చీకట్లో జీవరత్నము

chikatlo jivaratnamu

Translation

A brilliant gem in the darkness.

Meaning

This expression refers to someone or something that stands out or shines brightly in difficult, obscure, or unfavorable circumstances. It is often used to describe a person of great merit who is hidden in a crowd or a solution that brings hope during a period of crisis.

Notes

A bright exception among a bad lot.

Related Phrases

Dancing in the dark

This expression refers to activities done in secrecy or efforts that go unrecognized and wasted because they are performed where no one can see. It is used to describe futile actions or deceptive behavior carried out away from public scrutiny.

As if a portrait has come to life

This expression is used to describe something that is exceptionally realistic, beautiful, or vibrant. It is often used as a compliment for high-quality art, a very lifelike sculpture, or even to describe someone's striking beauty or presence as if a painted figure stepped out of a canvas.

A woman is a gem to a man

This expression highlights the importance and value of a woman in a man's life, suggesting that she is the most precious asset or companion he can have, similar to a jewel.

Even if you possess the nine precious gems, you must have a 'human gem'.

This proverb emphasizes that material wealth (represented by the Navaratnas) is secondary to the presence of a virtuous, capable, and loyal human being. It suggests that a person's character and the presence of good people in one's life are more valuable than any amount of riches.

The city of Bharata, the kingdom of Rāma.

This expression refers to a situation where someone is the formal administrator or caretaker (Bharata) while the ultimate authority or glory belongs to someone else (Rama). It is used to describe collaborative success, selfless service, or a scenario where governance is handled on behalf of a rightful leader.

Said of any thing neglected, as Rāma's kingdom was neglected during his absence by his half brother Bharata.

A city that is not ours is a great city.

This proverb is used to describe how things often seem more impressive, grand, or attractive when we have no personal connection or responsibility towards them. It highlights the tendency to over-praise foreign places or unfamiliar situations while disregarding their flaws, simply because we don't have to deal with the daily realities or consequences of living there.

One valuable gem of the first water is sufficient—though of pebbles there be a basketful, of what use are they ? ( See Vēmana Book I. 4. ) One grain of pepper is worth a cart-load of hail.

Quality is far more important than quantity. This proverb is used to explain that one talented or virtuous person is more valuable than a large group of incompetent or useless individuals. It is often cited when emphasizing the value of excellence over mere numbers.

Like coming near a city but getting a gemstone tested in a village.

This expression describes the folly of seeking expert services or high-quality judgment in an unqualified place when a center of excellence is easily accessible. It is used when someone ignores a superior resource nearby and chooses an inferior one instead.

What does a fine ruby suffer by being set in brass? The disgrace of putting a talented man in a mean situation attaches to the employer not to the employé.

This expression means that a person of high quality, talent, or noble character does not lose their inherent value just because they are in a poor environment or associated with something of low quality. The value of the individual remains intact regardless of their surroundings.

Like performing the Shiva dance (Shiva Tandavam) in a pitch-dark room.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is performing a great deal of work or making a lot of effort, but because it is done in secret or without any visibility, no one notices or appreciates it. It can also refer to pointless or chaotic activity that yields no recognition.