బట్టి పిల్లకు బనారసు చీర
batti pillaku banarasu chira
A Banaras saree for a small girl (or a plain/simple girl).
This expression is used to describe a situation where something overly expensive, extravagant, or grand is given to someone or applied to something that doesn't match its stature or value. It highlights a mismatch between a simple subject and a luxurious accessory, often used to critique unnecessary waste or vanity.
Related Phrases
చెట్టును బట్టి కాయ - చేనును బట్టి పంట.
chettunu batti kaya - chenunu batti panta.
The fruit depends on the tree - the harvest depends on the field.
This proverb is used to explain that the quality of an outcome or offspring depends on its origin or upbringing. Similar to 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree,' it suggests that results are proportional to the source's nature or the effort invested in the foundation.
ముందరి కాళ్ళకు బంధాలు
mundari kallaku bandhalu
Shackles for the front legs
This expression is used to describe an action taken in advance to prevent someone or something from moving forward or causing trouble. It refers to the practice of tying the front legs of an animal to restrict its movement, figuratively implying a preemptive strike or a preventative measure to keep a situation under control.
పిల్లకాయలకూ పీటకోళ్లకూ చలిలేదు
pillakayalaku pitakollaku chaliledu
Children and the legs of a stool do not feel the cold. To a child all weather is cold.
This expression is used to describe how children are so active and energetic that they don't seem to feel the cold even in winter. Just as the inanimate wooden legs of a stool (peetakoallu) are unaffected by the weather, children playing outdoors often ignore the cold temperature.
తల్లిని బట్టి పిల్ల, విత్తును బట్టి పంట.
tallini batti pilla, vittunu batti panta.
Like mother, like daughter; like seed, like crop.
This proverb emphasizes that character, behavior, and quality are inherited or influenced by origins. Just as the quality of a harvest depends on the quality of the seed sown, a child's traits and upbringing are often a reflection of the mother or the family environment. It is used to describe how someone's nature is a result of their roots.
తల్లిని బట్టి పిల్ల, విత్తును బట్టి పంట.
tallini batti pilla, vittunu batti panta.
Like mother, like child; like seed, like crop.
This proverb emphasizes the influence of origins and upbringing. Just as the quality of a harvest depends on the quality of the seed sown, a child's character and traits are often a reflection of their parents or their environment. It is used to describe how inherent qualities or early influences determine the final outcome.
అత్తిపత్తి
attipatti
Touch-me-not plant
Literally referring to the Mimosa pudica plant, this expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, shy, or gets easily offended or hurt by even the slightest comment or touch.
ఇంటి పిల్లికి పొరుగింటి పిల్లి తోడు
inti pilliki poruginti pilli todu
The neighbour's cat is the ally of the house cat. Both join in mischief.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two people, often who should be at odds or are expected to be rivals, secretly collaborate or help each other for mutual benefit. It is frequently used to highlight how internal and external parties might conspire together, often in a negative or mischievous context.
పాలు తాగని పిల్లి ఉంటుందా?
palu tagani pilli untunda?
Is there a cat that doesn't drink milk?
This rhetorical question is used to describe a situation where someone is naturally or inevitably tempted by something they love. It is often applied when someone pretends to be disinterested in something they actually desire, or to imply that it is impossible for a person to resist a specific, habitual temptation.
చంకలో పిల్లాడు, ఊరంతా వెతుకులాట
chankalo pilladu, uranta vetukulata
Child on the hip, searching all over the village.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is searching for something that they already possess or is right in front of them. It highlights absent-mindedness or overlooking the obvious.
కంచర వానింటి పిల్లలు తాటాకు చప్పళ్ళకు బెదరరు
kanchara vaninti pillalu tataku chappallaku bedararu
Children in a brazier's house are not frightened by the rustling of palm leaves.
This proverb refers to people who are accustomed to loud noises or harsh environments and therefore do not get intimidated by minor threats or small noises. A brazier (metalworker) works with loud hammering all day, so his children grow up used to high decibels and won't be scared by the simple sound of dry palm leaves. It is used to describe someone's resilience or lack of fear due to their constant exposure to tougher situations.