చూపుల వశమేగాని, చెవుల వశం లేదు

chupula vashamegani, chevula vasham ledu

Translation

It is within the control of sight, but not within the control of ears.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone can see the consequences or a solution clearly with their eyes, but the person involved is unwilling to listen to advice or reason. It highlights the gap between observing a reality and getting someone to acknowledge or obey it through verbal communication.

Related Phrases

The name is Kamalaxi (lotus-eyed), but the sight is that of a crow.

This proverb is used to describe a person whose character or actions do not match their beautiful name or outward reputation. It highlights the irony when someone with a noble name behaves in a mean, suspicious, or crooked manner, much like a crow's restless and sharp gaze.

A hill in appearance, but lacks substance or weight.

This expression is used to describe someone who appears physically strong, impressive, or imposing but lacks the actual strength, capability, or inner fortitude to back it up. It is similar to the English phrase 'All bark and no bite' or referring to someone as a 'hollow giant.'

Sparse crop is a celebration for the harvest; dense crop is a celebration for the eyes.

This proverb highlights a practical observation in farming. A sparse crop (pachuni panta) is easy to harvest and manage, making the work celebratory. Conversely, a dense, lush crop (ottu panta) is beautiful to look at and brings joy to the eyes, even if it requires more intensive labor during the harvest.

The bindi (decoration) has splendor, but the meal has no substance.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a lot of external show, pomp, or decoration, but the core essence or quality is lacking. It refers to something that looks impressive on the outside but is disappointing in reality.

The beauty of his slobberings, not of his mantras.

This expression is used to describe someone who talks excessively or makes a lot of noise but produces no actual results or substance. It refers to a situation where there is much ado about nothing, or when someone's actions are just a superficial display without any real skill or efficacy.

The mustache has brilliance, but the garment is tattered.

This proverb is used to describe someone who maintains an outward appearance of pride, dignity, or wealth (symbolized by a grand mustache) but is actually living in poverty or lacks basic necessities (symbolized by the torn cloth). It highlights the irony of people who prioritize vanity over their actual struggling reality.

Will corkwood pieces stretch the ears, but can they ever provide the status of golden earrings?

This proverb is used to describe things or people that are mere imitations or temporary substitutes. While a cheap material like corkwood (jeelugu bendu) can be worn in the earlobes to stretch them, it can never match the beauty, value, or prestige of real gold earrings (kundalalu). It implies that superficiality cannot replace genuine quality or substance.

For the forgetful man, there is the thorny man.

This proverb describes the interaction between two people with different flaws: one who is extremely forgetful and another who is highly irritable or troublesome. It implies that for every person with a particular weakness, there is someone else who will provoke or challenge that weakness, often leading to a difficult situation.

The bridegroom is ours, but his earrings are not ours.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone or something might be closely related to you or under your control, but the resources or assets they possess belong to someone else. It highlights the distinction between personal relationships and ownership of property, or a situation where one's authority is limited despite a close connection.

If a hare comes across your path, harm will follow.

This is a common superstition in Telugu culture suggesting that encountering a hare (long-eared rabbit) while starting a task or a journey is an ill omen that leads to failure or misfortune. It is used to describe irrational fears or traditional beliefs regarding bad luck.