గాజుకుప్పెలో దీపంవలె

gajukuppelo dipamvale

Translation

Like a lamp inside a glass container

Meaning

This expression refers to something that is visible to everyone but remains unreachable or protected. It is often used to describe deep knowledge, a clear thought, or a person who is under intense scrutiny or protection while being in the public eye. Just as a lamp's light is seen through glass but the flame cannot be touched, it signifies clarity combined with being untouchable or well-preserved.

Related Phrases

Like a lamp under a whetstone.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is darkness or ignorance right at the base of a source of light or knowledge. It refers to someone who is very close to a person of greatness or wisdom, yet remains uninfluenced or unaware of that excellence, similar to how the area directly beneath a lamp remains in shadow.

Like placing a lamp in the wind and saying 'Oh God, show your miracle'

This proverb describes a situation where someone takes a foolish risk or acts with extreme negligence and then expects a miracle or divine intervention to save them. It is used to criticize people who do not take necessary precautions yet blame fate or ask for God's help when things inevitably go wrong.

[ As soon as ] the light [is] in the niche, [he puts his] food into his belly. To save the oil.

This expression describes a state of basic contentment, security, and stability. Just as a lamp protected in a wall niche stays lit and food in the belly provides immediate satisfaction, it refers to having one's essential needs met—shelter and sustenance. It is often used to describe a simple, worry-free life or a situation where everything is in its proper, safe place.

Bringing a tiny measure of oil for the lamp in the small house, the lamp in the big house, for the wick, for the sister-in-law's head, for the barber's knife, and for my brother-in-law's hair.

This is a humorous and sarcastic expression used to describe a situation where someone tries to accomplish too many tasks or satisfy many people with an insignificantly small amount of resources. It highlights the impossibility of stretching a tiny resource (like a drop of oil) to cover multiple major needs, mocking poor planning or stinginess.

Like the temple fair on the day the chariot is drawn.

This expression is used to describe a place that is extremely crowded, chaotic, or bustling with activity. It refers to the massive gathering of people seen during a village temple festival (Thirunallu) specifically on the day the ceremonial chariot (Teru) is pulled through the streets.

Will lamps not burn in a thatched hut?

This proverb means that poverty does not hinder talent, virtue, or happiness. Just as a small hut can still be lit by a beautiful lamp, a person's humble origins or poor financial status do not prevent them from achieving greatness or possessing noble qualities. It is used to suggest that merit is independent of wealth.

Lamp in the niche, morsel in the mouth

This expression refers to a traditional practice of eating dinner immediately after lighting the evening lamp. It describes an early and disciplined routine of finishing the day's tasks promptly before total darkness set in, often used to signify a simple, timely, and orderly lifestyle.

The woman of the house is the lamp of the home.

This expression highlights the importance of a woman (wife/mother) in maintaining the harmony, prosperity, and happiness of a family. Just as a lamp dispels darkness, a virtuous woman is seen as the light that guides and sustains the household.

By Diwali, the cold is as small as a lamp's flame.

This expression describes the seasonal transition in the Telugu states. It signifies that by the time of the Diwali festival, the winter season is just beginning to set in, and the cold is mild or minimal, metaphorically compared to the small heat or size of a lamp's flicker.

Like placing a lamp in the wind and saying, 'O God, it is your miracle.'

This proverb describes a situation where someone acts recklessly or fails to take basic precautions, and then expects a divine or miraculous intervention to save them. It is used to criticize people who do not take responsibility for their actions and instead leave everything to fate or luck.