of common sense or the audacity of asking for luxuries when the bare minimum is unavailable.