ఏ చెట్టూ లేనిచోట వెంపలి చెట్టు మహావృక్షము

e chettu lenichota vempali chettu mahavrikshamu

Translation

In a place where there are no trees, even a Wild Indigo bush is a great tree

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where an ordinary or mediocre person is considered great simply because there are no better alternatives available. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'

Related Phrases

Plants do not grow under a giant tree

This expression is used to describe how a very dominant or famous personality can overshadow others around them, preventing them from developing their own identity or achieving success. Just as a large tree blocks sunlight and nutrients from smaller plants, a great person's influence might inadvertently stifle the growth of those in their immediate shadow.

Like trying to lean a ladder against Vempali plants.

The Vempali (Wild Indigo) is a small, weak-stemmed shrub that cannot support any weight. This expression is used to describe a futile effort or an impossible task where someone tries to rely on something that lacks the necessary strength or foundation. It signifies misplaced effort or depending on an unreliable source.

Like using a pole to harvest fruit from a Vempali bush.

This expression is used to describe an act of overkill or using excessive efforts for a trivial task. The Vempali (Wild Indigo) is a very small shrub, so using a long pole (dotlu) to reach its fruit is unnecessary and absurd.

Like asking whether the tree came first or the seed first.

This expression is used to describe a classic chicken-and-egg dilemma or a circular argument where it is impossible to determine which of two related things happened or existed first. It is often applied to situations involving infinite regress or complex causal loops.

A date palm tree's shade is not real shade, a palmyra tree is not a mother.

This proverb highlights that not everything that appears beneficial is actually helpful. The shade of a date palm is too sparse to provide relief, and while a palmyra tree is tall and useful, it lacks the nurturing quality of a mother. It is used to describe things or people that are inadequate despite their outward appearance or status.

A silver date palm is not a home, and a palmyra palm is not a mother.

This proverb is used to warn against seeking comfort or reliability in things that are inherently hazardous or provide no real protection. Just as a palm tree provides very little shade or shelter (making it a poor 'home') and is often associated with intoxicants (toddy), one should not expect nourishment or maternal care from unreliable sources.

The tree in the back yard won't do for medicine. That which is near is not valued. Far fetch'd and dear bought is good for ladies. A cow from afar gives plenty of milk. (French.)

This proverb describes the human tendency to undervalue something or someone that is easily available or close at hand. Just as people often ignore the medicinal properties of a plant growing in their own backyard and seek treatment from far away, we often fail to recognize the talent, wisdom, or value of people we are familiar with.

Even if it is a poisonous Musini tree, a green tree should not be cut down.

This proverb emphasizes the value of life and environmental preservation. It suggests that one should not destroy something that is thriving and green, even if it is seemingly useless or harmful like the Musini (Strychnine) tree, as every living thing has its place in nature.

In a place where there are no trees, even a castor oil plant is a great tree.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person with very little knowledge or skill is considered an expert simply because everyone else around them is completely ignorant or incompetent. It is similar to the English expression 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'

Like placing a ladder against a Vempali plant.

The Vempali (Wild Indigo) is a very small, thin shrub that grows only a few feet high. Placing a ladder against it is absurd and impossible. This proverb is used to describe someone attempting a completely unnecessary or disproportionately large effort for a tiny task, or trying to do something that is logically impossible due to the nature of the object involved.