ఎంత మంచి గొల్ల కయినా వేపకాయంత వెట్టి లేకపోలేదు

enta manchi golla kayina vepakayanta vetti lekapoledu

Translation

No matter how good a shepherd is, he will still have a madness the size of a neem fruit.

Meaning

This expression suggests that even the most sensible or virtuous person has a small streak of eccentricity, madness, or a particular flaw. It is used to point out that perfection is impossible and everyone has their own unique quirk or irrational trait.

Related Phrases

Even if you water a neem tree with milk, its bitterness will not go away.

This proverb describes the innate nature of people or things. It suggests that a person's fundamental character or a thing's inherent quality cannot be changed, no matter how much kindness, education, or resources are provided. It is typically used to remark on someone who remains wicked or ungrateful despite being treated very well.

No matter how sharp the sword is, it will not cut its own handle.

This proverb highlights that no matter how powerful, talented, or destructive a person or thing may be, they generally do not cause harm to their own support system, family, or source of existence. It is used to describe loyalty to one's roots or the natural instinct to protect what sustains you.

As sweet as a neem fruit, as cool as the summer.

A sarcastic expression used to describe something that is actually the opposite of what is being said. Since neem is incredibly bitter and summer is scorching hot, this phrase highlights a situation that is extremely unpleasant, harsh, or difficult, while using ironic comparisons.

There is no softness in a sword, nor goodness in a mother-in- law.

This is a traditional proverb used to describe situations or relationships that are inherently difficult or sharp by nature. Just as a knife cannot fulfill its purpose if it is soft, the proverb suggests that the relationship with a mother-in-law is traditionally expected to be strict or stern rather than purely 'soft' or 'kind'. It is often used to comment on the inevitable friction in certain roles or power dynamics.

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However good a man a shepherd may be, he will not be entirely free from foolishness.

This proverb suggests that even the most sensible or virtuous person has a small flaw, a peculiar quirk, or a moment of irrationality. It is often used to point out that perfection does not exist and everyone possesses some inherent eccentricity or minor weakness.

There is no point in worrying about what is past.

This proverb is equivalent to 'don't cry over spilled milk'. It is used to suggest that once something has happened or a mistake has been made that cannot be undone, there is no use in feeling regret or sorrow about it; instead, one should move forward.

Everything is only for our good.

Normally used in comforting someone, the statement indicates that acceptance of what befalls one is a positive attitude. Worrying about what is unavoidable serves no purpose. One should realize what will be, will be.

No matter how tender the sprout is, it will have a bitterness as large as a neem fruit.

This expression is used to convey that even the most beautiful or seemingly perfect person or situation has some inherent flaw, hidden sorrow, or minor bitterness. Just as a tender plant (chiguruboni) might still carry the bitterness associated with nature, every individual faces their own share of troubles or possess some defects.

No matter how great they are, they are slaves to women.

This expression suggests that even the most powerful, wise, or influential men can be swayed or weakened by their desire or love for a woman. It is often used to describe how human emotions and attractions can override logic or status.

No matter how good a cowherd is, there will be a madness the size of a neem fruit.

This expression suggests that even the most intelligent or virtuous person will have at least one small eccentricity, flaw, or moment of foolishness. It is used to point out that perfection is impossible and everyone has their own small quirks or weaknesses.