దూరపు కొండలు నునుపు, దగ్గరికి పోతే రాళ్లూ గుండ్లూ
durapu kondalu nunupu, daggariki pote rallu gundlu
Mountains are smooth at a distance, but rugged when near. 'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view, And robes the mountain in its azure hue. Campbell.
Things often look attractive and perfect from a distance, but their flaws and difficulties become apparent once you experience them closely. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'The grass is always greener on the other side' or 'Distances lend enchantment to the view.' It is used to caution someone who is overly optimistic about something they haven't experienced firsthand.
Related Phrases
దగ్గరికి పిలిచి దాసరీ నీ కన్ను లొట్ట అన్నట్టు.
daggariki pilichi dasari ni kannu lotta annattu.
Beckoning to a religious mendicant and then telling him that one of his eyes is hollow. Leading a person to suppose you wish to confer a benefit on him, and then insulting him.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone invites another person or calls them near with a pretense of kindness or intimacy, only to insult, criticize, or point out their flaws once they are close. It refers to people who use proximity or friendship as an opportunity to be rude or hurtful.
కొండలు పడ్డ కొన్నాళ్ళకు కోనలూ పడును
kondalu padda konnallaku konalu padunu
After the mountains fall, the valleys will also fall in a few days.
This expression refers to the inevitable ripple effect of a major catastrophe or the downfall of a powerful entity. It implies that when great people or large institutions collapse, those who depend on them or are associated with them (the smaller entities) will eventually face the same fate soon after.
దిసమొలవాడి దగ్గిరికి దిగంబరుడు వచ్చి బట్ట అడిగినట్టు.
disamolavadi daggiriki digambarudu vachchi batta adiginattu.
Like one naked man asking another naked man for a cloth.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone asks for help from a person who is in the same or worse situation than themselves. It highlights the irony of seeking resources or support from those who possess nothing.
దూరపు కొండలు నునుపు, దగ్గరికిపోతే రాళ్లూ గుండ్లు
durapu kondalu nunupu, daggarikipote rallu gundlu
Distant hills look smooth, but if you go closer, they are full of rocks and boulders.
This proverb is equivalent to 'Distance lends enchantment to the view' or 'The grass is always greener on the other side'. It implies that things often look attractive from a distance, but when examined closely or experienced firsthand, their flaws and difficulties become apparent.
అండలుంటే కొండలు దాటవచ్చు.
andalunte kondalu datavachchu.
If you have support, you can cross mountains.
This proverb emphasizes the power of having backing or support (financial, social, or emotional). It suggests that with the right assistance or a strong foundation, one can overcome even the most formidable obstacles that would be impossible to tackle alone.
రాళ్లు గుండ్లు దొర్లించినట్టు మాట్లాడుతాడు
rallu gundlu dorlinchinattu matladutadu
He speaks like one rolling stones and boulders. Said of a man who speaks boldly whether right or wrong.
This expression is used to describe someone who speaks in a very loud, harsh, or thundering voice. It characterizes a person's speech as being blunt, noisy, and lacking in softness or politeness, much like the loud rumbling sound produced by rolling large stones.
దూరపు కొండలు నునుపు.
durapu kondalu nunupu.
Distant hills appear smooth.
People or things appear fascinating from a distance, as distance lends them charm. One should not be lured by false charms but should judge people after observing them closely.
దూరం గుడి కడితే (చంద్రుని చుట్టూ) దగ్గర వాన, దగ్గర కడితే దూరపు వాన.
duram gudi kadite (chandruni chuttu) daggara vana, daggara kadite durapu vana.
If a halo forms far around the moon, rain is near; if it forms near, rain is far.
This is a traditional Telugu weather-lore proverb. It suggests that a large, wide halo around the moon indicates immediate rainfall, whereas a tight, small halo indicates that rain is still a long way off. It is used to predict weather based on atmospheric observations.
నడమంత్రపు సిరికి నెత్తిమీద కండ్లు
nadamantrapu siriki nettimida kandlu
Sudden wealth brings eyes to the top of the head.
This proverb is used to describe a person who has recently acquired unexpected wealth or power and has become extremely arrogant or prideful as a result. It suggests that such people lose their sense of humility and look down upon others.
రాజుల దగ్గర ఉంటే రత్నాలు, పేదల దగ్గర ఉంటే పలుకురాళ్ళు
rajula daggara unte ratnalu, pedala daggara unte palukurallu
If they are with kings they are gems, if they are with the poor they are just pebbles.
This proverb highlights how society perceives the same object or quality differently based on a person's status or wealth. When a powerful or rich person possesses something, it is highly valued and praised, but when a poor person has the same thing, it is often dismissed as worthless or ordinary. It is used to describe social bias and the unfair weight given to status.