బంగారం పొల్లు అవుతుంది కానీ, మనిషి పొల్లు కాదు
bangaram pollu avutundi kani, manishi pollu kadu
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.
Related Phrases
పండియు పొల్లు పోయిన పంట
pandiyu pollu poyina panta
A crop that ripened but turned out to be hollow husks.
This expression describes a situation where one puts in immense effort and reaches the final stage of success, only to face total failure or discover that the result is worthless. It is used to describe wasted labor, high expectations leading to disappointment, or a project that fails at the very last moment.
ఊళ్ళో ఇల్లు లేదు, పొలంలో చేను లేదు.
ullo illu ledu, polamlo chenu ledu.
No house in the village, no crop in the field.
This expression is used to describe a person who has no assets, roots, or responsibilities. It refers to someone who is landless, homeless, or completely devoid of any property or stability. It can also imply a person who has nothing to lose.
అల్లుడి మంచితనం పొల్లున దంచిన బియ్యం లేవు
alludi manchitanam polluna danchina biyyam levu
The goodness of a son-in-law is like pounding chaff; there is no rice to be found.
This proverb is used to suggest that relying on or over-praising certain people is futile. Just as pounding husks (chaff) yields no grain, expecting significant help or substance from certain individuals (traditionally used in a sarcastic context regarding a son-in-law's utility in a household) is a waste of effort. It represents a situation with no practical benefit or result.
అల్లుని మంచితనము, పొల్లున దంచిన బియ్యములేవు
alluni manchitanamu, polluna danchina biyyamulevu
The goodness of a son-in-law and rice from pounding husks do not exist.
This proverb is used to express that certain expectations are futile. Just as one cannot obtain rice by pounding empty husks, one should not expect a son-in-law to be entirely selfless or a permanent asset to the household, as he traditionally belongs to another family. It highlights the inherent limitations or disappointment in relying on something that lacks substance.
మనిషి కాటుకు మందు లేదు.
manishi katuku mandu ledu.
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.
బంగారు పొల్లు ఉంటుంది కానీ మనిషి పొల్లు ఉండదు
bangaru pollu untundi kani manishi pollu undadu
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.
ఆశ ఎత్తు బంగారు మనిషిని గాడిద చేస్తుంది
asha ettu bangaru manishini gadida chestundi
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.
బంగారు గాలానికే బంగారు చేపలు పడవు
bangaru galanike bangaru chepalu padavu
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.
పొల్లుకట్ట దంచి పోగు చేసుకున్నట్లు
pollukatta danchi pogu chesukunnatlu
Like pounding a bundle of chaff and gathering it
This expression refers to performing a useless or futile task that yields no results despite putting in a lot of hard work. Just as pounding husks/chaff produces no grain, it describes actions that are a complete waste of time and effort.
బంగారం పొల్లు ఉన్నదిగాని, మనిషి పొల్లు లేదు
bangaram pollu unnadigani, manishi pollu ledu
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.