ఎంత తిరిగినా మిరియాలు జొన్నలకు సరిపోవు

enta tirigina miriyalu jonnalaku saripovu

Translation

No matter how much they are ground, black peppers will never equal the quantity of sorghum (jowar).

Meaning

This proverb is used to explain that quality and quantity are different things. It signifies that expensive or high-quality items (like pepper) are usually available in small quantities, whereas common items (like sorghum) are found in bulk. It is also used to suggest that even a great amount of effort or concentration cannot change the inherent nature or scale of something.

Related Phrases

The feet which are wont to wander, and the mouth which is accustomed to abuse, will never be quiet.

This proverb describes the power of habit. It suggests that once someone develops a habit—whether it's an physical urge to travel/roam or a behavioral tendency to use foul language—it becomes nearly impossible for them to stop or stay quiet. It is used to remark on people who cannot break their ingrained patterns of behavior.

Sixty-six varieties of vegetables, with pepper powder on the side.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is an overwhelming abundance or variety of things, often to the point of being unnecessary or overly elaborate. It can also imply that despite having everything one could possibly need, one still looks for small additions or refinements.

Even if a quail devours a potful of sorghum, it still has stubby legs.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where no matter how much resource or support is given to someone, their inherent nature, capability, or physical stature does not change. It highlights that certain limitations are fundamental and cannot be overcome simply by excessive consumption or external input.

The hen that got used to eating (getting fed) ended up crowing from the rooftop.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who is pampered or given too much freedom eventually becomes arrogant, loses their boundaries, and starts behaving inappropriately. It is used to caution against over-indulging someone to the point where they lose respect for rules or hierarchy.

Tanguturu black peppers are long peppers.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes an obvious or redundant statement, or when a person boasts about something common as if it were special. It is often used to mock someone who tries to sound wise by stating the obvious or using wordplay that leads back to the same point.

Though the pepper be worm eaten, it will weigh as much as the millet. A brave spirit under adverse circumstances.

This proverb highlights the inherent value of quality or status. It means that something of high intrinsic value (like pepper), even when it is damaged or old, is still superior or more valuable than a common item (like millet) in its best form. It is used to describe people of great character or talent whose worth remains high despite setbacks.

If you sow finger millets, will sorghum grow?

This proverb emphasizes the principle of cause and effect, similar to 'you reap what you sow.' It is used to explain that one cannot expect great results or specific outcomes without putting in the appropriate effort or the right resources. It highlights that actions have specific consequences and you cannot get something different from what you started with.

Worn-out bronze and fermented (spoiled) rasam.

This expression is used to describe things that are either useless or highly unpleasant. 'Worn-out bronze' refers to an object that has lost its value or function through overuse, while 'fermented rasam' refers to something that was once good but has now turned foul or toxic. It is often used to criticize poor quality or the bad state of affairs.

Like a blind bullock going into a field of millet. Not able to get much out of it.

This proverb describes a situation where someone stumbles upon a windfall or a great opportunity by sheer luck or accident, without any awareness or effort. It is used to remark on people who indulge themselves greedily when they find something beneficial, or those who benefit from a situation they don't fully understand.

Like grinding pepper on the husband's head. Said of a hen pecked husband. The wife wears the breeches. The grey mare is the better horse.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being dominated, harassed, or subjected to extreme pressure and suffering by someone close to them. It typically refers to a person (often a spouse) making life very difficult for the other by exerting control or creating constant trouble.