గంపసిడి కాదు, గాలపు సిడి
gampasidi kadu, galapu sidi
Not a basket of gold, but a hook's trap.
This expression is used to describe a situation that looks very attractive or rewarding at first glance (like a basket of gold) but is actually a dangerous trap or a deceptive scheme (like a hook/snare). It warns against being lured by appearances without considering the underlying danger.
Related Phrases
వాపు బలుపు కాదు, వాత అందము కాదు
vapu balupu kadu, vata andamu kadu
Swelling is not strength, and a branding scar is not beauty.
This proverb warns against mistaking unhealthy or artificial growth for true progress or strength. Just as swelling (edema) might make a limb look larger but actually indicates illness rather than muscle, superficial or temporary gains should not be confused with genuine success or health. It is used to caution people who are proud of hollow achievements.
నడమంతరపు సిరిగాడు సింహాలబండి అడిగాడట
nadamantarapu sirigadu simhalabandi adigadata
A man who acquired sudden wealth asked for a chariot drawn by lions.
This proverb is used to describe the behavior of people who attain sudden, unexpected wealth or status and immediately start making arrogant, unrealistic, or extravagant demands. It highlights the lack of humility and common sense that often accompanies 'new money' or a sudden rise in social standing.
గంప శిడి కాదు, గాలపు శిడి
gampa shidi kadu, galapu shidi
It is not the basket, but the hook.
This expression is used to describe a situation or a person that is not just a temporary or harmless attachment, but something that catches and holds on tightly, often in a difficult or inescapable way. It signifies a trap or a commitment that is more serious and piercing than it initially appears.
Gālapu Sīdi is the hook used in the swinging festival ( Charak Pūja ) and Gampa Sīdi is a basket sometimes used instead of the hook. Applied to a very difficult task.
గంపశిడికాదు, గాలవు శిడి
gampashidikadu, galavu shidi
Not a basket hook, but a hook for the cheek.
This expression is used to describe a situation where something is not just a minor inconvenience or a simple tool (like a basket hook), but a painful or dangerous entrapment (like a fishing hook caught in the cheek). It highlights a transition from a harmless situation to a severe or agonizing one.
ఆకలి రుచి ఎరుగదు, నిద్ర సుఖమెరుగదు, వలపు సిగ్గెరగదు
akali ruchi erugadu, nidra sukhamerugadu, valapu siggeragadu
Hunger knows no taste, sleep knows no comfort, and love knows no shame.
This proverb highlights how basic human instincts and intense emotions override physical circumstances or social norms. When a person is extremely hungry, they do not care about the quality or taste of the food; when someone is exhausted, they can sleep anywhere regardless of the comfort level; and when someone is deeply in love, they disregard social embarrassment or shame to pursue their feelings.
కల్ల పసిడికి కాంతి మెండు
kalla pasidiki kanti mendu
False gold is very bright. All is not gold that glitters.
This expression means that things which are artificial or fake often appear more attractive and flashy than the original or genuine ones. It is used to caution someone against being deceived by outward appearances or superficial brilliance, emphasizing that true value is often subtle while falsehood tries hard to impress.
నరాలమీది పుండు, నడమంత్రపు సిరి మాలావుతీపు.
naralamidi pundu, nadamantrapu siri malavutipu.
A sore on the nerves and sudden, unexpected wealth are extremely painful/intense.
This proverb draws a comparison between physical and social discomfort. A sore on the nerves is excruciatingly painful. Similarly, 'Nadamantrapu Siri' (wealth acquired suddenly or through windfall) often makes a person extremely arrogant, restless, or difficult to deal with, causing misery to themselves and others around them. It is used to describe the volatile and overwhelming nature of sudden success in someone who lacks the character to handle it.
కంతి బలపుకాదు, చింత తీరికకాదు.
kanti balapukadu, chinta tirikakadu.
A tumor is not strength, and worrying is not leisure.
This proverb is used to warn against mistaking harmful growth or busywork for something positive. Just as a swelling (tumor) on the body should not be mistaken for physical strength or muscle, being constantly preoccupied with worries or anxieties should not be confused with being productive or having a meaningful engagement. It highlights the difference between healthy progress and unhealthy accumulation.
కననిది బిడ్డ కాదు, కట్టనిది చీర కాదు.
kananidi bidda kadu, kattanidi chira kadu.
That which has not been brought forth is not a child ; that which is not worn is not a garment. Nothing belonging to others can make up for the want of one's own.
This expression highlights the value of personal experience, biological connection, and practical utility. It suggests that the true essence or value of something is realized only when it fulfills its primary purpose or has a direct personal bond. It is often used to emphasize that ownership or a relationship is truly meaningful only when it is direct and earned, rather than through secondary means.
విషపాళపు విత్తు నేపాళపు గింజ
vishapalapu vittu nepalapu ginja
A poisonous seedling is a croton seed.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is inherently wicked or malicious from the very beginning. Just as a croton seed (Nepalam) is naturally toxic and produces a poisonous plant, some individuals possess a negative nature that cannot be changed. It is often used to warn others about someone's dangerous character.