దేవుడు కాయగూరలిస్తే దయ్యం వంటవాని నిచ్చింది.

devudu kayaguraliste dayyam vantavani nichchindi.

Translation

God gave the vegetables, but the devil gave the cook.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where excellent raw materials or resources are wasted or ruined by incompetent handling or poor execution. It suggests that even the best gifts can be made useless by someone who doesn't know how to use them properly.

Related Phrases

A known devil is better than an unknown devil.

This proverb suggests that it is better to deal with a person or situation that is familiar, even if it is difficult or unpleasant, rather than facing something completely new and unpredictable. It is used when choosing between a known risk and an uncertain one.

The grip of a ghost is stronger than the grip of God

This expression is used to describe a situation where evil influences, bad habits, or negative forces seem to have a more persistent and stubborn hold on a person or a situation than positive ones. It highlights how difficult it is to get rid of something harmful once it takes hold.

Like praying to someone as a God, only for them to possess you like a ghost.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone seeks help or protection from a person or entity, but instead of receiving help, that person becomes a source of trouble or harassment. It reflects the irony of a perceived savior becoming a tormentor.

When they call out "Deaf man! Deaf man!" he answers "[ I've got ] Bran, Bran!"

This proverb is used to describe a complete lack of communication or a situation where two people are talking about entirely different things. It refers to a person who misunderstands what is being said due to a lack of attention or hearing, responding with something totally irrelevant. It is used in situations where there is no sync between a question and an answer.

The jingle of the Telugu words is similar to that of the English equivalents.

When one person says 'deafness, deafness', the other person says 'bran, bran'

This expression describes a situation where two people are talking at cross-purposes or failing to communicate effectively due to a misunderstanding or a lack of attention. It is used when one person's words are completely misinterpreted by another, leading to a nonsensical or irrelevant response, much like a deaf person mishearing a word and replying with something that sounds similar but has a different meaning.

A god outside, a devil at home

This expression describes a hypocritical person who acts virtuous, kind, and saintly in public or with strangers, but is cruel, abusive, or ill-tempered with their own family members behind closed doors. It is used to expose someone's double standards or fake personality.

Like praying to a deity, only for it to possess you like a ghost.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone seeks help or protection from a person or entity, but instead of receiving help, that very person or entity becomes a source of trouble or misery. It is similar to the concept of a 'blessing becoming a curse' or a savior turning into an oppressor.

I have given both the fruit and the sickle into your hands; do as you please.

This expression signifies granting someone complete autonomy or authority over a situation. It is used when you provide someone with all the necessary tools or resources and leave the final decision or outcome entirely to their discretion.

One should never forget the person who gave their daughter in marriage and the person who gave sight to their eyes until the very end.

This proverb emphasizes eternal gratitude towards two specific benefactors: the father-in-law (who gave his daughter's hand in marriage) and the doctor or person who restored one's vision. It suggests that these are life-altering gifts that deserve lifelong respect and remembrance.

If God decides, will there be a shortage of blows?

This proverb is used to express that when one's luck is bad or when divine fate is against them, troubles and misfortunes come in quick succession from all directions. It is often used to lament a series of unexpected hardships or to suggest that one cannot escape destiny when it turns unfavorable.