బోడితలకు బొండు మల్లెలు ముడిచినట్లు

boditalaku bondu mallelu mudichinatlu

Translation

Like tying jasmine flowers to a bald head.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe something that is completely out of place, mismatched, or useless. Just as flowers cannot be pinned or tied to a head without hair, it refers to situations where an ornament, a gift, or an effort is wasted because the recipient or the context is unsuitable.

Related Phrases

Like decorating a bald man with a jasmine garland. Boddu Malle is the Jasminum Sambac. Something being thrown away upon a person.

This expression is used to describe an attempt to decorate or improve something that lacks the necessary foundation or suitability. It refers to something that is out of place, mismatched, or a waste of effort because the underlying situation doesn't support the addition.

Will jasmine flowers bloom on Calotropis plants?

This proverb is used to emphasize that one's inherent nature or upbringing cannot be changed. It suggests that good qualities or noble results cannot be expected from something that is fundamentally bad or inferior, just as a fragrant jasmine cannot grow on a bitter Calotropis (Jilledu) shrub.

Even if the field goes to waste, the labor cost does not.

This proverb is used to explain that whether a task or business succeeds or fails, the expenses incurred and the effort put into it must still be accounted for. In a literal sense, even if a farmer's crop is ruined, he still has to pay the laborers who worked on it. It highlights that costs and responsibilities remain constant regardless of the final outcome.

Why does a tonsured widow need plump jasmine flowers?

This is a traditional (and often considered harsh or outdated) proverb used to describe a situation where someone desires or possesses something that is of no use to them, or something they are socially/practically restricted from using. It highlights the irony of having a luxury or beauty that one cannot or should not enjoy according to specific contexts.

One who ties a knot between bald heads

This expression refers to a person who is exceptionally clever, cunning, or a master manipulator. It describes someone who can perform the impossible or create a connection/conflict between people where no basis (like hair for a knot) exists. It is often used to describe a person who can fix things through sheer wit or, conversely, someone who creates mischief between parties.

Making a knot between the shaven head and the knee.

This refers to the way of trying to bring together two disparate things for a harmonious blend. When such an attempt is made, the listener understands the absurdity.

Like trying to tie a knot between a bald head and a big toe.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to link two completely unrelated things or people. It highlights an illogical connection, a far-fetched argument, or a forced relationship that makes no sense.

Do jasmine flowers bloom on crown flower plants?

This expression is used to signify that good results or noble qualities cannot be expected from someone who is inherently bad or from a source that is inferior. It is similar to the English proverb 'You cannot gather grapes from thorns'.

Like tying a bald head and the knee in a knot.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to link or compare two completely unrelated or illogical things. It highlights a lack of common sense or the absurdity of making a connection where none exists.

Fragrance is for a hair bun; why would a bald-headed person need double jasmines?

This proverb is used to say that certain luxuries or items are only useful to those who have the means or the situation to use them. It highlights the irrelevance of providing something to someone who cannot benefit from it due to their circumstances, often used in a sarcastic or blunt manner to describe misplaced efforts.