అత్తిపండు పగలకొట్టితే, అన్నీ పురుగులే.

attipandu pagalakottite, anni purugule.

Translation

If you break a fig, it is all worms.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe something or someone that looks attractive, perfect, or virtuous on the outside but is actually rotten, corrupt, or full of flaws on the inside. It is often applied to deceptive appearances or hypocritical behavior.

Related Phrases

A fig fruit looks beautiful on the outside, but if you split it open, it is full of worms.

This proverb is used to describe people or things that appear attractive, virtuous, or perfect on the outside but are actually corrupt, deceptive, or flawed internally. It serves as a warning not to judge based solely on outward appearances.

Like a pest attacking before the flowering stage.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a project, idea, or life stage is ruined or faces major obstacles right at its inception or even before it has had a chance to begin properly. It signifies early misfortune or premature failure.

When a man married a blind woman, on account of the smallness of the jointure, she broke all the pots in the pile.

This proverb describes a situation where someone tries to save money by choosing a cheap or inferior option, only to suffer much greater losses due to the hidden costs or incompetence of that choice. It is equivalent to the English concept of being 'penny wise and pound foolish.'

Winged insects appearing even for a little rain.

This expression is used to describe people who get overly excited, show off, or act prematurely even with the slightest opportunity or success. It draws a parallel to how termites or insects sprout wings and swarm out at the very first sign of rain.

If you break open a fig fruit, it is full of worms.

This proverb is used to describe something that looks beautiful or perfect on the outside but is rotten, corrupt, or flawed on the inside. It serves as a warning not to judge things solely by their outward appearance.

Glitter on the outside, worms on the inside

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks attractive, polished, or perfect on the outside but is actually rotten, corrupt, or empty on the inside. It is equivalent to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold' and is often used to warn against judging by outward appearances.

When a man married a blind woman because the dowry (oli) was low, she ended up breaking all the cooking pots.

This proverb is used to warn against being penny-wise and pound-foolish. It describes a situation where someone tries to save money or resources by choosing a cheaper or easier option, only to suffer much greater losses or damages due to the inherent flaws or incompetence of that choice.

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.

Like breaking a pot full of areca nuts on a stone slab. A noisy brawl.

This expression is used to describe an action that is done very harshly, suddenly, or bluntly without any hesitation or tact. Just as breaking a pot on a stone is loud and irreversible, it refers to speaking a truth or delivering news in a way that is startlingly direct and perhaps a bit crude.

* Det er godt at vware kostfri af en andens Pung. † Ex alleno tergore lata secantur lora. ‡ Qucbrarse un ojo para sacar à otro los dos. 35

Worm eaten before blossoming.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a project or an endeavor faces significant problems or failure right at its inception, before it even has a chance to develop or show progress.

Premature. Precocious.