బంగారు మనిషి ఊరేగడానికి వెడితే, ఇదే సందని భజంత్రీలు పారిపోయారట

bangaru manishi uregadaniki vedite, ide sandani bhajantrilu paripoyarata

Translation

When a golden man went on a procession, the musicians ran away thinking it was a good chance to escape.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where a rare or important opportunity is wasted or ruined because of the unreliability or desertion of those meant to support it. It highlights how even the best intentions or noble projects can fail if the supporting team is not committed or acts selfishly.

Related Phrases

There is no medicine for the bite of a man. The bite of an enraged man is said to be fatally poisonous.

This proverb refers to the malicious nature of human behavior, specifically betrayal, gossip, or cruelty. While there are remedies for snake bites or animal wounds, the damage caused by a person's words or actions can be irreparable and impossible to heal with physical medicine.

There is dross in gold, but there is no defect in man.

This expression is used to highlight the inherent value and dignity of a human being. It suggests that while even a precious metal like gold might contain impurities or waste (pollu), a person's life and character should be regarded as invaluable and without waste. It is often used to emphasize human worth over material wealth.

An ounce of greed can turn a golden man into a donkey.

This proverb highlights how excessive greed or desire (Asha) can degrade a person's character. Even a person as valuable as gold can lose their dignity, wisdom, and status, behaving like a foolish beast of burden (a donkey) when driven by insatiable greed.

If the word and rhythm are missed, grab the Tangedu branches; it is like conducting a wedding where everything from the wedding badge to the musicians is borrowed.

This proverb describes a situation where someone manages an event entirely with borrowed resources or credit, without any personal substance or stability. It is often used to criticize people who make grand shows or promises while being completely dependent on others, or to describe a house of cards that collapses when one 'borrowed' element is withdrawn.

Gold can become waste (dross), but a human is never waste.

This proverb emphasizes human value over material wealth. It suggests that while physical gold might lose its purity or value, a person's worth, character, and potential are enduring and should never be dismissed as useless. It is used to remind others to treat people with dignity regardless of their financial status.

Golden hooks do not necessarily catch golden fish.

This expression means that using expensive or high-quality tools does not always guarantee a superior or successful outcome. It highlights that merit, skill, or luck often matter more than the outward appearance or cost of the resources used. It is used to caution against the belief that money alone can buy success.

To a good man silence is reproof.

This proverb highlights that a simple, kind, or honest word is sufficient to correct or influence a person of good character. While a stubborn or wicked person might require force or punishment, a virtuous person understands and responds to reason and gentle communication.

When asked why he wrote 'Human' under a drawing of a human, he said otherwise people would think it's a monkey.

This expression is used to mock someone's poor skills, incompetence, or lack of clarity in their work. It highlights a situation where the quality of an outcome is so poor that it requires an explicit label or explanation to avoid being misunderstood for something completely different.

It is enough for what you sang and what I heard; for my nodding, just leave the Tambura and go.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone's performance or work is so bad that the listener/observer wants them to stop immediately. It implies that the effort was a waste of time and the 'appreciation' (nodding) was merely a courtesy, so the person should just hand over their tools and leave before causing further annoyance.

Gold may have impurities, but this person has none.

This expression is used to describe a person of impeccable character and unwavering integrity. It suggests that while even a precious metal like gold might have flaws or dross, the person being referred to is absolutely perfect in their conduct and honesty.