చచ్చిన గొర్రెకు నాలుగు కాళ్ళు, పోయిన బోసి ముంతెడు

chachchina gorreku nalugu kallu, poyina bosi muntedu

Translation

The dead sheep had four legs, and the lost pot was a full vessel.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the value or qualities of someone or something once it is lost or dead. It highlights the human tendency to glorify the past or lost items far beyond their actual worth.

Related Phrases

The reputation gained will not leave even after death

This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.

Even if you feed a snake milk, its venom will not disappear.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is inherently wicked or malicious. It implies that no matter how much kindness, care, or nurturing you provide to someone with an evil nature, they will still retain their original bad character and may eventually harm you.

Like offering a dead cow to an outcast Brahman. Knock a man down, and kick him for falling. Him that falls all the world run over. (German.) All bite the bitten dog. (Portuguese.)

This expression describes a situation where one useless or ruined thing is given to someone who is already in a helpless or destitute state. It refers to a mock charity or a futile gesture where neither the giver is making a sacrifice nor the receiver is getting any benefit. It is used to mock instances where someone tries to solve a problem with a worthless solution.

The eyes of a dead person are as large as a palm.

This proverb is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the qualities, virtues, or features of someone or something only after they are gone or no longer available. It highlights the human tendency to glorify the past or the deceased, often inflating the truth.

The milk given by the streaked goat which is dead filled the lost pot with a piece out.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone experiences a loss, and that loss ends up benefiting someone else who is already associated with that trade or situation. It signifies that once something is lost or destroyed, it is of no use to the owner and becomes the gain of the service provider or a third party.

Like placing sandals on a dead cow

This expression refers to a situation where a person is insulted or treated poorly after they have already faced a major downfall or loss. It signifies adding insult to injury or showing disrespect to someone who can no longer defend themselves.

The dead buffalo used to give a potful of milk.

This proverb is used to describe the tendency of people to exaggerate the value or qualities of something or someone only after they are gone or lost. It highlights how people romanticize the past or overestimate the worth of a missed opportunity.

Calumny is not removed even by death.

This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.

Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.

Even if the mother dies, it is enough if the maternal uncle is there.

In Telugu culture, the maternal uncle (menamama) holds a position of great responsibility and affection, often seen as a protective surrogate for the mother. This proverb emphasizes that even in the absence of a mother, a maternal uncle can provide the necessary support, guidance, and security to a child.

Even if you nourish a snake with milk, it will not stop biting.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is inherently wicked or ungrateful. It suggests that even if you treat someone very well or show them extreme kindness, their true negative nature will eventually reveal itself and they may still harm you.