ఎడ్డి, మడ్డి బంగారు కడ్డి
eddi, maddi bangaru kaddi
Ignorant, muddy, yet a gold bar
This expression is used to describe someone who appears foolish, uneducated, or unrefined on the outside but possesses great internal value, wealth, or talent. It suggests that one should not judge a person's worth solely based on their outward appearance or lack of sophistication.
Related Phrases
మగపిల్లాడు బంగారు పుల్ల
magapilladu bangaru pulla
A male child is a golden twig.
This traditional expression reflects the deep-rooted cultural preference for male children in certain societies, suggesting that a son is as precious and valuable as a piece of gold. It is often used to emphasize the importance of a male heir in a family lineage.
ఏడ్చి తద్దినం పెట్టించుకున్నట్లు
edchi taddinam pettinchukunnatlu
Like crying and getting a death anniversary performed.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task or fulfills an obligation with great reluctance, lack of interest, or while complaining, rather than doing it willingly or happily. It implies that the person is doing something just for the sake of finishing it, often ruining the spirit of the activity.
వెండి బేరమాడుతూ బంగారు కొసరడిగినట్లు.
vendi beramadutu bangaru kosaradiginatlu.
Like bargaining for silver and asking for gold as a free bonus.
This proverb describes someone making an unreasonable or absurd request. It refers to a situation where a person, while negotiating for something of lesser value (silver), asks for something of significantly higher value (gold) for free or as a small extra. It is used to mock people who lack a sense of proportion or reality in their demands.
దాణా కొద్దీ లద్ది
dana koddi laddi
Dung proportional to the fodder.
The output or result is always proportional to the input or effort invested. Just as an animal produces waste based on how much it eats, success or results depend on the resources or hard work put in.
బంగారం కొద్దీ సింగారం
bangaram koddi singaram
The decoration is proportional to the gold available.
This proverb means that the quality or extent of a result depends on the resources or effort invested. It is used to describe situations where you get exactly what you pay for, or where the outcome is limited by the budget or materials provided.
బంగారు గాలానికే బంగారు చేపలు పడవు
bangaru galanike bangaru chepalu padavu
Golden hooks do not necessarily catch golden fish.
This expression means that using expensive or high-quality tools does not always guarantee a superior or successful outcome. It highlights that merit, skill, or luck often matter more than the outward appearance or cost of the resources used. It is used to caution against the belief that money alone can buy success.
బంగారు పిచ్చుక
bangaru pichchuka
Golden sparrow
A term used to describe something or someone that is extremely precious, rare, or a person who brings great fortune and prosperity. In a metaphorical sense, it refers to a person with a heart of gold or a highly valuable asset/opportunity.
వడ్డించేవాడు మనవాడైతే ఎక్కడ కూర్చున్నా ఒకటే
vaddinchevadu manavadaite ekkada kurchunna okate
If the person serving the food is one of our own, it doesn't matter where we sit.
This proverb highlights that if the person in power or authority is your well-wisher or relative, you will receive benefits regardless of your position or status. It is often used to describe nepotism or the advantage of having influential connections.
మద్దికాయలు మాటిడ్డ మాదిరి
maddikayalu matidda madiri
Like a person waiting for the fruits of a Terminalia arjuna tree.
This expression is used to describe someone who is waiting in vain or wasting time for something that will never happen. Legend has it that a fox waited under a Maddi tree for its fruit to fall, not knowing that the fruit stays on the tree even after drying, leading to a long and fruitless wait.
మాట వెండి, మౌనం బంగారు
mata vendi, maunam bangaru
Speech is silver, silence is gold
This expression highlights the value of knowing when to remain silent. While speaking well is a valuable skill, staying quiet and listening is often more precious and wise, especially in situations where words might cause conflict or unnecessary trouble.