ఆరిక కోస్తే ఇల్లంతా గింజలు, దంచితే దొడ్డి అంతా పొట్టు
arika koste illanta ginjalu, danchite doddi anta pottu
If you harvest kodo millet, the whole house is full of seeds; if you pound it, the whole backyard is full of husk.
This expression describes a situation or a person that appears very grand, substantial, or productive at first glance, but results in mostly waste or useless fluff upon closer inspection or processing. It is used to critique things that have more show than substance.
Related Phrases
వడ్ల గింజలోది బియ్యపు గింజ
vadla ginjalodi biyyapu ginja
That which is in the paddy is rice. Said to an inquisitive person.
This expression is used to highlight the obvious origin of something or to indicate that the core essence (the rice) is hidden within a shell (the husk). It serves as a metaphor for looking beyond the external covering to find the true value or substance inside.
కుంచెడు గింజలకు కూలికిపోతే, తూమెడు గింజలు దూడలు తిని పోయినవట.
kunchedu ginjalaku kulikipote, tumedu ginjalu dudalu tini poyinavata.
When someone went to work as a laborer for a small measure (kunchedu) of grains, calves ate up a larger measure (thumedu) of grains at home.
This proverb describes a situation where a person suffers a large loss while chasing a very small gain. It is used to mock poor planning or misplaced priorities where the effort to earn something tiny results in neglecting and losing something much more valuable.
మానెడు గింజల కోసం పనికి పోతే, కుంచెడు గింజలు దూడ తినిపోయిందట
manedu ginjala kosam paniki pote, kunchedu ginjalu duda tinipoyindata
When someone went to work to earn a 'maanedu' of grains, a calf ate a 'kunchedu' of grains at home.
This proverb describes a situation where a person suffers a large loss while trying to achieve a small gain. It is used to highlight poor prioritization or scenarios where the cost of an endeavor far outweighs the potential reward.
సద్దంత ఊరగాయ, ఇల్లంత పందిరి, తల్లంత పెళ్ళాం
saddanta uragaya, illanta pandiri, tallanta pellam
Pickle the size of a grain, a canopy as big as the house, and a wife as big as a mother.
This proverb is used to describe things that are disproportionate, mismatched, or absurdly scaled. It mocks situations where the priorities are misplaced or where the dimensions of things do not fit their intended purpose or natural order.
శివరాత్రికి చింతగింజలంత చలి
shivaratriki chintaginjalanta chali
By Maha Shivaratri, the cold is the size of a tamarind seed.
This is a popular Telugu saying referring to the seasonal transition. It signifies that by the time of the Shivaratri festival (usually in late February or early March), the winter season has almost ended, and the cold weather has reduced to a negligible amount, as small as a tamarind seed.
కుంచెడు గింజలు కూలికిపోతే, తూమెడు గింజలు దూడ తిన్నట్టు.
kunchedu ginjalu kulikipote, tumedu ginjalu duda tinnattu.
While a small measure of grains went towards labor wages, a larger measure of grains was eaten by the calf.
This proverb describes a situation where one incurs a massive loss while trying to save a small amount of money or while focusing on minor expenses. It is used to highlight poor management or irony when the overhead/accidental losses far exceed the actual cost of work.
కుంచెడు గింజలకు కూలికి పోతే, తూమెడు గింజలు దూడ తిన్నట్టు.
kunchedu ginjalaku kuliki pote, tumedu ginjalu duda tinnattu.
While she was out working for a kuncham of grain, the calf [ at home ] ate a tūmu.
This proverb describes a situation where the effort to earn a small gain results in a much larger loss. It is used when someone's attempt to save or earn a little bit of money backfires, leading to a significant setback or waste at home due to their absence or lack of oversight. (Note: A 'toomu' is a larger measurement than a 'kuncham'.)
A tūmu is a measure equal to 4 kunchams. One step forwards and two backwards.
ఇసుమంత చోటిస్తే ఇల్లంతా నాదే అన్నట్లు
isumanta chotiste illanta nade annatlu
Given a tiny bit of space, claiming the whole house as one's own.
This proverb is used to describe a person who takes undue advantage of someone's kindness or hospitality. It refers to a situation where a small favor is granted, but the recipient attempts to seize complete control or overstay their welcome, similar to the English idiom 'Give them an inch and they'll take a mile.'
కంచరి కటుకు, దంచితే లొటుకు
kanchari katuku, danchite lotuku
The metal worker's crunchy bite becomes a hollow sound when pounded.
This proverb describes someone who puts on a tough or boastful exterior but reveals their weakness or emptiness when put under pressure or tested. It is often used to refer to people who talk big but lack substance or resilience.
ఇటు రమ్మంటే ఇల్లంతా నాదే అన్నట్లు
itu rammante illanta nade annatlu
When invited to come inside, claiming the whole house belongs to you.
This proverb describes a situation where someone is given a small favor or a bit of hospitality, but they take undue advantage of it and try to dominate or claim ownership of everything. It is used to criticize people who don't know their boundaries or who exhibit overbearing behavior after receiving a simple courtesy.