బుడ్డ ఎంత పెద్దదైనా ముక్కాలుపీఠకాదు, బడ్డు ఆయుధం కాదు.
budda enta peddadaina mukkalupithakadu, baddu ayudham kadu.
No matter how large a hernia gets, it won't become a three-legged stool; a club (stick) is not a weapon.
This proverb highlights that size or appearance does not change the inherent nature or utility of a thing. Just because a swelling (hernia) is large, it cannot be used as a seat, and a simple stick is not comparable to a sophisticated weapon. It is used to mock someone who tries to pretend they are something more important or functional than they actually are, or to point out that a defect, no matter how large, can never be a benefit.
Related Phrases
వాపు బలుపు కాదు, వాత అందము కాదు
vapu balupu kadu, vata andamu kadu
Swelling is not strength, and a branding scar is not beauty.
This proverb warns against mistaking unhealthy or artificial growth for true progress or strength. Just as swelling (edema) might make a limb look larger but actually indicates illness rather than muscle, superficial or temporary gains should not be confused with genuine success or health. It is used to caution people who are proud of hollow achievements.
ఎక్కడైనా బావ కాని వంగ తోట దగ్గర మాత్రం కాదు
ekkadaina bava kani vanga tota daggara matram kadu
Maybe, brother-in-law anywhere, but not at the brinjal (egg plant) garden.
When it comes to money or material, relationship is of no consequence. Some are extremely business-like in their relationships.
నిధి అబద్ధం, బుద్ధి నిబద్ధం
nidhi abaddham, buddhi nibaddham
Wealth is an illusion; character is the reality.
This proverb emphasizes that material wealth (nidhi) is temporary and can be deceptive or easily lost, whereas one's character, wisdom, or intellect (buddhi) is the only true, steadfast, and reliable asset. It is used to remind people to prioritize moral values and knowledge over the pursuit of riches.
వజ్రాయుధం
vajrayudham
Diamond weapon (or Thunderbolt)
In mythology, it refers to the indestructible weapon of Lord Indra. In common usage, it signifies an extremely powerful, invincible, or ultimate solution/tool used to overcome a major obstacle.
ముండ కాదు, ముత్తయిదువ కాదు
munda kadu, muttayiduva kadu
Neither a widow, nor a married woman. Said by a man kept in suspense, neither granted nor refused a request, and not knowing whether he was to be as fortunate as a married woman or as unfortunate as a widow.
This expression is used to describe someone or something that is in an ambiguous or uncertain state, belonging to neither of two distinct categories. It often refers to a person who lacks a clear identity or a situation that remains unresolved and 'in-between.'
కూర ఎంతైనా కూడుకాదు
kura entaina kudukadu
No matter how much curry there is, it is not cooked rice.
This proverb is used to emphasize that secondary things, no matter how plentiful or high-quality they are, cannot replace the primary or essential requirement. Just as curry cannot satisfy hunger like rice (the staple) does, luxuries or additions cannot replace basic necessities.
దీపంతో వెలిగించిన దివిటీ పెద్దదైనట్లు
dipanto veliginchina diviti peddadainatlu
Like a torch lit from a small lamp becoming greater than the lamp itself.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a student, protégé, or child surpasses their teacher, mentor, or parent in fame, skill, or status. Even though the source (the lamp) was small, the outcome (the torch) is much more powerful and bright.
ఎంత నేర్చినా ఎంతజూచినా ఎంతవారలైనా కాంతదాసులే
enta nerchina entajuchina entavaralaina kantadasule
No matter how much they have learned, no matter how much they have seen, no matter how great they are, they are still slaves to women.
This expression suggests that regardless of a man's education, wisdom, worldly experience, or social status, he is ultimately susceptible to the charms and influence of a woman. It is often used to describe how even the most powerful or intellectual men can become weak or subservient when it comes to their romantic interests or the women in their lives.
దోవతి పెద్దదయితే గోత్రం పెద్దదగునా?
dovati peddadayite gotram peddadaguna?
If the dhoti is large, does the lineage become great?
This proverb is used to say that outward appearance, expensive clothing, or displays of wealth do not determine a person's character, family status, or nobility. Just because someone wears fancy clothes doesn't mean they possess high virtues or a respected heritage.
విడిచిన ముండ వీధికి పెద్ద, బడి విడిచిన ముండ బజారుకు పెద్ద.
vidichina munda vidhiki pedda, badi vidichina munda bajaruku pedda.
A woman who has left her husband is a leader for the street; a woman who has left her home is a leader for the bazaar.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb (Sameta) used to describe people who, after breaking social or moral boundaries and losing their respectability, try to act as leaders or authoritative figures in public places. It highlights how those who lack discipline in their personal lives often try to dominate others in the community.