గాడిద గుడ్డు, గంధపు సాన

gadida guddu, gandhapu sana

Translation

A donkey's egg and a sandalwood grinding stone.

Meaning

This expression is used to mock something that is non-existent, absurd, or completely worthless. Since donkeys do not lay eggs, it refers to a 'wild goose chase' or a deceptive promise of something that doesn't exist. It is often used to dismiss a person's tall claims or to describe a situation where one gets nothing out of a lot of effort.

Related Phrases

Doesn't a donkey carry sandalwood logs?

This proverb is used to describe a person who works hard at a task without understanding its true value or essence. Just as a donkey carries precious sandalwood but only feels the weight rather than the fragrance, a person might possess or handle something valuable without gaining any wisdom or benefit from it.

Like going to Kashi and bringing back a donkey's egg.

This expression is used to mock someone who undertakes a long, arduous journey or puts in significant effort, only to return with something useless, non-existent, or disappointing. Since donkeys do not lay eggs, it highlights the absurdity and futility of the person's claim or achievement after a grand endeavor.

Donkey's egg and Garuda's humiliation

This expression refers to chasing after something non-existent or impossible (since donkeys don't lay eggs). It is used to mock someone who is boasting about something that is actually worthless or a complete hoax, often implying that great efforts are being wasted on a ridiculous lie.

A donkey's egg and a Garuda pillar.

This expression is used to describe something that is non-existent, nonsensical, or a complete lie. Since donkeys do not lay eggs, it refers to an absurdity or a tall tale told to deceive someone.

What does a donkey know about the fragrance of sandalwood powder?

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the refinement or knowledge to appreciate the value or quality of something superior. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'

Even if it carries sandalwood, a donkey is still a donkey.

This proverb means that external appearance or the company of greatness does not change one's inherent nature or lack of intelligence. It is used to describe someone who lacks wisdom or refinement despite being in a prestigious position or possessing valuable resources.

Even if a donkey carries sandalwood logs, it cannot experience their fragrance.

This expression describes a person who possesses or is surrounded by valuable knowledge, wealth, or resources but lacks the wisdom or capacity to understand and appreciate their true value. It is often used to criticize those who perform tasks mechanically without understanding the deeper significance or beauty of what they are handling.

What does a donkey know about the scent of sandalwood powder?

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the refinement, knowledge, or aesthetic sense to appreciate the value or quality of something superior. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'

A donkey's egg and a frog's head

This expression is used to describe something that is non-existent, nonsensical, or a complete waste of time. It refers to a ridiculous or imaginary object that has no value or reality, often used to dismiss someone's foolish claims or a futile outcome.

Even if you pour sandalwood powder on it, a donkey remains a donkey.

This proverb is used to describe a person who cannot change their inherent nature or lack of refinement, regardless of how much wealth, education, or luxury is bestowed upon them. It suggests that external appearances or decorations cannot hide one's true character or stupidity.