బావి లోతు చూడవచ్చును గానీ, మనసు లోతు చూడలేము.
bavi lotu chudavachchunu gani, manasu lotu chudalemu.
You can see the depth of a well, but not the depth of the mind. No one can see into another further than his teeth. ( Danish. )
This proverb highlights that while it is easy to measure or understand physical and material things, it is impossible to truly know or measure a person's inner thoughts, intentions, or character. It is often used to advise caution when trusting people, as their outward appearance may not reflect their hidden motives.
Related Phrases
నిజమునకు నింద వచ్చునుగాని, అవమానము రాదు
nijamunaku ninda vachchunugani, avamanamu radu
Truth may attract blame, but it will not lead to disgrace.
This proverb emphasizes that speaking the truth might lead to temporary criticism or accusations from others who are uncomfortable with it, but ultimately, the person remains honorable. It suggests that while one might be blamed for being blunt or honest, their character remains untarnished in the long run, unlike the shame that follows a lie.
పాలే చూడనా భాండాన్ని చూడనా
pale chudana bhandanni chudana
Should I look at the milk or the vessel?
This expression describes a dilemma where one has to choose between preserving the quality of the contents (the goal) and the integrity of the container (the means/tool). It is used when a person is confused between two equally important or conflicting priorities, or when trying to handle a situation where fixing one thing might damage another.
బావి లోతు చూడగలం గానీ, మనిషి మనసు లోతు చూడగలమా?
bavi lotu chudagalam gani, manishi manasu lotu chudagalama?
We can see the depth of a well, but can we see the depth of a human mind?
This proverb highlights the complexity and unpredictability of human nature. While physical depths like a well can be measured or observed, it is impossible to truly know or measure what is hidden within a person's heart or thoughts. It is often used to express caution about trusting people's outward appearances or to remark on someone's surprising behavior.
మున్నూరు శిఖలయినా కూడ వచ్చునుగాని, మూడు కొప్పులు కూడ రాదు
munnuru shikhalayina kuda vachchunugani, mudu koppulu kuda radu
Three hundred Śikhas (i. e. men ) may come together, but three Koppus (i. e. women ) should not get together. Śikha is the top-lock worn by men and Koppu is a woman's chignon.
This proverb highlights the difficulty of achieving harmony or agreement among women living together. It suggests that while a large group of men (represented by 'shikha') can coexist peacefully, even a small group of women (represented by 'koppu') often struggle to avoid conflict or disagreement due to varying opinions and temperaments.
పాలను చూడనా భాండాన్ని చూడనా
palanu chudana bhandanni chudana
Should I look at the milk or the vessel?
This expression is used to describe a dilemma where one must choose between the quality of the content and the appearance of the container. It is often applied to situations where someone is stuck between focusing on the value of a person or object versus their external flaws or surroundings.
బిడ్డను దించి లోతు చూచినట్లు
biddanu dinchi lotu chuchinatlu
Like dropping a child to check the depth of the water.
This expression is used to describe an extremely foolish, reckless, or irresponsible action where someone risks something very precious just to test or find out something trivial or unnecessary. It highlights a lack of common sense and a disregard for consequences.
ఇనుము విరిగితే అతకవచ్చును గాని, మనసు విరిగితే అతకకూడదు.
inumu virigite atakavachchunu gani, manasu virigite atakakudadu.
If iron be broken it may be united, but if friendship be broken it cannot be healed. Broken friendship may be soldered, but never made sound. (Spanish.)
This proverb emphasizes the fragility of human relationships and emotions. While physical objects like iron can be repaired or welded back together after breaking, the trust and affection in a relationship, once shattered, can never truly be restored to its original state. It serves as a warning to be careful with one's words and actions to avoid hurting others deeply.
బిడ్డను వేసి లోతు చూచినట్టు
biddanu vesi lotu chuchinattu
Like throwing a child into a well to find out the depth.
This expression is used to describe a foolish or reckless action where one risks something very precious just to test or find out something trivial or dangerous. It highlights extreme negligence or a lack of common sense in decision-making.
పాలు చూడనా, భాండాన్ని చూడనా?
palu chudana, bhandanni chudana?
Are we to look at milk or at the pot? The pot is only valued for the milk in it. The jewel is not to be valued for the cabinet.
This expression is used when someone is in a dilemma or a state of confusion between two tasks or priorities, implying that they cannot focus on one thing without worrying about the other. It describes a situation where a person is overwhelmed by multiple responsibilities.
మున్నూరు శిఖలైనా కూడవచ్చునుగాని, మూడు కొప్పులు కూడరాదు.
munnuru shikhalaina kudavachchunugani, mudu koppulu kudaradu.
Three hundred male tufts can coexist, but three female buns cannot.
This traditional proverb suggests that while a large number of men (symbolized by 'shikha' or tufts) can work together or live in harmony, even a small number of women (symbolized by 'koppu' or hair buns) often find it difficult to coexist without conflict or disagreements. It is typically used to remark on domestic friction or the perceived difficulty of managing multiple women in a single household.